Skip to content
Scripture Mapping

Proverbs 5

World English Bible

WEB

1My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding, 2that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge. 3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil, 4but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword. 5Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol. 6She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it. 7Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don’t depart from the words of my mouth. 8Remove your way far from her. Don’t come near the door of her house, 9lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one; 10lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man’s house. 11You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed, 12and say, “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof. 13I haven’t obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me! 14I have come to the brink of utter ruin, among the gathered assembly.” 15Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well. 16Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares? 17Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you. 18Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love. 20For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another? 21For the ways of man are before Yahweh’s eyes. He examines all his paths. 22The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly. 23He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 5 serves as a poignant warning against the dangers of adultery and the seductive allure of the forbidden woman. The chapter begins with an appeal to wisdom, urging the reader to pay attention to the teachings and to keep them close to their heart. The wise counsel emphasizes the importance of discernment and understanding, as it is through wisdom that one can navigate the temptations that life presents. The seductive words of the forbidden woman are described as sweet and enticing, but the consequences of yielding to such temptations lead to destruction and regret. This serves as a reminder that what may seem pleasurable in the moment can result in severe repercussions, both physically and spiritually. #Wisdom #Adultery #Temptation
The chapter continues by illustrating the stark contrast between the fleeting pleasures of sin and the blessings of faithfulness. It highlights the importance of remaining devoted to one’s spouse, celebrating the joy and satisfaction found in a loving marital relationship. The text encourages the reader to drink from their own well, symbolizing the fulfillment that comes from a committed and pure relationship. The final verses serve as a sobering reminder that God sees all actions, and one cannot escape the consequences of their choices. The chapter concludes with a call to embrace wisdom and to avoid the path that leads to destruction, reinforcing the idea that true fulfillment is found in righteousness and fidelity. #Marriage #Faithfulness #Consequences

Study

12 of 14 dimensions

Referenced by

  1. Job 31:4v21Job 31:4 acknowledges that God sees all his ways and counts all his steps, which is echoed in Proverbs 5:21, emphasizing that a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord.
  2. Job 34:21v21Job 34:21 states that God's eyes are on the ways of man, similar to Proverbs 5:21, which declares that a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord.
  3. Song of Solomon 4:12v15Song of Solomon 4:12 describes the bride as a 'garden locked up,' symbolizing purity and exclusivity, which is echoed in Proverbs 5:15-18, where marital fidelity and the joy of a private relationship are emphasized.

Topics in this chapter

Related chapters

Your study

Take it with you

This chapter’s study as a Markdown file. The analysis was written for a notebook originally, so the hashtags arrive as hashtags and the passages as links.

Download the analysisDownload it with your notes and highlights