What does Proverbs 5 teach?

Proverbs 5 is a chapter that provides profound wisdom regarding the dangers of adultery and the importance of marital fidelity. The chapter is a father’s earnest plea to his son, urging him to heed wisdom and avoid the seductive allure of the adulterous woman. This passage serves as a timeless lesson in the value of maintaining moral integrity and the consequences of failing to do so.

The chapter begins with an exhortation to listen and pay attention to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 5:1-2 states, "My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge." The father’s appeal is heartfelt and urgent; he knows that wisdom and understanding are crucial for making the right choices in life. This introduction sets the stage for the subsequent warnings against adultery.

The father then describes the allure of the adulterous woman in vivid terms. Proverbs 5:3-4 says, "For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword." The imagery here is striking. The sweetness and smoothness of the adulterous woman's words are contrasted with the ultimate bitterness and danger that result from succumbing to her temptations. This stark contrast serves as a powerful warning to avoid the initial allure, no matter how enticing it may seem.

As the chapter progresses, the father elaborates on the consequences of adultery. Proverbs 5:5-6 warns, "Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it." The imagery of death and the grave underscores the severity of the consequences. The adulterous woman is depicted as someone who is lost and unaware of the destruction she brings. This warning is not just about physical death but also about spiritual and emotional ruin.

The father continues by urging his son to stay far away from the adulterous woman. Proverbs 5:8-9 advises, "Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel." The advice here is proactive; it’s about avoiding situations where temptation might arise. The loss of honor and dignity is highlighted as a significant consequence, emphasizing that the repercussions of adultery are not just personal but also social.

In Proverbs 5:10-14, the father describes further consequences, including the loss of wealth and the regret that comes from realizing too late the folly of one's actions. "Lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another. At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. You will say, 'How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors. And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.'" The passage paints a picture of regret and despair, a life wasted because of poor choices. The imagery of strangers feasting on one’s wealth and the groaning at the end of life serve as vivid reminders of the long-term consequences of sin.

The chapter then shifts to a positive exhortation to enjoy the blessings of marital fidelity. Proverbs 5:15-19 offers a beautiful metaphor for the joy and satisfaction found in a faithful marriage: "Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love." The metaphor of water from one’s own cistern and well speaks to the idea of finding satisfaction within the bounds of marriage. The imagery of the loving doe and graceful deer adds a poetic touch, celebrating the beauty and joy of marital love. This passage highlights the positive alternative to adultery, showing that true fulfillment comes from faithfulness and love within marriage.

Finally, the chapter concludes with a reminder of the omnipresence and omniscience of God. Proverbs 5:21-23 states, "For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths. The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly." This reminder serves as a sobering conclusion. It emphasizes that nothing is hidden from God, and He sees all our actions. The imagery of being ensnared by one’s own sins and the lack of discipline leading to death reinforces the chapter’s overarching theme of the dire consequences of adultery and the importance of living a life of wisdom and integrity.

In summary, Proverbs 5 is a powerful chapter that offers timeless wisdom on the dangers of adultery and the value of marital fidelity. It begins with an exhortation to heed wisdom and understanding, describes the allure and consequences of the adulterous woman, and concludes with a positive vision of the joy found in a faithful marriage and a reminder of God's omniscience. The chapter serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of making wise choices and living a life of integrity.