Proverbs 5:11

KJV

And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou mourn {H5098} at the last {H319}, when thy flesh {H1320} and thy body {H7607} are consumed {H3615},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, when your flesh and bones have shrunk, at the end of your life, you would moan,

Berean Standard Bible

At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and your body are spent,

American Standard Version

And thou mourn at thy latter end, When thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:11 issues a profound and somber warning about the inevitable and devastating long-term consequences of abandoning divine wisdom for the fleeting allure of illicit sexual pleasure. It vividly portrays the bitter anguish and deep regret that inexorably follow a life of moral compromise, culminating in the comprehensive decay and ruin of one's physical vitality, financial stability, social standing, and spiritual well-being. This verse serves as a stark and urgent reminder that choices carry irreversible repercussions, particularly when one disregards God's foundational counsel concerning purity, self-control, and marital fidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:11 is an integral and climactic part of a father's urgent and extended admonition to his son against the seductive dangers of the "immoral woman" (often translated as "adulteress" or "strange woman"). This crucial warning spans [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warning Against Immorality") and extends into [Proverbs 6](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Folly and Immorality") and [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Allure of the Adulteress"). The verses immediately preceding, such as [Proverbs 5:3-6](/proverbs/5-3-6 "Proverbs 5:3-6 - The Deceptive Sweetness of the Immoral Woman"), describe her deceptive charm and smooth words, which, despite their initial sweetness, ultimately lead to bitterness and death. This specific verse, along with [Proverbs 5:9-10](/proverbs/5-9-10 "Proverbs 5:9-10 - Loss of Honor and Wealth"), paints a grim picture of the ultimate outcome: the loss of honor, wealth, health, and finally, profound, inescapable regret. The entire book of Proverbs consistently contrasts the path of wisdom, which leads to life and flourishing, with the path of folly, which leads to destruction and ruin, making this warning central to its overarching message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, sexual purity and fidelity within marriage were paramount, not only for individual well-being but also for the stability, honor, and lineage of the family and community. Adultery was considered a grave offense, punishable by death under Mosaic Law, as stipulated in [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery"). The "strange woman" or "foreign woman" (often used interchangeably with "adulteress" or "prostitute") represented a profound threat to the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of Israel. Her allure was not merely sexual but also symbolic of deviation from the covenant and the wisdom tradition. Engaging with such a person would lead to not only personal physical and financial ruin but also public shame, the forfeiture of one's inheritance, and a diminished legacy, as the community would witness the "consumption" of one's resources and vitality. The consequences described were tangible and deeply feared within the communal framework.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Proverbs. Most prominently, it highlights the **Inevitable Regret** that follows a life of moral compromise. The initial fleeting pleasure of sin is starkly contrasted with the enduring anguish and remorse that "mourning at the last" encapsulates, emphasizing that sin's true cost is revealed over time. Another crucial theme is **Comprehensive Decay and Ruin**, vividly illustrated by the phrase "when thy flesh and thy body are consumed." This points to the holistic destruction that sexual immorality brings, encompassing physical health (e.g., diseases, loss of vitality), financial destitution, social disgrace, and profound spiritual wasting away. It underscores that sin's impact is not confined to the spiritual realm but has tangible, detrimental effects on one's entire being, echoing the broader biblical principle that "the wages of sin is death" as seen in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Cost of Disobedience**, serving as a stark reminder that choices have consequences. Disregarding God's design for purity and sexual integrity leads to a painful reckoning, embodying the biblical principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" found in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Sowing and Reaping").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mourn (Hebrew, _nâham'_):** (H5098) A primitive root meaning "to growl," "to roar," or "to mourn." In this context, it signifies a deep, guttural expression of distress, anguish, and lamentation, far beyond mere sadness. It conveys a profound, visceral suffering, like the roaring of a lion in pain, indicating deep remorse and a bitter realization of irreversible loss. This is not a quiet sorrow but a loud, public cry of despair.
* **last (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** (H319) From אַחַר (ʼachar), meaning "after" or "behind." This word refers to the "end" or "future," the "consequence" or "outcome," and can also denote "posterity." It emphasizes the ultimate, inevitable culmination of one's choices, highlighting that the regret and ruin described are not immediate but manifest themselves at the final, unavoidable reckoning, often in old age, at the point of complete devastation, or even in the legacy left behind.
