Proverbs 30:20

KJV

Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Such is the way {H1870} of an adulterous {H5003} woman {H802}; she eateth {H398}, and wipeth {H4229} her mouth {H6310}, and saith {H559}, I have done {H6466} no wickedness {H205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is how an unfaithful wife behaves: she eats, wipes her mouth, and says, "I did nothing wrong."

Berean Standard Bible

This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’

American Standard Version

So is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:20 offers a chilling depiction of the adulterous woman's moral depravity, characterized by the casual commission of a grave sin, its immediate and effortless concealment, and a brazen, unrepentant denial of any wrongdoing. This proverb, part of Agur's collection of profound observations, exposes a hardened conscience and a deceptive heart, where a serious transgression is treated with the same nonchalance as a simple meal, leaving no trace and eliciting no remorse, epitomizing a profound spiritual blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:20 is situated within a distinct section of the book, attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, which diverges from the traditional Solomonic proverbs. Chapter 30 is notable for its numerical sayings and insightful observations on both the natural world and human behavior. Immediately preceding this verse, Proverbs 30:18-19 describes "four things which are too wonderful for me," including "the way of a man with a maid." This sets up a profound contrast: while the preceding verses speak of phenomena that are mysterious yet natural and even beautiful in their complexity, verse 20 abruptly shifts to describe a morally reprehensible "way"—that of the adulterous woman. The juxtaposition highlights the incomprehensible depth of human depravity and denial, which is presented as even more perplexing and insidious than the wonders of creation. This verse serves as a sharp moral indictment following a series of observational proverbs, underscoring the severe consequences of such behavior that the book of Proverbs frequently warns against, particularly concerning sexual sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, adultery was considered an exceptionally grave offense, carrying severe social and legal penalties, including capital punishment as prescribed by Mosaic Law (cf. [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Penalty for Adultery")). It was not merely a private transgression but an act that defiled the community, violated sacred covenant vows, and fundamentally undermined the family unit, which was the bedrock of Israelite society. The patriarchal structure placed a high value on female chastity and fidelity, and an adulterous woman brought deep shame upon her family and husband. The imagery of "eating" and "wiping her mouth" suggests a clandestine act, performed in secret, which was often the case for such illicit encounters to avoid societal condemnation. The ability to deny wrongdoing so casually reflects a profound moral decay, potentially indicative of a societal undercurrent where, despite official condemnation, such acts could be carried out with a degree of impunity or hiddenness by those lacking conscience.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **wisdom versus folly**, portraying the adulterous woman's actions as the epitome of folly, leading to destruction and moral blindness, in stark contrast to the path of wisdom which values integrity and truth. It also powerfully illustrates the theme of **deception and self-deception**, where the individual not only deceives others but has so hardened their own heart that they can deny their sin even to themselves, a profound spiritual sickness. This connects directly to the frequent warnings against the "strange woman" or "immoral woman" found throughout Proverbs, such as in [Proverbs 2:16-19](/proverbs/2-16-19 "Proverbs 2:16-19 - Warning Against the Immoral Woman"), [Proverbs 5:3-6](/proverbs/5-3-6 "Proverbs 5:3-6 - The Bitter End of Immorality"), and [Proverbs 7:6-27](/proverbs/7-6-27 "Proverbs 7:6-27 - The Enticing Harlot"). Furthermore, the verse implicitly touches on the theme of **divine omniscience**, reminding the reader that while human eyes may be deceived, God sees all hidden acts and knows the true state of the heart, a concept echoed in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - God's All-Seeing Eye").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this term signifies a road or path, but figuratively, it refers to a course of life or a characteristic mode of action. In this context, "the way of an adulterous woman" denotes not a singular incident but a deliberate, established pattern of conduct or a chosen lifestyle. It emphasizes that her actions are deeply ingrained in her character.
* **eateth (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, this primitive root means "to eat" literally or figuratively. Here, it is profoundly metaphorical, representing the casual, unburdened, and perhaps even pleasurable consumption or indulgence in the forbidden act of adultery. It suggests an engagement with sin that is as natural and unremarkable to her as eating a meal, devoid of guilt or hesitation.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From H205, this term denotes nothingness, trouble, vanity, or specifically, iniquity and wickedness. The adulterous woman's audacious claim, "I have done no wickedness," is a profound denial of moral culpability. It asserts that her actions are not only without consequence but without inherent wrongness, revealing a seared conscience and a deep moral blindness that has redefined good and evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman;":** This opening clause introduces the characteristic behavior or "way" (mode of life) of a woman who commits adultery. It immediately defines the subject of the proverb, setting the stage for a vivid description of her particular brand of moral depravity and emphasizing that her actions stem from an established character rather than an accidental lapse.
* **"she eateth, and wipeth her mouth,":** This vivid imagery forms the core metaphor of the verse. "She eateth" implies a casual, perhaps even satisfying, engagement in the act of adultery, treating it as a common and unremarkable activity. "And wipeth her mouth" signifies the immediate, effortless, and thorough concealment of the act, physically and morally. It suggests an attempt to erase any evidence or trace of the transgression, leaving no visible sign of guilt or consequence, as if to say, "nothing happened here."
* **"and saith, I have done no wickedness.":** This concluding phrase reveals the ultimate depth of her depravity. Not only does she commit the sin and meticulously conceal it, but she then brazenly denies any wrongdoing whatsoever. This statement highlights a profound self-deception, a conscience so hardened that it can no longer discern sin, and an utter absence of remorse or acknowledgment of her transgression, demonstrating a moral blindness that is shocking in its audacity.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and disturbing message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the act of adultery is strikingly likened to the mundane act of "eating" and "wiping one's mouth." Eating is a common, often innocent, activity, making its use here to describe a grave sin all the more unsettling; it suggests the casual, unburdened nature with which the sin is committed, devoid of any sense of guilt or struggle. "Wiping her mouth" serves as a vivid **Imagery** of effortless concealment, implying that the act leaves no physical trace, no evidence, and no internal mark of guilt. This imagery also contributes to the device of **Irony**, as the woman's outward declaration of innocence ("I have done no wickedness") stands in stark contrast to the profound moral transgression she has just committed, highlighting her self-deception and moral callousness. The proverb also utilizes **Synecdoche**, where the "way" of the woman represents her entire character and moral disposition, emphasizing that her actions stem from a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb serves as a stark theological commentary on the insidious nature of sin, particularly its capacity to harden the human heart and blind the conscience. It illustrates a dangerous progression from transgression to denial, revealing a profound spiritual sickness where the sinner not only commits evil but loses the capacity to recognize it as such. This moral blindness is a perilous state, as it precludes genuine repentance and leaves the individual entrenched in their destructive path. The casualness of the act and the immediate denial underscore the insidious power of self-deception, which is a fundamental aspect of human fallenness. While the act is hidden from human eyes and denied to human ears, the wisdom literature consistently reminds us that such behavior is never hidden from God, who sees all and knows the deepest secrets of the heart, holding all accountable for their actions and intentions.

