Proverbs 5:3

KJV

For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:

KJV (with Strong's)

For the lips {H8193} of a strange woman {H2114} drop {H5197} as an honeycomb {H5317}, and her mouth {H2441} is smoother {H2509} than oil {H8081}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For the lips of a woman who is a stranger drop honey, her mouth is smoother than oil;

Berean Standard Bible

Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil,

American Standard Version

For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:3 offers a stark warning against the deceptive allure of sexual sin, personified by the "strange woman" or adulteress. It vividly portrays how temptation often presents itself with an initial sweetness and persuasive charm, likening her words to the delightful taste of honeycomb and the smooth, easy flow of oil. This verse establishes the dangerous, enticing facade that masks the bitter and destructive consequences detailed in the subsequent verses of the chapter, serving as a critical introduction to the broader admonition against illicit relationships found throughout the book of Proverbs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:3 is situated within a larger discourse (Proverbs 1-9) where a father imparts wisdom to his son, urging him to choose the path of righteousness over folly. Chapters 5 through 7 are particularly dedicated to warning against the "strange woman" (often an adulteress or prostitute), highlighting the devastating personal, social, and spiritual consequences of sexual immorality. This specific verse immediately follows an exhortation to pay attention to wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 5:1-2), setting up a direct contrast between the life-giving path of wisdom and the destructive path of illicit pleasure. The verse's enticing imagery of "honeycomb" and "oil" serves as a crucial setup for the stark warning in [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Illicit Relationships"), which immediately reveals the bitter and sharp reality hidden beneath the initial sweetness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, society was predominantly patriarchal, with strong emphasis placed on family lineage, marital fidelity, and the preservation of the household's integrity. Sexual immorality, particularly adultery, was considered a grievous offense, threatening the social fabric, economic stability, and spiritual purity of the community. The "strange woman" (`zûwr` or `nokriyah`) in this context refers not necessarily to a foreigner by nationality, but to one who is "alien" to the covenantal and moral norms of God's people—an outsider to fidelity and righteousness who leads astray from the path of wisdom and marital faithfulness. Honey and oil were highly prized commodities, symbols of richness, pleasure, and prosperity (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:13](/deuteronomy/32-13 "God's Provision of Honey and Oil")). Their use in this verse underscores the powerful, almost irresistible, appeal of the temptation being described.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 5:3 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Deceptive Allure of Sin**, showing how sin, especially sexual immorality, rarely appears ugly or repulsive at first. Instead, it presents itself as appealing, pleasant, and immediately gratifying, using persuasive words and superficial charm to entice. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly**, where true wisdom involves discerning beyond the surface appeal to recognize the destructive end of such paths, contrasting with the folly of those who are easily swayed by outward appearances. Lastly, it underscores the **Nature of Temptation**, revealing that temptation is designed to draw one in through seemingly harmless or even delightful means before revealing its true, destructive nature, a theme echoed in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation to Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strange woman (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** This term, derived from a primitive root meaning "to turn aside," signifies someone who is a "foreigner," "strange," or "profane." In this context, it specifically refers to one who is an outsider to the covenant and moral boundaries, often implying an adulteress or one who "commits adultery." The emphasis is not on nationality, but on moral and spiritual alienation from the path of wisdom and fidelity.
* **drop (Hebrew, _nâṭaph'_):** This verb means "to ooze," "distil gradually," or "fall in drops." It conveys the imagery of something slowly, enticingly, and continuously flowing forth. Applied to the lips, it suggests a steady, alluring emanation of words, much like precious liquid dripping slowly and invitingly.
* **honeycomb (Hebrew, _nôpheth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "shaking to pieces," this word refers to the dripping of honey directly from the comb, implying pure, unadulterated sweetness. It symbolizes immediate pleasure, delight, and gratification, highlighting the initial, irresistible appeal of the strange woman's words.
* **smoother (Hebrew, _châlâq'_):** This adjective, meaning "smooth (especially of tongue)" or "flattering," describes the quality of the words spoken. It suggests an absence of friction or resistance, implying that the words are persuasive, deceptive, and easily slip past one's defenses, making them difficult to resist or refute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the lips of a strange woman":** This phrase identifies the source of the temptation. The "lips" represent the speech and communication, while the "strange woman" denotes someone who is morally alien, an outsider to faithfulness and righteousness, whose influence leads away from the path of wisdom.
* **"drop [as] an honeycomb":** This clause vividly portrays the initial, deceptive appeal. Her words are likened to honeycomb, suggesting they are sweet, pleasurable, and immediately gratifying to the senses. This imagery emphasizes the enticing nature of her speech, which promises delight and satisfaction.
* **"and her mouth [is] smoother than oil":** This second clause further elaborates on the persuasive power of her words. Comparing her mouth's speech to oil highlights its deceptive ease and flattery. Just as oil makes things slippery and smooth, her words are designed to bypass discernment, making them seem harmless, agreeable, and effortlessly persuasive, lulling the listener into a false sense of security.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its warning. **Simile** is prominently used, comparing the words of the strange woman directly to "honeycomb" and "oil." This creates vivid sensory imagery, allowing the reader to almost taste the sweetness and feel the smoothness, thereby emphasizing the immediate, alluring nature of the temptation. **Personification** is also evident, as the "lips" and "mouth" of the "strange woman" are given agency, actively "dropping" and being "smoother," embodying the seductive power of folly. Furthermore, the verse relies heavily on **Sensory Imagery**, appealing to the senses of taste (honey), touch (smooth oil), and hearing (flattering words). This multi-sensory engagement makes the allure of the temptation palpable and underscores its deceptive potency, drawing the audience into the experience of temptation before revealing its destructive end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:3 stands as a timeless theological statement on the deceptive nature of sin. It reveals that temptation rarely appears in an ugly or repulsive form; rather, it often cloaks itself in beauty, pleasure, and persuasive charm. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that sin's power lies in its initial appeal, promising gratification while concealing its ultimate destructive consequences. The "honeycomb" and "oil" represent the immediate, superficial sweetness that distracts from the bitter end, urging believers to cultivate spiritual discernment and guard their hearts against any enticement that promises fleeting pleasure but leads away from God's wisdom and righteousness. The call is to look beyond the surface, to understand the true nature of sin's deceit, and to cling to the path of life.

