Proverbs Chapter 5 Explained!!

[Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks, PsyD]

Click Reference Link to Read Chapter 5 & Commentary: BibleRef.com

Hello everyone, I pray you all and your families are well!! Today we will start studying the Book of Proverbs. And as before with the Book of Psalms, to help you all and myself get a full understanding of the Book of Proverbs, I will be including an explanation of each Chapter we read. Again, this will help you all dig deep into your study of the Book of Proverbs.

Let’s make time in our day to study the Word of God so we can deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus, our Comforter, Helper, and so much more Holy Spirit. Let’s GO!!

Proverbs Chapter 5 Commentary:

Advice in Proverbs often comes in the form of warnings. Those are especially aimed at what happens when a person gives in to sin in general: listing the risks associated with ignoring godly wisdom. This section of Proverbs focuses narrowly on the sin of adultery. While the language here evokes a woman tempting a married man, the principles are not meant to be applied to males alone. The concepts of sexual purity apply equally to both sexes and to all persons.

This chapter begins with the typical plea for the reader or listener to pay close attention. This book uses the term wisdom to mean an ability to apply godly knowledge. Discretion is closely related to that idea. This implies someone who can discern between different things.

We see the same idea in related English terms such as discrete, discriminate, and discernment. The advice given here is vital, and Solomon is eager to see it followed (Proverbs 5:1–2).

Earlier verses personified wisdom as a woman crying out in the streets (Proverbs 1:20–21). Here, in a contrasting mood, temptation to adultery is symbolized by the idea of a temptress. It's noteworthy that Solomon does not use physical descriptions here; the temptations are all verbal or emotional. That speaks to how this concept applies to both men and women, though history has demonstrated that men are more susceptible to sexual temptations.

This "forbidden woman" promises something smooth and sweet, but the end results are sour and harmful (Proverbs 5:3–6).

A key aspect of avoiding sin is to avoid temptation. This is why Solomon strongly suggests staying far away from those who tempt us towards adultery. Avoiding situations where we're liable to be overcome is sound advice. As part of that warning, this passage also describes the consequences of adultery. Those include a loss of reputation, shortened life, possible legal trouble, and reduced prosperity. Worse, adultery leads to deep regret, looking back with sorrow on sinful choices.

There is a reason why, even in a modern culture drenched in promiscuity, there is still a deep stigma against those labelled as marital "cheaters" (Proverbs 5:7–14).

Beyond the consequences of adultery are the joys of a faithful marriage. One of the great pleasures of monogamy is the ability to enjoy sexual intimacy without guilt, shame, or fear. Solomon compares this to drinking water from one's own well—a safe, legitimate, worthy source. The alternative would be seeking water in places like unguarded springs or puddles in the road. There is nothing an adulterous relationship can offer which God has not provided for, in a legitimate way, within a properly functioning marriage (Proverbs 5:15–20).

Summarizing this section is a reminder that God knows and sees all things. A common thread in adultery is secrecy, but that's not possible in the eyes of an omniscient Creator. Another common thread is regret over consequences. Once adultery has been committed, it cannot be undone. God can—and will—forgive those who seek Him. But that forgiveness does not change the past. The damage to relationships, reputations, and bodily health are real, and those who ignore godly advice are liable to find this out the hard way (Proverbs 5:21–23).

Proverbs Chapter 5 Verse Context:

Proverbs 5:1–6 pleads with the son to heed his father Solomon's wise counsel in order to be discreet and to speak knowledgeably. He depicts the seductress—a person seeking to come between a married couple—as speaking sweetly but her words are full of deadly poison. She is headed for ruin, and she does not realize it. Of note is that Solomon does not describe the seducer physically since temptation isn't limited to physical attraction. As with other warnings in this book, the reader is advised not to put themselves at risk of sharing in that same destruction.

Proverbs 5:7–14 comes after Solomon has warned his son about the allurement of a seductress. Here, Solomon lists a number of catastrophes that result from committing adultery. This list precedes his advice to stay faithful to one's spouse and enjoy the blessings of marriage—this is advice suitable for people of either sex.

Proverbs 5:15–23 follows sections warning about the temptations and consequences of adultery. In this closing section of Proverbs 5, Solomon advises each of his sons to stay faithful to his wife in a monogamous relationship and to enjoy the blessings of marriage. He points out that the Lord knows all about each person's conduct.

Proverbs Chapter 5 Summary:

Solomon approaches the subject of adultery by describing a prototype seducer: a smooth talker who leads the victim down a dangerous road. Sin promises pleasure, but it is ultimately brief and destructive consequences are long lasting. The destructive consequences include a loss of strength, respect, money, and longevity. The person who disregards godly counsel about adultery experiences ruin and disgrace. Faithfulness in marriage brings a person exuberance and joy. No sin, including adultery, is hidden from God. Sin ensnares the adulterer and shows that he is foolish, undisciplined, and far from the Lord.

Proverbs Chapter 5 Context:

This chapter continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his children and/or students. Solomon warns about the temptation to succumb to adultery. He points out the calamities of yielding to sexual sin, and of violating one's marriage. This warning is similar the one given in Proverbs 1:8–10. After cautioning about the risks of adultery, he cites the joys and advantages of monogamous marriage.

Proverbs Chapter 5 Book Summary:

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

God still wants us to come to HIM and CAST ALL those CARES, things upon Him, so we won’t try to figure out things on our own. But we want to seek God for HIS wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for EVERY issue, situation, and circumstance we face. GOD CARES FOR US (1 Peter 5:7)!!

Therefore, let us each day, as we read these Proverbs, seek God for HIS wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for WHATEVER situation we are facing!! And I GUARANTEE you that GOD WILL answer us, IF we TRULY seek HIM, LISTEN, AND FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS!!!

There is ALWAYS something we can look back at, and see how GOD, our ABBA, has brought us out in the past!! And we can look at our present lives, and see GOD bringing us out of something every day!! As the song says, God WILL do it again (“Do It Again” by Elevation Worship)!!

GOD IS A GOOD. GOOD, GOOD FATHER to us; HE takes GREAT care of us!!

Just as before, I pray the explanation of each Chapter of the Book of Proverbs, is a BLESSING to you all as you all dive deeper into the Word of God this year!! And don’t forget to pray as you study this material, asking Holy Spirit to give you all the revelational knowledge YOU NEED, to transform your life from the inside out!! I pray this year will be your BEST year ever!! Stay walking hand in hand with our loving Heavenly Father, our ABBA, ALWAYS acknowledging Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in the way you should go daily, not going your own way, and be a disciple of Jesus, not a fan, then you won’t go wrong!!

Click Here for PDF Version of “Proverbs Chapter 5 Explained!!”

 

Click Here for Link to “Proverbs Chapter 4 Explained!!”

 

Click Here for Link to “Proverbs Chapter 3 Explained!!”

 

Click Here for Link to “Proverbs Chapter 2 Explained!!”

 

Click Here for Link to “Proverbs Chapter 1 Explained!!”

 

God’s BLESSINGS to you all and your families!!

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks, PsyD