* **consumed (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** (H3615) A primitive root meaning "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to perish." Transitive uses include "to complete," "to prepare," or "to consume." Here, it signifies a total wasting away, depletion, or utter destruction. It implies that one's physical vitality, resources, and very essence are utterly depleted and brought to nothing by the destructive path chosen, leaving one utterly spent and ruined.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou mourn at the last,"**: This opening clause serves as a solemn prophecy, foretelling the inevitable emotional and spiritual consequence of choosing a path of sexual immorality. The "mourning" described is not a fleeting sadness but a deep, profound, and perhaps publicly expressed lamentation—a bitter cry of regret and anguish that comes only after the full extent of one's destructive choices has become painfully apparent. It emphasizes the delayed but certain nature of this painful reckoning, highlighting that the initial pleasures of sin are eventually overshadowed by overwhelming sorrow.
* **"when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,"**: This second clause vividly describes the comprehensive physical, material, and existential ruin that accompanies moral decay. "Flesh" (H1320, _bâsâr_) and "body" (H7607, _shᵉʼêr_) are used in parallel, emphasizing the totality of the physical self and one's entire being. "Consumed" (H3615, _kâlâh_) indicates a complete wasting away, a depletion of vitality, health, and resources. This can refer to the physical diseases and debilitation that often accompany promiscuous lifestyles, the loss of financial assets due to squandering or legal penalties, the erosion of one's reputation, and a general decline in one's well-being and life force, leaving one utterly depleted and ruined.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and sobering warning. The verse utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a stark picture of deep, guttural "mourning" and the gruesome, visceral sight of "flesh and body... consumed." This sensory language evokes a strong emotional response, making the consequences tangible and terrifying for the listener. The use of **Parallelism** with "thy flesh and thy body" serves to intensify the message, emphasizing the comprehensive and holistic destruction that awaits. This is a clear example of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two phrases express the same core idea in slightly different words, reinforcing the totality of the physical and existential ruin. The phrase "at the last" functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, building suspense and highlighting the delayed but inevitable nature of the consequences, contrasting sharply with the immediate, fleeting pleasures of sin. The overall tone is one of urgent **Warning** and solemn **Exhortation**, characteristic of wisdom literature, aiming to deter the listener from a destructive path by vividly depicting its bitter and unavoidable end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:11 stands as a stark testament to the biblical truth that sin, especially sexual immorality, carries severe and inescapable consequences. Theologically, it underscores God's inherent moral order and the immutable principle of sowing and reaping, where actions inevitably yield corresponding outcomes. It highlights the sanctity of the human body and the divine institution of marriage as foundational designs, deviations from which lead to profound personal and societal brokenness. The "consumption" of flesh and body can be understood not only physically but also as a spiritual wasting away—a loss of vitality, honor, and connection with God. This verse serves as a powerful call to holiness and discernment, urging believers to recognize the deceptive nature of sin's allure and to choose the path of wisdom and purity, which leads to genuine life and flourishing, rather than the path of self-destruction.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:11 offers timeless and profound wisdom for every generation, urging us to cultivate foresight, discipline, and self-control in the face of temptation. It serves as a compassionate yet firm reminder that fleeting pleasures, particularly those outside of God's design, can lead to lasting pain, deep regret, and comprehensive ruin. In a world saturated with messages that normalize and even glorify sexual immorality and instant gratification, this verse calls us back to God's sacred design for purity, fidelity within marriage, and the sanctity of all relationships. It challenges us to consider the long-term trajectory of our choices, recognizing that true freedom and flourishing are found not in unrestrained indulgence but in disciplined living according to divine wisdom. Embracing this wisdom means actively choosing purity, diligently heeding the warnings of Scripture and wise counsel, and seeking God's empowering strength to resist temptations that promise immediate gratification but deliver ultimate devastation. Ultimately, this proverb encourages us to live wisely today to avoid the bitter mourning and comprehensive consumption of tomorrow, embracing the path that leads to genuine life, peace, and integrity in every facet of our being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "flesh and body" aspects in my life—physical health, finances, reputation, spiritual vitality—might be vulnerable to being "consumed" by unwise choices, particularly in the realm of relationships or personal integrity?**
* **How does the concept of "mourning at the last" motivate me to make different, more God-honoring choices today, especially when faced with immediate temptations or desires?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater foresight and self-control in areas where I am most susceptible to compromise or moral drift?**
* **In what ways am I actively seeking and applying God's wisdom to navigate the allure of worldly pleasures and avoid the bitter consequences of future regret?**

