Proverbs 5:23

Context

Proverbs 5:23 concludes a chapter dedicated to warning against the perils of sexual immorality and the destructive allure of the "strange woman" or adulteress. Throughout the chapter, the father-teacher implores his son to heed wisdom and avoid her path. This verse acts as a solemn summary of the consequences for those who ignore this crucial instruction, emphasizing the ultimate spiritual and moral ruin that awaits them. It follows earlier warnings about the bitter end of such a path (Proverbs 5:4) and the lament of those who despise instruction (Proverbs 5:12).

Key Themes

• The Peril of Rejecting Wisdom: The verse starkly illustrates that neglecting wise counsel, particularly concerning moral purity, leads to severe, even fatal, spiritual and existential consequences. It underscores that deliberate ignorance of divine truth is a path to destruction.
• Folly's Self-Destructive Nature: The phrase "greatness of his folly" highlights how persistent, uncorrected foolishness inevitably causes one to "go astray" from the path of righteousness, leading to ruin. This is a direct consequence of a perverse heart and mind.
• Spiritual and Moral Death: "Die without instruction" implies more than just physical death. It points to a life devoid of spiritual vitality, moral direction, and ultimately, eternal hope, a theme echoed in other wisdom literature.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "instruction" is musar (מוּסָר), which signifies discipline, moral correction, and chastening. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but guidance intended to shape character and conduct.
• "Folly" translates from 'iwwelet (אִוֶּלֶת), denoting deep-seated foolishness, stupidity, and perverse action, often associated with moral obtuseness and a lack of sound judgment.
• To "go astray" is shagah (שָׁגָה), meaning to wander, to err, to reel, or to be led astray. It vividly pictures a life lost without direction, veering off the correct path.

Related Scriptures

The idea of dying without instruction is deeply connected to the broader theme in Proverbs that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and fools despise wisdom and instruction. This consequence of rejecting divine guidance is also seen in Proverbs 1:32, where "the turning away of the simple shall slay them." The concept of going astray due to lack of knowledge is further emphasized in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Ultimately, there are two paths: the narrow way of life and the broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:23 serves as a powerful warning for all generations. It underscores the critical importance of embracing and obeying God's wisdom, not just intellectually, but as a guiding force for life's choices.

• Seek and Heed Counsel: Actively seek out and submit to wise counsel, especially from God's Word and godly mentors. Ignoring truth can lead to profound and lasting negative consequences, particularly in matters of moral integrity.
• Consequences of Stubbornness: The verse highlights the severe outcome of persistent stubbornness and self-will, especially when confronted with divine instruction. Folly, left unchecked, leads to a life of wandering and eventual ruin, both spiritually and practically.
• The Path of Life: Choosing the path of instruction, though sometimes challenging, leads to life, stability, and genuine freedom, while rejecting it leads to a destructive trajectory. This applies to all areas of life, from personal morality to financial decisions and relationships.