Proverbs 5:4

KJV

But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

But her end {H319} is bitter {H4751} as wormwood {H3939}, sharp {H2299} as a twoedged {H6310} sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.

Berean Standard Bible

in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.

American Standard Version

But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:4 delivers a stark and sobering warning, contrasting the initial deceptive allure of the immoral woman—and by extension, all sin—with its inevitable and devastating consequences. While her words may initially entice with their sweetness and smoothness, the ultimate outcome of yielding to such temptation is depicted as intensely bitter, like the poisonous wormwood, and sharply destructive, akin to the piercing wound of a two-edged sword. This verse serves as a potent admonition, emphasizing the painful and ruinous end that invariably follows the fleeting pleasures of immorality, urging the reader to prioritize long-term spiritual and relational integrity over immediate, deceptive gratification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5 is structured as a direct, urgent admonition from a father to his son, warning him against the seductive dangers of the "strange woman" or "immoral woman." The chapter commences with an earnest plea for the son to attend to wisdom and understanding, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding his life and speech, as articulated in [Proverbs 5:1-2](/proverbs/5-1-2 "Proverbs 5:1-2 - Heeding Wisdom for Preservation"). Immediately preceding verse 4, [Proverbs 5:3](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3 - The Deceptive Allure of the Immoral Woman") vividly portrays the enticing facade of this woman, whose lips "drop as an honeycomb" and whose mouth is "smoother than oil." Verse 4 then abruptly shatters this illusion, presenting the harsh, unvarnished reality of her "end," thereby creating a powerful antithesis between her deceptive appearance and the bitter, destructive reality she embodies. The subsequent verses, from [Proverbs 5:5-14](/proverbs/5-5-14 "Proverbs 5:5-14 - The Path to Ruin and Regret"), further elaborate on the ruinous path she leads, detailing the comprehensive loss of wealth, health, reputation, and ultimately, one's very life and spiritual well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the foundational pillar, and the transmission of ethical and spiritual wisdom from father to son was a paramount form of education and societal preservation. Sexual purity and unwavering faithfulness within the covenant of marriage were profoundly valued, considered essential for individual flourishing and the stability of the community, deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law's explicit prohibitions against adultery and fornication (e.g., [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")). The "strange woman" (often translated as "foreigner," "adulteress," or "immoral woman") could refer to a literal prostitute, an unfaithful wife, or any woman who lured men away from their covenant obligations and societal norms. Such figures often operated outside the established social order, posing a significant threat to the patriarchal structure and the integrity of family lines. The vivid imagery of "wormwood" and "twoedged sword" would have resonated immediately with an ancient audience, serving as potent symbols of extreme bitterness, divine judgment, and lethal destruction, drawing upon common experiences of medicinal plants and the realities of warfare.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. It powerfully highlights **The Deceptive Nature of Sin**, illustrating how sin consistently presents an attractive, pleasurable exterior, only to reveal a devastating, painful interior. This motif recurs throughout Proverbs, where the path of folly appears appealing but inexorably leads to destruction, contrasting sharply with the often challenging but ultimately life-giving path of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a Way that Seems Right"). The verse also underscores the **Inevitable Consequences of Immorality**, asserting that sinful choices, particularly in the realm of sexual purity, carry severe and unavoidable repercussions. The "end" is not merely unpleasant but intensely destructive, emphasizing the universal biblical principle of sowing and reaping, as articulated in [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping in the Spirit"). Furthermore, it serves as a crucial point in the Proverbial call to choose **Wisdom over Folly**, presenting the stark contrast between the wise path that avoids such entanglements and the foolish path that embraces them to its ruin, ultimately leading to a catastrophic loss of honor, wealth, and life itself, as further detailed in [Proverbs 6:26-35](/proverbs/6-26-35 "Proverbs 6:26-35 - Consequences of Adultery").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **end (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** From H319, this word signifies "the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity." In the context of [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Immorality"), it refers to the ultimate outcome, the final destination, or the long-term consequence of pursuing the path associated with the immoral woman. It emphasizes that while the immediate experience may seem pleasant, the true and lasting consequence, the "end" of that lifestyle, is what truly matters and is revealed to be profoundly bitter and destructive.
* **wormwood (Hebrew, _laʻănâh'_):** From H3939, this term denotes "wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed); hemlock." Wormwood is a plant renowned for its extreme bitterness and is frequently associated in biblical literature with judgment, sorrow, calamity, or the bitter fruit of disobedience and idolatry. Its inclusion here vividly conveys an intense, lingering, and profoundly unpleasant pain, symbolizing the deep spiritual, emotional, and physical anguish that results from immoral choices.
* **twoedged (Hebrew, _peh'_):** From H6310, this word literally means "mouth" but is used here idiomatically to mean "edge" or "side," specifically in the phrase "two-edged" (literally "two-mouthed"). When combined with "sword," it describes a weapon capable of cutting on both sides, designed for maximum piercing and destructive power. This imagery emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable damage inflicted by the consequences of immorality, suggesting a wound that cuts deeply and irrevocably into every aspect of one's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But her end is bitter as wormwood":** This opening clause immediately establishes a sharp contrast with the deceptive sweetness described in the preceding verse ([Proverbs 5:3](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3 - The Deceptive Allure of the Immoral Woman")). The conjunction "But" signals an abrupt pivot from alluring appearance to harsh reality. "Her end" refers to the ultimate outcome or the lasting consequence of engaging with the immoral woman, not merely a temporary discomfort but a final, enduring state of being. The comparison to "wormwood" (a plant known for its extreme bitterness and often associated with divine judgment and profound sorrow) powerfully conveys the intense, acrid, and unpleasant pain, regret, and desolation that inevitably await those who choose the path of immorality. It suggests a lingering, profoundly distasteful experience of suffering.
* **"sharp as a twoedged sword."**: This second clause intensifies the warning, adding another layer of destructive imagery to the consequences. The "twoedged sword" is a potent metaphor for something that inflicts deep, severe, and often fatal wounds. Unlike a single-edged blade, a two-edged sword cuts both ways, implying comprehensive and inescapable damage that penetrates deeply. This suggests that the consequences of immorality are not merely painful but actively destructive, cutting into one's reputation, relationships, spiritual well-being, physical health, and even one's very soul, leaving lasting scars and widespread ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:4 masterfully employs potent **Simile** to convey its urgent warning. The phrase "bitter as wormwood" directly compares the outcome of immorality to the acrid taste of wormwood, a plant known for its extreme bitterness and symbolic of judgment and profound sorrow. This simile powerfully evokes a sensory experience of intense unpleasantness and lasting regret, suggesting a lingering, internal anguish. Similarly, "sharp as a twoedged sword" utilizes another vivid comparison, likening the destructive consequences to the piercing and cutting power of a formidable weapon. This simile emphasizes the deep, severe, and pervasive harm inflicted, indicating that the damage is not superficial but cuts to the core. The verse also utilizes stark **Contrast**, setting up a profound opposition between the initial "honey" and "oil" of the immoral woman's words in [Proverbs 5:3](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3 - The Deceptive Allure of the Immoral Woman") and the "bitter" and "sharp" reality of her "end" in [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Immorality"). This powerful juxtaposition highlights the inherently deceptive nature of sin and the inevitable, painful consequences that invariably follow fleeting, illicit pleasures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the intrinsic nature of sin and its inevitable, devastating consequences. It underscores the foundational biblical principle that sin, while often initially alluring and seemingly harmless, ultimately leads to suffering, destruction, and spiritual death. This truth is deeply embedded in the Old Testament's understanding of covenant faithfulness, where disobedience invariably brings curses and bitter outcomes, while obedience leads to blessing and life. The "bitterness" and "sharpness" described are not merely emotional states but represent the comprehensive unraveling of life, the decay of relationships, and the erosion of spiritual vitality that result from straying from God's wisdom and established order. This verse functions as a powerful warning against the illusion of harmless pleasure, revealing the true, devastating cost of moral compromise and reinforcing God's righteous judgment against unholiness and rebellion against His decrees.