### FAQ
**Is this warning exclusively about sexual sin?**

Answer: While Proverbs 5 specifically targets the dangers of the "immoral woman" (adultery/promiscuity), the principles of "mourning at the last" and "flesh and body consumed" have broader, profound applications. The wisdom literature often uses specific, concrete examples to illustrate universal truths about the consequences of folly. Any persistent pattern of sin or ungodly living—whether it's greed, addiction, dishonesty, unchecked anger, or pride—can ultimately lead to profound regret, physical breakdown, financial ruin, and a consumed life. The verse serves as a powerful metaphor for the comprehensive devastation that results from any lifestyle that disregards God's wisdom and moral boundaries. It highlights that sin, by its very nature, is destructive to the whole person, not just one isolated aspect, impacting one's entire being and future.

**What does "consumed" imply beyond just physical health?**

Answer: The term "consumed" (H3615, _kâlâh_) is comprehensive, implying a total wasting away or depletion that extends far beyond mere physical health. While it certainly includes physical debilitation (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases, general loss of vitality from a dissolute life), it encompasses the consumption of one's **financial resources** (e.g., paying for illicit encounters, legal fees, loss of employment due to scandal, as hinted in [Proverbs 5:10](/proverbs/5-10 "Proverbs 5:10 - Strangers Devour Your Wealth")), **reputation and honor** (leading to social ostracization and shame, as explicitly stated in [Proverbs 6:33](/proverbs/6-33 "Proverbs 6:33 - Disgrace and Reproach")), **vitality and energy** (a life drained by anxiety, guilt, and the relentless pursuit of fleeting pleasures), and even **spiritual well-being** (a hardening of the heart, a diminished capacity for joy, and a severed relationship with God, as implied in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You from God")). It signifies a life that has been utterly depleted, brought to nothing, and left in ruins by destructive choices.

**How can one avoid this "mourning at the last" and the consumption of their life?**

Answer: The book of Proverbs consistently points to **wisdom** as the primary and essential means of avoiding such a tragic end. This involves a proactive and intentional pursuit of God's ways:
* **Heeding Instruction:** Actively listening to and diligently applying the wise counsel of parents, mentors, and, most importantly, God's inspired Word ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")).
* **Fleeing Temptation:** Recognizing the deceptive allure and destructive nature of sin and actively removing oneself from situations that lead to compromise or moral danger ([Proverbs 4:14-15](/proverbs/4-14-15 "Proverbs 4:14-15 - Do Not Enter the Path of the Wicked")).
* **Embracing Purity:** Committing to God's divine design for sexual purity within the sacred confines of marriage and honoring one's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")).
* **Seeking God's Strength:** Relying on God for the supernatural power and grace to resist temptation and live righteously, understanding that true freedom and strength come from walking in His ways and through Christ who strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). This proactive pursuit of wisdom and righteousness is the divine antidote to the path of destruction so vividly described in Proverbs 5:11.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:11, with its grim portrayal of the "mourning at the last" and the "consumed" flesh and body resulting from sin, finds its ultimate answer, profound hope, and redemptive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns of the inevitable consequences of straying from God's design, Christ offers a radical solution to the problem of sin and its destructive power. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the living Word of God, the wisdom that Proverbs exhorts us to pursue above all else ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). Where human efforts to resist temptation often fail, leading to the very ruin described, Christ offers not merely freedom *from* sin's dominion but also freedom *to* live a new life of righteousness. He bore the full "consumption" of sin's curse on the cross, taking upon Himself the wages of our sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")), so that we might not experience the ultimate "mourning at the last" of eternal separation from God. Through His substitutionary death and glorious resurrection, believers are offered new life, a new creation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness and purity, rather than being consumed by sin's destructive path ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit")). The solemn warning of Proverbs 5:11 thus powerfully points to our desperate need for a Savior who can rescue us from the bitter end of sin and lead us into a life of true flourishing, eternal joy, and integrity—a life that is truly preserved and not consumed, all by the grace and power of Christ.

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

Romans 6:21

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Numbers 5:27

And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, [that], if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, [and become] bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.

Deuteronomy 32:29

O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!

Jeremiah 5:31

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.