Proverbs 5:1-23

Lessons about wisdom

Proverbs

Keith Simons

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 is a poem. The poem has two subjects:

1. A married woman tempts a man who is not her husband.

2. Evil things are like this woman, because sometimes these things attract us. But evil things offend God. We must obey God, and refuse to do evil things.

Solomon discusses both subjects at the same time. This is similar to Proverbs 2:16-19. The actions of the woman show us how evil ideas can attract us.

v1 My son, listen to my wisdom!

Hear my knowledge!

v2 Then you will know how to behave.

You will know what to say.

v3 A married woman may tempt you. Her lips are sweet like honey.

Her speech is attractive, as oil is smooth.

v4 However, soon her lips will taste bitter.

Soon she will cut you, as with a sword.

v5 She will cause your death.

She will lead you to your grave.

v6 She does not think about the way of life.

She does not know that she has wandered from God’s ways.