Proverbs 5:1-14
Proverbs 5:3–4 (NIV):
“For 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.”
Chapter Outline
Verses 1–2 – Call to Wisdom and Discernment
A father urges his son to pay attention to his wisdom to guard against immoral behavior.
Verses 3–6 – The Deceptive Allure of the Adulteress
The temptress’s speech is sweet, but her path leads to death and destruction.
Verses 7–10 – Warning to Stay Away
The son is warned to keep his distance from her to avoid losing honor, strength, and wealth.
Verses 11–14 – The Bitter Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom
The one who falls into sin laments a wasted life, despising instruction and ending in ruin.
Key Words
Adulterous
Wisdom
Discretion
Bitter
Death
Regret
Instruction
Discipline
Key Phrases
“Lips of the adulterous woman drip honey”
“Her end is bitter”
“Keep to a path far from her”
“You will groan at your final end”
“I hated discipline”
“I would not obey my teachers”
Patterns
Contrast: The sweetness of temptation vs. the bitterness of consequences.
Progression of sin: Attraction → entanglement → regret.
Wisdom as protection: Repeated reminders to listen, pay attention, and avoid immoral paths.
People
The Father (Teacher): Sharing wisdom and warning from experience or insight.
The Son (Listener): The one being guided to avoid moral failure.
The Adulterous Woman: Represents temptation and moral danger.
Places
Her house – Implied as a place leading to ruin.
Public assembly – Where the shame of sin is ultimately revealed.
Observation
This passage is a sober warning against sexual immorality and temptation. It highlights how easily one can be enticed by smooth words and appearances, only to suffer severe emotional, spiritual, and social consequences. The father doesn’t just command avoidance—he explains why, grounding his warning in love, experience, and foresight.
Reflection
Temptation often appears attractive, but wisdom teaches us to look beyond the moment. The pain of regret, loss of reputation, and spiritual harm that comes from unfaithfulness isn’t always immediate—but it’s certain. This passage is a reminder to pursue integrity and stay far from situations that compromise moral boundaries. God’s wisdom isn’t about restriction—it’s about protection.
Main Lesson
Sin may appear sweet in the moment, but it always leads to bitter consequences—wisdom teaches us to turn away before it’s too late.
Application for Everyday Life
Set clear moral and relational boundaries to guard against temptation.
Pay attention to red flags in conversations, media, or relationships that glorify unfaithfulness.
Seek accountability with trusted, godly friends.
Reflect on the long-term outcomes of your decisions—not just the short-term gratification.
Value and pursue godly wisdom through Scripture, prayer, and counsel.
Cross References
Proverbs 7:21–27 – Another warning about the adulterous woman and the path to death.
James 1:14–15 – “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire…”
1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality.”
Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
Hebrews 12:11 – Discipline may be painful but yields righteousness.
Questions for Journaling
What kinds of temptations currently try to draw me away from God’s wisdom?
How have I experienced regret from ignoring God’s instruction in the past?
What specific boundaries do I need to set in my relationships or media habits?
Am I valuing short-term pleasure over long-term integrity?
What does it look like to pursue wisdom daily in a world full of seductive messages?
Who in my life holds me accountable in areas of purity and character?
How can I respond to temptation with wisdom and strength rather than regret?