Proverbs 5 (NIV):
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 4 but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. 6 She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.
Summary: Proverbs 5 presents a powerful and cautionary message about the dangers of sexual temptation and infidelity. The chapter opens with a father's plea to his son, urging him to pay attention to wisdom and gain insight. The central focus is on the consequences of succumbing to the allure of an adulterous woman. The initial sweetness of her words is contrasted with the ultimate bitterness and destruction that her path leads to. The chapter serves as a stark warning against the destructive consequences of infidelity and sexual immorality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fidelity, discretion, and wisdom in one's relationships. It encourages readers to choose the path of righteousness and faithfulness, as opposed to the fleeting pleasures of sin, which ultimately lead to ruin. Proverbs 5 reminds us of the enduring value of moral integrity and the need to guard our hearts and minds against the alluring but destructive temptations of the world.