* [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - Root of Bitterness and Wormwood")
* [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - Wormwood and Gall for Disobedience")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:4 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its original ancient context, speaking powerfully to contemporary challenges of temptation, moral decision-making, and the pursuit of true flourishing. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual foresight, urging us to look beyond immediate gratification and to discern the long-term, often devastating, ramifications of our choices. The "immoral woman" can be understood as a potent symbol for any seductive temptation—whether it be illicit relationships, addictive behaviors, dishonest practices, or any pursuit that compromises integrity and God's standards for fleeting pleasure. This verse serves as a crucial and sobering reminder that sin, regardless of its initial appeal or perceived harmlessness, carries an inherent and unavoidable cost. It calls us to value purity, faithfulness, and divine wisdom, recognizing that true flourishing and lasting peace come not from indulging every desire but from adhering to God's established boundaries, which are meticulously designed for our ultimate good, protection, and eternal well-being. We are urged to diligently guard our hearts and minds, recognizing that the path of true wisdom involves discerning between momentary pleasure and lasting well-being, ultimately choosing life over the bitter and sharp end of folly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sweet" temptations in my life, if pursued, might inevitably lead to a "bitter" and "sharp" end?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me to think more deeply about the long-term consequences of my choices, especially in areas of potential moral compromise?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively guard my heart and mind against deceptive influences that promise immediate pleasure but ultimately deliver pain and ruin?**
* **How does understanding the "bitterness" and "sharpness" of sin's ultimate outcome motivate me to more earnestly pursue a path of wisdom, purity, and obedience to God?**

