Proverbs 5:3

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 5:3 serves as a vivid warning within the book of Proverbs, highlighting the deceptive allure of sexual sin, personified by the "strange woman" or adulteress.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often presented as a father's instruction to his son. Chapters 5 through 7 are particularly focused on the dangers of sexual immorality and the devastating consequences of illicit relationships. This verse immediately sets the stage by describing the initial, attractive facade of such temptation, which is then contrasted with its bitter end in subsequent verses like Proverbs 5:4.

Key Themes

  • Deceptive Allure of Sin: The verse emphasizes how sin, particularly sexual immorality, often presents itself as appealing and pleasant. The imagery of "honeycomb" and "oil" speaks to immediate gratification and smooth persuasion.
  • Superficial Charm: It warns against being swayed by outward appearances and flattering words, which mask deeper, destructive intentions.
  • The Nature of Temptation: Temptation is rarely ugly or repulsive at first; rather, it is designed to entice and draw one in through seemingly harmless or even delightful means.

Linguistic Insights

The term "strange woman" (Hebrew: zarah or nokriyah) in Proverbs does not necessarily refer to a foreigner by nationality, but rather to someone who is "alien" to the covenantal and moral principles of God's people. She is an outsider to fidelity and righteousness, a woman who leads astray from the path of wisdom and marital faithfulness. Her "lips dropping as an honeycomb" signifies the sweet, pleasurable, and enticing nature of her words, much like the delight of honey. Her mouth being "smoother than oil" conveys the idea of flattery, deceptive ease, and persuasive eloquence that can easily slip past one's defenses, similar to how oil makes things slippery or smooth.

Related Scriptures

This warning is a recurring theme in Proverbs, reinforcing the importance of guarding one's heart and mind. For further warnings against the strange woman, see Proverbs 2:16 and Proverbs 7:5. The contrast between this deceptive sweetness and the bitter end and sharp sword of consequences is crucial for understanding the full message of this passage.

Practical Application

For a contemporary audience, Proverbs 5:3 serves as a timeless caution against any form of temptation that offers immediate pleasure but leads to destruction. It teaches us to:

  1. Discern Beyond the Surface: Not to be easily swayed by attractive words or superficial charm, especially when they promise quick gratification.
  2. Understand the Nature of Sin: Recognize that sin often comes disguised as something desirable, appealing to our desires before revealing its true, destructive nature.
  3. Guard Our Hearts: Be vigilant against influences that promise ease and pleasure but ultimately lead away from wisdom, integrity, and godly living. The pursuit of true wisdom, as encouraged throughout Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 4:7), is the best defense against such deceptions.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 2:16 (10 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 7:21 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 55:21 (5 votes)

    [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 (5 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 6:24 (5 votes)

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

  • Revelation 17:2 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.