5:13 5:13

Proverbs 5:14

5:15 5:15

Bible Versions

I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
I was almost {H4592} in all evil {H7451} in the midst {H8432} of the congregation {H6951} and assembly {H5712}.
I took part in almost every kind of evil, and the whole community knew it."
I am on the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.”
I was well-nigh in all evil In the midst of the assembly and congregation.

Proverbs 5:14 is a poignant confession or a vivid hypothetical scenario within a father's urgent warning to his son about the dangers of sexual immorality. Following strong admonitions against the "strange woman" (Proverbs 5:3) and her deceptive ways, this verse paints a picture of the bitter aftermath for one who disregards wisdom's counsel.

Context

Chapter 5 of Proverbs is a direct and serious warning against adultery and illicit sexual relationships. The wise teacher (likely a father) meticulously outlines the deceptive allure of the adulteress, her immediate pleasures, and the devastating, long-term consequences. Verses 1-13 detail the path to ruin, including the loss of wealth, health, and reputation. Verse 14 serves as a climactic realization, either from the perspective of one who has fallen and now laments their folly, or as a prophetic warning of the ultimate disgrace that awaits.

Key Themes

  • The Bitter End of Sin: This verse underscores that the fleeting pleasures of sin lead to profound regret and destruction. The phrase "almost in all evil" suggests a state of utter moral and spiritual bankruptcy, where one has plunged deeply into wickedness.
  • Public Shame and Disgrace: The mention of "the congregation and assembly" is crucial. It highlights that while sin may be committed in secret, its consequences often become public. The shame and ruin are not merely private but are exposed before the community, bringing immense disgrace and reproach. This connects to the warnings in Proverbs 6:33, where reproach and infamy are enduring.
  • Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom: The speaker's predicament is a direct result of ignoring the wise instruction offered earlier in the chapter. It's a stark reminder that neglecting wisdom's guidance inevitably leads to ruin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "almost in all evil" is kim'at bi-khol-ra (כִּמְעַט בְּכָל-רָע). Kim'at can mean "almost," "scarcely," or "nearly." Combined with bi-khol-ra, "in all evil," it conveys the idea of being utterly consumed by every kind of wickedness, or having come perilously close to complete destruction. The KJV's "almost" captures the sense of having reached the brink of moral and social collapse.

The terms "congregation" (qahal, קָהָל) and "assembly" (edah, עֵדָה) are often used interchangeably in the Old Testament to refer to the gathered community, often for religious or judicial purposes. Their inclusion here emphasizes that the consequences of this specific sin (adultery) are not just personal but involve public exposure, judgment, and profound disgrace within the covenant community.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:14 serves as a powerful deterrent against spiritual and moral compromise. It reminds us that:

  • Sin has Public Consequences: Even seemingly private sins can have devastating public fallout, impacting one's reputation, relationships, and standing in the community.
  • Heed Warnings: The verse is a call to take seriously the warnings against temptation and to embrace self-control. It underscores the importance of guarding one's heart and mind, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:23.
  • Value Your Reputation: While salvation is by grace, our actions have earthly consequences. Maintaining a good name and a clear conscience is valuable, both before God and before others.

This verse is a sobering reminder of the long-term pain and public shame that can result from succumbing to illicit desires, urging listeners to walk in wisdom and integrity.

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.

  • Proverbs 13:20

    ¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

  • 2 Peter 2:10

    ¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

  • 2 Peter 2:18

    For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

  • Hosea 4:11

    Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

  • Hosea 4:14

    I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people [that] doth not understand shall fall.

  • Numbers 25:1

    ¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

  • Numbers 25:6

    ¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who [were] weeping [before] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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