### FAQ
**What does "wormwood" symbolize in the Bible, and why is it used here?**

Answer: Wormwood (Hebrew: _laʻănâh_) is a plant known for its extreme bitterness and is often associated with poison. In biblical literature, it frequently symbolizes intense sorrow, calamity, divine judgment, or the bitter consequences of sin, disobedience, and idolatry. For example, in [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - God's Judgment with Wormwood"), God threatens to feed His people wormwood because of their profound disobedience. Its use in [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Immorality") powerfully conveys the profound, acrid, and lingering pain that inevitably follows the initial, deceptive sweetness of immorality. It suggests a spiritual and emotional anguish that is not fleeting but deeply felt and lasting, a just recompense for straying from God's path.

**How is the "twoedged sword" metaphor used differently here compared to other biblical passages?**

Answer: In [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Immorality"), the "twoedged sword" (Hebrew: _chereb peh_ - literally "sword of mouths" or "sword of edges") symbolizes the destructive, cutting, and piercing power of the consequences of immorality. It highlights that sin inflicts deep, severe, and comprehensive wounds upon one's life, reputation, relationships, and soul, leaving lasting devastation. This usage contrasts with its application in passages like [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God"), where the "twoedged sword" metaphorically represents the living, active, and discerning power of God's Word. In Hebrews, the Word of God penetrates to the deepest parts of human existence to reveal truth, expose motives, and judge thoughts and intentions, bringing conviction and transformation. While both uses convey power and penetration, one describes the destructive, ruinous force of sin's outcome, and the other, the transformative, discerning, and life-giving power of divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:4, with its stark imagery of the bitter and sharply destructive end of sin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's pervasive sin, personified in the "strange woman" and its inevitable bitter end, is fully borne by Christ on the cross. He became sin for us, drinking the cup of God's righteous wrath and experiencing the ultimate "bitterness" of spiritual separation from the Father, so that we might not. The sharp, piercing consequences of sin, which cut into the very fabric of human existence and relationships, were absorbed by His body, broken for us, and His side, pierced for our transgressions (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Through His unparalleled sacrifice, Jesus offers profound redemption from the destructive power of sin, transforming its bitter end into the sweet fruit of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). He is the true Wisdom personified, inviting us to a path that leads to abundant life and flourishing, rather than the ruinous path of folly (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, the sharp sword of judgment that sin inevitably brings is turned away from us, and instead, His living Word becomes the "sharp twoedged sword" that discerns, transforms, and brings life and truth rather than destruction to all who believe (cf. [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - Jesus with a Sharp Two-Edged Sword")). He is the divine antidote to wormwood, the healing balm for the sword's wound, offering profound healing, restoration, and new life where sin has brought only desolation.

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

Ecclesiastes 7:26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

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.

Psalms 57:4

My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Proverbs 9:18

But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.

Judges 16:15

And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart [is] not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength [lieth].

Judges 16:21

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.