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.

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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.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except by me.” Jesus is very clear that there is a broad way that leads to destruction, and a narrow way that leads to life. This passage in Proverbs clearly shows the divergence between the godly and the ungodly. The destruction that follows and the call to faithfulness (Proverbs 5:7-14-20)

The author Solomon calls the readers to a life of fidelity by being faithful to one’s spouse and also the benefits of marital fidelity. When one is married, they receive emotional support. Having a partner who understands your struggles throughout this life is comforting and produces immeasurable strength.

Marriage provides companionship and a sense of belonging. You have someone to share life with through exploring the world, raising a family, and learning together in this complex reality. Additionally, marriage can provide financial stability, as couples are able to pull their resources and share the burden of financial responsibilities. Finally, studies have shown that people who are married tend to have better physical health, lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. There are really an endless number of reasons why marriage is beneficial to our physical and mental health.

Warning against the trap of adultery (Proverbs 5:21-23)

In the next few verses, the writer continues to mention the wickedness and foolishness of adultery and the inevitability of punishment for this sinful action. Jesus tells us that if we look at a woman with lust in our hearts, we have committed adultery. The statistics are grim, but it’s clear that lust is a major issue online and in the conscience of many men and women. God calls us to put on the mind of Christ and meditate on Scripture. When we put off immorality and put on Christ, we will be able to overcome these fleshly obstacles.

St. Augustine wrote in the early 4th and 5th Century AD about this subject, and his comments are still valid today. He said, “Let us not then seek in marriage the satisfaction of our lust; lest in desire we sin, in sinning delight, and in delighting perish. But let us use the institution of marriage, as much as need requires, for the sake of offspring, for the preservation of chastity, for the allaying of concupiscence. For neither is it allowable for anyone to be so incontinent as to use a lawful thing for an unlawful end.” (Augustine, Commentary on Proverbs, Book V)

In this quote, Augustine is warning against using marriage as a means to satisfy one’s sexual desires outside of its intended purpose. He emphasizes the importance of preserving chastity and controlling one’s sexual desires in order to avoid sinning and ultimately perishing. Augustine suggests that marriage should be used for the purpose of offspring, the preservation of chastity, and the allaying of lust, rather than as a means to satisfy lustful desires. V. Conclusion (Proverbs 5:24-23)

Conclusion (Proverbs 5:1-23)

Overall, Proverbs 5 is a warning against the dangers of adultery and a call to marital fidelity. It emphasizes the consequences of adultery, the importance of fidelity, and the inevitability of punishment for those who engage in unfaithfulness.

Moreover, Proverbs 5 stresses the importance of heeding wisdom’s call through obedience to God’s word and from believers who can impart wisdom. Finally, when we hold fast to the greatest command in Scripture: “To love God and love neighbor,” we will be able to navigate triumphant over immorality and live a life of freedom for Christ.