Introduction

Proverbs 5 is devoted entirely to sexual faithfulness. It warns against the seduction of the adulteress whose lips drip honey but whose end is bitter as wormwood. It celebrates the joys of marital love with beautiful imagery: "Drink water from your own cistern." The chapter teaches that sexual sin destroys, while marital faithfulness brings lasting satisfaction.

Attentiveness to Wisdom

[1-2] "My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge." Discretion in sexual matters requires wisdom. Without it, we fall prey to seduction.

The Seduction of the Adulteress

[3-6] "For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword" [3-4]. Her words are sweet, but the destination is death: "Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol" [5]. "She does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it" [6]. Seduction is deceptive—pleasure now, destruction later.

• Lips drip honey [3]: Initial sweetness
• Bitter as wormwood [4]: Terrible aftertaste
• Feet go down to death [5]: Ultimate destination
• Does not ponder the path [6]: Living without reflection

Stay Far from Her

[7-14] "Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house" [8]. Don't even get close. The consequences of adultery are severe: you will give "your honor to others" and "your years to the merciless" [9]. Strangers will take your wealth; your flesh and body will be consumed [10-11]. At the end, bitter regret: "How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers" [12-13]. Ruin comes "in the assembled congregation" [14]—public disgrace.

• Keep far from her [8]: Distance is protection
• Give your honor to others [9]: Loss of reputation
• Strangers feast on your wealth [10]: Financial ruin
• I hated discipline [12]: Regret for ignoring warnings

Drink from Your Own Cistern

[15-20] "Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well" [15]. This beautiful imagery celebrates marital sexuality. "Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone" [16-17]. "Rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love" [18-19]. Faithful marriage is intoxicating, satisfying, delightful.

• Your own cistern [15]: Your own spouse
• Wife of your youth [18]: Lifelong faithfulness
• Intoxicated in her love [19]: Deep, exclusive delight

God Sees All

[21-23] "For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths" [21]. Nothing is hidden. "The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray" [22-23]. Sin becomes a trap; lack of discipline leads to death.

• Before the LORD's eyes [21]: God sees everything
• Held fast in cords of sin [22]: Sin enslaves
• Dies for lack of discipline [23]: Self-control is life or death

Key Takeaways

• Seduction is deceptive [3-4]: Honey now, wormwood later
• Stay far from temptation [8]: Distance protects
• Celebrate marital love [15-19]: Exclusive, intoxicating delight
• God sees all paths [21]: Nothing is hidden

Reflection Questions

• What "honey-dripping" temptations need to be recognized as wormwood?
• How can you celebrate and invest in your marriage (or future marriage)?
• How does knowing God sees all your ways affect your choices?