Proverbs Chapter 5 — Wisdom on Faithfulness
This chapter warns against the destructive consequences of infidelity and encourages staying faithful to one's spouse.
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Notable Verses
Proverbs 5:3-4
“For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil, but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.”
These verses highlight the deceptive contrast between the initial allure of temptation and its final painful results.
Proverbs 5:15
“Drink water out of your own cistern, and running water out of your own well.”
This is a key biblical metaphor for finding fulfillment and intimacy exclusively within the marriage relationship.
Proverbs 5:21
“For the ways of man are before the LORD’s eyes. He examines all his paths.”
It serves as a reminder of divine accountability and that no action is hidden from God.
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 5 is a wisdom teaching presented as a father's advice to his son. The chapter begins by urging the listener to pay attention to wisdom and discretion. It then warns about the deceptive nature of temptation, describing the speech of an adulteress as honey-sweet while her ultimate end is bitter as wormwood and leads to death. The author advises staying far away from such paths to avoid losing honor, wealth, and health to strangers. In contrast, the text uses the metaphor of drinking water from one's own cistern to encourage finding satisfaction and joy within one's own marriage. It celebrates the loving doe and graceful deer as symbols of marital affection. Finally, the chapter reminds the reader that God sees all human actions and that the wicked are eventually ensnared by their own lack of self-discipline and instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a metaphorical expression encouraging faithfulness within marriage. It suggests that a person should find satisfaction and intimacy with their own spouse rather than seeking it elsewhere.
The chapter warns that while her words may seem sweet at first, her path leads to bitterness, ruin, and death. It advises listeners to stay far away from her door to protect their honor and resources.
Wormwood is a plant known for its extreme bitterness. It is used here as a contrast to the 'honey' mentioned earlier to show the painful reality that follows the initial allure of temptation.
Study Note
The use of the cistern and well imagery reflects the vital importance of private water sources in the arid climate of the ancient Near East.
Related Chapters
Proverbs Chapter 6
The following chapter continues the themes of avoiding moral pitfalls and financial traps.
Proverbs Chapter 7
This chapter provides a detailed narrative illustration of the warnings found in Chapter 5.
Hebrews Chapter 13
This New Testament chapter echoes the call to hold marriage in honor and remain faithful.
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