1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom and understanding. Chapter 5 focuses on the dangers of adultery and the importance of staying faithful to one's spouse. It also emphasizes the value of wisdom and the consequences of foolishness.
The chapter begins with a warning to pay attention to wisdom and understanding, as they are crucial for avoiding the temptation of adultery. The author urges the reader to listen carefully and not turn away from the wise teachings that are about to be shared.
The theme of adultery is then introduced, with the writer warning against the seductive words of an adulterous woman. He describes her as having smooth lips and a tongue that is as sharp as a double-edged sword. Her words may seem sweet and enticing, but they lead to death and destruction.
The author then goes on to describe the consequences of falling into the trap of adultery. He warns that it will lead to a loss of honor, wealth, and ultimately, one's life. The imagery used to describe the outcome of adultery is vivid and powerful, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Furthermore, the writer highlights the idea that an adulterous woman is never satisfied. She will continue to seek out new lovers, and her path will only lead to ruin. The chapter ends with a call to stay away from such women and to not even go near the door of their house.
The second half of the chapter focuses on the value of staying faithful to one's spouse. The writer emphasizes that a man should be satisfied with his own wife and not seek out the company of other women. He encourages the reader to drink from their own cistern and to rejoice in the wife of their youth.
The imagery of water and a cistern is used to represent the relationship between a husband and wife. Just as a cistern provides water for one's household, a wife provides companionship and fulfillment for her husband. The writer also highlights the importance of being intoxicated with one's own wife and not with the words of an adulterous woman.
The consequences of adultery are once again emphasized, with the writer warning that it will lead to public shame and disgrace. He urges the reader to consider the end result before giving in to temptation. In contrast, staying faithful to one's spouse will bring blessings and joy.
The chapter ends with a final reminder of the importance of wisdom. The writer declares that the wicked will be ensnared by their own sins and die because of their lack of understanding. In contrast, those who listen to wisdom and follow its teachings will be saved from the trap of adultery and the consequences that come with it.
The main themes of Proverbs chapter 5 revolve around the dangers of adultery, the importance of faithfulness, and the value of wisdom. The writer uses vivid imagery and strong language to emphasize the severity of the consequences of giving in to the temptation of adultery. He also highlights the idea that an adulterous woman is never satisfied and will only lead to ruin.
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to one's spouse. The writer encourages the reader to find satisfaction in their own spouse and to not be tempted by the words of an adulterous woman. He also reminds the reader that adultery will lead to public shame and disgrace, while faithfulness will bring blessings and joy.
The overarching message of the chapter is the value of wisdom. The author urges the reader to pay attention to wisdom and understanding, as they are crucial for avoiding the temptation of adultery. He also emphasizes that those who listen to wisdom and follow its teachings will be saved from the trap of adultery and the consequences that come with it.
Ultimately, Proverbs chapter 5 serves as a warning against the dangers of adultery and a call to stay faithful to one's spouse. It also highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in order to make wise decisions and avoid foolishness. This chapter serves as a reminder to value and protect one's marriage and to seek wisdom in all aspects of life.
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