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 delivers a stark warning regarding the devastating long-term consequences of abandoning wisdom for illicit sexual pleasures. It vividly portrays the bitter and profound regret that inevitably follows a life of moral compromise, culminating in the comprehensive decay and ruin of one's physical and spiritual well-being. This verse serves as a sobering reminder that choices have irreversible consequences, particularly when one disregards divine counsel concerning purity and self-control.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:11 is an integral part of a father's urgent and extended warning to his son against the seductive allure of the "immoral woman" (often translated as "adulteress" or "strange woman") that spans [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warning Against Immorality") and continues 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 preceding verses, such as [Proverbs 5:3-6](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-6 - The Deceptive Sweetness of the Immoral Woman"), describe her deceptive charm and smooth words, which, despite their initial sweetness, lead to bitterness and death. This specific verse, along with [Proverbs 5:9-10](/proverbs/5-9 "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.
* **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 and honor of the family and community. Adultery was a grave offense, punishable by death under Mosaic Law ([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 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, loss of inheritance, and a diminished legacy, as the community would witness the "consumption" of one's resources and vitality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Proverbs. The most prominent is 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. Another crucial theme is **Comprehensive Decay and Ruin**, highlighted 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. 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" ([Galatians 6:7](/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.
* **last (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** (H319) From אַחַר (ʼachar), meaning "after" or "behind." This word refers to the "end" or "future," the "consequence" or "outcome." 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 or at the point of complete devastation.
* **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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou mourn at the last,"**: This clause foretells the inevitable emotional and spiritual consequence of choosing a path of sexual immorality. The "mourning" is not a fleeting sadness but a deep, profound, and perhaps public lamentation, a bitter cry of regret and anguish that comes only after the full extent of one's destructive choices has become apparent. It emphasizes the delayed but certain nature of the painful reckoning.
* **"when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,"**: This second clause describes the comprehensive physical and existential ruin that accompanies the moral decay. "Flesh" (H1320, _bâsâr_) and "body" (H7607, _shᵉʼêr_) are used in parallel to emphasize the totality of the physical self. "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, 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 warning. The verse utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of deep, guttural "mourning" and the gruesome sight of "flesh and body... consumed." This sensory language evokes a strong emotional response, making the consequences tangible and terrifying. The use of **Parallelism** with "flesh and thy body" serves to intensify the message, emphasizing the comprehensive and holistic destruction that awaits. This is a form of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two phrases express the same idea in slightly different words, reinforcing the totality of the physical 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 with the immediate, fleeting pleasures of sin. The overall tone is one of **Warning** and **Exhortation**, characteristic of wisdom literature, aiming to deter the listener from a destructive path by vividly depicting its bitter 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 moral order and the principle of sowing and reaping, where actions inevitably yield corresponding outcomes. It highlights the sanctity of the human body and the institution of marriage as divine 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 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 life and flourishing.

* [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 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:11 offers timeless and profound wisdom for every generation, urging us to cultivate foresight and self-control in the face of temptation. It serves as a compassionate yet firm reminder that fleeting pleasures can lead to lasting pain, regret, and comprehensive ruin. In a world saturated with messages that normalize and even glorify sexual immorality, this verse calls us back to God's design for purity, fidelity, and the sanctity of 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, heeding the warnings of Scripture and wise counsel, and seeking God's 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 consumption of tomorrow, embracing the path that leads to genuine life, peace, and integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "flesh and body" aspects in my life 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 choices today, especially when faced with immediate temptations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater foresight and self-control in areas where I am most susceptible to compromise?**
* **In what ways am I actively seeking and applying God's wisdom to navigate the allure of worldly pleasures and avoid 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 applications. The wisdom literature often uses specific examples to illustrate universal truths. Any persistent pattern of sin or folly—whether it's greed, addiction, dishonesty, or unchecked anger—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 nature, is destructive to the whole person, not just one isolated aspect.

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

Answer: The term "consumed" (H3615, _kâlâh_) is comprehensive, implying a total wasting away or depletion. While it certainly includes physical health (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases, general debilitation from a dissolute life), it extends far beyond that. It can encompass the consumption of one's **financial resources** (e.g., paying for illicit encounters, legal fees, loss of employment due to scandal), **reputation and honor** (leading to social ostracization and shame, as seen in [Proverbs 6:33](/proverbs/6-33 "Proverbs 6:33 - Disgrace and Reproach")), **vitality and energy** (a life drained by anxiety, guilt, and the 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 and brought to ruin 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 means of avoiding such a tragic end. This involves:
1. **Heeding Instruction:** Actively listening to and applying the wise counsel of parents, mentors, and especially God's Word ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")).
2. **Fleeing Temptation:** Recognizing the deceptive allure of sin and actively removing oneself from situations that lead to compromise ([Proverbs 4:14-15](/proverbs/4-14 "Proverbs 4:14-15 - Do Not Enter the Path of the Wicked")).
3. **Embracing Purity:** Committing to God's design for sexual purity within the confines of marriage and honoring one's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")).
4. **Seeking God's Strength:** Relying on God for the power to resist temptation and live righteously, understanding that true freedom comes from walking in His ways ([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 antidote to the path of destruction 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 and hope in 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 embodiment of divine wisdom, the very wisdom that Proverbs exhorts us to pursue ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). Where human efforts to resist temptation often fail, leading to the very ruin described, Christ offers freedom from sin's dominion. 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 death and resurrection, believers are offered new life, a new creation ([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 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit")). The warning of Proverbs 5:11 thus 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 and eternal joy, a life that is truly preserved and not consumed.

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.