Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

THE WISDOM OF

MARRIAGE FIDELITY

(Proverbs 5)

Verses 1 and 2 urge the son to heed the wisdom and understanding he has been taught when or if approached by a strange woman; taking care to act with discretion and to speak consistent with the knowledge or learning he has acquired.

Verse 3 refers to the enticing speech of the strange woman, the seductive adulteress, against whom the son needs to protect himself, Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 6:24; Proverbs 7:21; Psalms 55:21.

Verses 4 and 5 reveal the truth that the so-called pleasures of adultery have an end, an afterwards of bitter and painful consequences that lead even to death and hell. Wormwood, bitter as gall, and the two-edged sword which cuts two ways, are used as symbols to emphasize the sorrow and pain that follow the sin of adultery. It is a sin upon which God has pronounced judgment, Ecclesiastes 7:26; Hebrews 13:4; Proverbs 11:7; Proverbs 14:32.

Verse 6 warns further that the seductress frequently changes her allurements to divert the prospective partner’s attention and thus prevent his pondering the evils of the contemplated sin, Proverbs 4:26.

Verses 7 through 8 give specific instructions about dealing with the temptress 1) Heed the instructor’s warning; 2) Keep away from her. If necessary, change your friends or activities. Remember what Jesus said about looking upon a woman with lust, Matthew 5:28. If a look is sin, it is important to stay away from the woman who entices.

Versus 9 through 14 list a number of the sad consequences of yielding to the adulteress:

1) Loss of honor, integrity, self respect, Vs. 9.

2) Loss of wealth, material substance; awareness such has been wasted, Vs. 10; 29:3; Luke 15:30;

3) Loss of health because of dissipation or disease contracted, Vs. 11;

4) Remorse of condemning conscience, awareness all brought about by one’s own disregard of instructions, Vs.12-13;

5) Public disgrace, scandal, Vs. 14.

Fidelity is God’s Plan and Fir Better Way - Vs. 15-18

Verses 15-17 refer to the wife as a cistern or well (singular) from which the husband is refreshed and out of which flow blessings in the persons and influence of a family after God’s plan, Song of Solomon 4:12; Song of Solomon 4:15.
Verse 17 emphasizes that the family be one’s own, not offspring of strangers. Fathering illegitimate children violates a fundamental principle of God’s plan, 1 Timothy 5:14; Hebrews 13:4.

Verses 18-19 affirm (1) that the blessings of God rest upon marriage in accord with His divine plan and (2) that sexual delight is natural and right in such unions, Proverbs 18:22; Hebrews 13:4.

Vs. 5 :20-23 - Facts to Ponder

Verse 20 asks the question, Why will one instructed and warned be attracted by and yield to the allurements of the adulteress? Let him who contemplates such review the solemn facts of Verses 21-23, also Verses 9-14, and answer.

Verses 21-23 state three solemn facts that should be considered by the man who contemplates yielding to the adulteress:

1) All the ways of man are known and seen by the LORD. He is aware of all man does or plans, Vs. 21

2) To yield to the adulteress is to set a net or trap for one’s own downfall, Vs. 22; Psalms 7:15-16; Psalms 57:6.

3) The man who yields shall die for lack of self discipline; because of his great folly he is lost, Vs. 23; Proverbs 7:22-23.