* [Psalm 90:8](/psalm/90-8 "God's Awareness of Secret Sins")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [1 Timothy 4:2](/1_timothy/4-2 "Conscience Seared as with a Hot Iron")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:20 offers a chilling portrayal of a hardened heart, a conscience seared to the point of denying obvious wrongdoing. While the specific example is adultery, the principle extends to any sin we might commit and then attempt to rationalize, minimize, or outright deny. This proverb calls us to a profound self-examination, urging us to consider whether we, too, are guilty of "eating" our sin and then "wiping our mouths," pretending "I have done no wickedness." It challenges us to cultivate a tender conscience, one that is sensitive to sin, quick to acknowledge it, feel godly sorrow, and pursue genuine repentance. True wisdom involves confronting our own deceitful hearts, embracing honesty before God and others, and seeking purification from hidden faults, rather than allowing sin to normalize and harden us to its destructive power. It is a call to live in the light, where truth prevails over self-deception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "eating and wiping my mouth," denying or minimizing my own wrongdoing, rather than acknowledging it?**
* **How can I cultivate a more tender conscience that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's conviction and quick to repent?**
* **What are the dangers of self-deception in my spiritual walk, and what practical steps can I take to guard against it?**
* **How does the casual denial of sin, as depicted in this proverb, contrast with the biblical call to integrity, truthfulness, and genuine humility before God?**

### FAQ
**What does "she eateth, and wipeth her mouth" mean metaphorically?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful metaphor for the casual and unburdened commission of sin, followed by an immediate and effortless attempt to conceal it. "She eateth" suggests that the act of adultery is consumed with ease, perhaps even pleasure, much like a simple meal. It implies a lack of struggle or remorse in the act itself, portraying a desensitized approach to grave transgression. "And wipeth her mouth" symbolizes the immediate and thorough removal of any evidence or trace of the transgression, both physically and morally. It's an act of covering up, of erasing the signs of guilt, as if to say, "nothing happened here," leaving no visible sign of wrongdoing or internal sense of shame. This vivid imagery highlights the profound moral callousness and deceptive nature of the individual, who seeks to appear innocent while actively engaged in sin.

**How does this proverb relate to the broader biblical teaching on sin and repentance?**

Answer: Proverbs 30:20 stands in stark contrast to the broader biblical call for repentance and confession. The adulterous woman's denial ("I have done no wickedness") demonstrates a hardened heart and a seared conscience, which are antithetical to genuine repentance. The Bible consistently teaches that sin, especially unconfessed and unrepented sin, leads to spiritual death and separation from God (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin is Death")). True repentance involves acknowledging sin, feeling godly sorrow for it, confessing it to God, and turning away from it (e.g., [Psalm 32:5](/psalm/32-5 "Confession and Forgiveness"), [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession and Cleansing")). This proverb serves as a solemn warning against the dangerous path of denial and self-deception, which prevents one from seeking God's forgiveness, experiencing His cleansing, and walking in the path of righteousness and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:20, in its stark portrayal of a heart hardened by sin and self-deception, powerfully underscores the human condition that necessitates a Savior. The adulterous woman's casual commission of sin, immediate concealment, and brazen denial ("I have done no wickedness") perfectly illustrate the depth of human depravity and our innate tendency to suppress the truth and justify ourselves. This moral blindness and unrepentant spirit are precisely what Jesus Christ came to address. He is the light that exposes the darkness of hidden deeds and the deceitfulness of the human heart (cf. [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "Light and Darkness")). Unlike the woman who wipes her mouth clean and denies, Christ offers true cleansing, not through concealment, but through confession and His atoning sacrifice on the cross (cf. [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession and Forgiveness")). He came to give us a new heart and a new spirit, replacing our stony, self-deceiving hearts with hearts of flesh that are sensitive to sin and desirous of righteousness (cf. [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "A New Heart and Spirit")). In Christ, we find the grace to acknowledge our wickedness, receive complete forgiveness through His shed blood (cf. [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Redemption Through His Blood")), and walk in the truth, liberated from the destructive "way" of denial and self-justification, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of integrity (cf. [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Life in the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 7:13

So she caught him, and kissed him, [and] with an impudent face said unto him,

Proverbs 7:23

Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

Proverbs 5:6

Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them].

Numbers 5:11

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 5:30

Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.