* [Proverbs 7:21-23](/proverbs/7-21 "The Deceptive Allure Leads to Destruction")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "Temptation and Sin's Progression")
* [Hebrews 3:13](/hebrews/3-13 "The Deceitfulness of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:3 serves as a profound and enduring caution for all generations. In a world saturated with appealing temptations, whether through media, relationships, or personal desires, this verse reminds us that the most dangerous deceptions often come disguised as delightful and harmless. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of vigilance and discernment, recognizing that sin's initial offering is always a counterfeit of true joy and lasting fulfillment. We are called to look beyond the immediate gratification, the flattering words, and the smooth promises, and to consider the ultimate trajectory and consequences of our choices. True wisdom lies in understanding that what appears sweet and easy on the surface can lead to bitter and destructive outcomes. This verse compels us to guard our hearts diligently, to seek truth, and to walk in integrity, resisting the subtle seductions that promise pleasure but deliver pain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "honeycomb" and "oil" in contemporary society might represent the deceptive allure described in this verse?**
* **How can we develop greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist temptations that appear sweet but lead to destruction?**
* **In what areas of my life am I most susceptible to being swayed by flattering words or superficial promises rather than seeking true wisdom?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "strange woman" referred to in Proverbs 5:3?**

Answer: The "strange woman" (Hebrew: `zûwr` or `nokriyah`) in Proverbs is a multifaceted figure. Primarily, she refers to an adulteress or a prostitute, a woman who is not one's lawful wife and who entices men into sexual immorality. However, in the broader wisdom literature context, she also symbolizes Folly itself, standing in stark contrast to Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 8-9). She represents any influence or path that is "alien" to God's covenantal and moral principles, leading one astray from righteousness, faithfulness, and the life-giving path of wisdom. Her "strangeness" is therefore more about her moral and spiritual alienation than her national origin.

**Why does the verse use the imagery of "honeycomb" and "oil" to describe her lips and mouth?**

Answer: The imagery of "honeycomb" and "oil" is highly significant because both were highly valued commodities in the ancient world, symbolizing sweetness, richness, pleasure, and prosperity. Honeycomb represents pure, unadulterated sweetness and immediate gratification, suggesting that her words are initially delightful and irresistible to the senses. Oil, known for its smoothness and ability to lubricate, signifies that her words are flattering, persuasive, and easily slip past one's defenses, making them seem harmless and agreeable. Together, these images powerfully convey the deceptive and enticing nature of temptation, highlighting how sin often presents itself as appealing and beneficial before revealing its true, destructive character, as further detailed in [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Illicit Relationships").

**How is the warning in Proverbs 5:3 relevant to believers today, beyond just sexual immorality?**

Answer: While Proverbs 5:3 specifically addresses sexual sin, its underlying principle has broad application for believers today. It serves as a timeless warning against any form of temptation or deception that offers immediate pleasure, ease, or gratification but ultimately leads to spiritual, emotional, or physical destruction. This could include temptations related to greed, power, dishonest gain, compromise of integrity, or even the allure of false doctrines. The verse teaches us to be discerning, to look beyond superficial charm and flattering promises, and to recognize that sin's initial presentation is almost always appealing, designed to bypass our defenses. It calls us to guard our hearts and minds against anything that promises a "smooth" or "sweet" path but ultimately leads away from God's wisdom and righteousness, echoing the warning in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober and Watchful").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:3, with its vivid portrayal of the "strange woman's" deceptive allure, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the seductive nature of sin and the genuine, life-giving truth found in Jesus Christ. The "strange woman" represents folly and the path of destruction, a path characterized by words that are "sweeter than honey" but lead to bitterness. In contrast, Jesus is the embodiment of true Wisdom (as declared in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom") and [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). His words are not deceptive flattery but "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")), offering eternal truth rather than fleeting pleasure. While the strange woman promises a smooth, easy path, Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him on a narrow, often challenging, but ultimately life-giving path ([Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")). He is the Good Shepherd who protects His sheep from the voice of a "stranger" ([John 10:5](/john/10-5 "John 10:5 - Sheep Do Not Follow Strangers")), demonstrating that true security and fulfillment are found not in the deceptive promises of sin, but in His unwavering love, truth, and sacrificial grace, which ultimately delivers us from the power and deceitfulness of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")).

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 2:16

To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

Proverbs 7:21

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

Proverbs 7:5

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

Proverbs 6:24

To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Revelation 17:2

With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

Revelation 17:6

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.