Proverbs 5: The Dangers of Adultery And The Call To Fidelity

Introduction (Proverbs 5:1-2)

Proverbs 5 primarily focuses on the theme of sexual morality. The main points of this chapter include paying attention to God’s word, fleeing from the adulterous woman, finding fulfillment in your own wife, holding fast to marital fidelity, and the consequences of lust and immorality are severe.

At the time of this writing, the former President Donald Trump is being indicted for his apparent hush-money payment to an adult film star, Stormy Daniels. Regardless of your political persuasion or belief in Trump’s innocence or guilt, this circumstance shows the potential devastation an immoral relationship can have on the most powerful figures like the former President of The United States of America.

The author says that 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. This description reveals how sexual sin can easily lure someone into a trap that will affect their moral character–leading to their downfall just like major Bible characters–Samson and David. Therefore, we must “flee from sexual immorality.” That is the only way to overcome this besetting sin.

The call to listen to wisdom and the importance of understanding (Proverbs 5:1-2)

Notice how the author contrasts the lips of the wise which leads to preserving knowledge versus the lips of the adulterous woman, which is a double-edged sword. One preserves life and the other destroys. The righteous lip builds up but the unrighteous tears down. The noble believer brings prosperity and strength, but the perverted causes shame and everlasting contempt. Which mouthpiece will you listen to?

Socrates, a wise philosopher once said: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” This type of attitude will keep you humble and ward of pride that can lead you away from infidelity. It’s crucial to heed what Jesus said: “Anyone who abides in me produces fruit but anyone who does not abide will be casted away like an abominable branch. Thus, take heed and stay close to God’s commandments.

The consequences of adultery (Proverbs 5:3-14)

There are many consequences of adultery. It can lead to shame and regret. Adultery can cause anger and resentment from the ones who love you the most. Sexual immorality can cause division within your family and friends. Ultimately, this type of rebellion leads to the grave.

The author strongly advises that one does not even go near the house of the adulterous woman, but to keep a path far from her. If you don’t it could cause you to lose honor, dignity, and toil all the days of your life.

Tweet

There are numerous stories of people who are no longer in ministry because of their affairs. It’s simply not worth the fleeting pleasure, and it directly violates one of the 10 commandments found in God’s Word.

The seductiveness of the adulterous woman (Proverbs 5:3-6)

John Calvin was a prominent theologian and pastor during the Reformation period in the 16th century. His commentary on Proverbs 5:5-6 offers insights into the meaning of the passage from a Christian perspective. Here is an excerpt from Calvin’s commentary on this passage:

“The destruction, which is here mentioned will come upon adulterers, whose end is always miserable. For, having abandoned the fear of God, they follow their own lusts, and thus fall into every kind of evil. Their ways, also, are so various and so changeable, that they are sometimes inclined in one direction, and sometimes in another. Hence, it is said, that they wander, because they have no fixed course, and no certain aim, but are like a ship without a rudder, tossed about by every wind.”

This is a powerful commentary because it shows the destructive nature of adultery. Moreover, it articulates the notion that those who follow the ways of the immoral person will wander aimlessly without any direction in life. On the contrary, when we follow God, there is a clear path and direction.