Proverbs 5:9

KJV

Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest thou give {H5414} thine honour {H1935} unto others {H312}, and thy years {H8141} unto the cruel {H394}:

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you won't give your vigor to others and your years to someone who is cruel,

Berean Standard Bible

lest you concede your vigor to others, and your years to one who is cruel;

American Standard Version

Lest thou give thine honor unto others, And thy years unto the cruel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:9 delivers a solemn warning within the father's extended counsel against the destructive allure of the adulteress, emphasizing the profound and irreversible losses incurred by succumbing to illicit sexual sin. It highlights the forfeiture of one's esteemed reputation and the squandering of precious, productive years, underscoring the severe and multifaceted consequences that await those who deviate from the path of wisdom and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:9 is situated within a sustained admonition from a father to his son, spanning the entirety of [Proverbs chapter 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warning Against Immorality"). The chapter opens with an urgent plea for the son to pay attention to wisdom's words ([Proverbs 5:1-2](/proverbs/5-1 "Proverbs 5:1-2 - Listen to Wisdom")). The focus then shifts dramatically to the "strange woman" or adulteress, whose lips "drop as an honeycomb" but whose "end is bitter as wormwood" ([Proverbs 5:3-4](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-4 - The Deceptive Allure of the Adulteress")). The verses immediately preceding 5:9 describe her path leading "down to death" and her steps taking hold "on hell" ([Proverbs 5:5](/proverbs/5-5 "Proverbs 5:5 - Her Path Leads to Death")). The father's counsel is not merely a moralistic warning but a pragmatic one, detailing the specific, devastating consequences that will inevitably follow a liaison with such a woman. Verse 9 serves as a direct articulation of these consequences, providing concrete examples of what is lost.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, honor (כָּבוֹד, *kavod*) and reputation were paramount, deeply intertwined with one's family, lineage, and community standing. A man's honor was his social capital, affecting his economic prospects, his ability to marry well, and his family's legacy. Sexual immorality, particularly adultery, was not merely a private sin but a public disgrace that brought profound shame upon the individual and his entire household. It could lead to severe social ostracization, financial ruin, and even legal penalties, including death for both parties ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Penalty for Adultery")). The "cruel" (אַכְזְרִי, *ʼakzârîy*) could refer to the merciless nature of the consequences themselves, or more concretely, to those who would exploit the ruined individual—creditors, enemies, or even the family of the wronged party. The concept of "years" (שָׁנָה, *shâneh*) represents one's vitality, productive life, and future potential, all of which would be squandered or consumed by the fallout of such destructive choices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It underscores the theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly**, presenting the stark contrast between the wise path of sexual purity and the foolish path of illicit desire, which leads to ruin. It highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly emphasizing that actions have inevitable and often irreversible repercussions, especially in the realm of sexual ethics. The loss of "honour" and "years" speaks to the theme of **Stewardship of Life and Reputation**, urging the son to guard his most valuable assets—his character, integrity, and future—against destructive influences. Finally, it reinforces the pervasive theme of **Divine Justice**, where moral choices are met with appropriate outcomes, either blessing or judgment, demonstrating that the way of the wicked is ultimately self-destructive ([Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is remarkably broad in its application, meaning "to give," but also "to put," "to make," "to assign," "to bestow," or "to yield." In this context, it implies a voluntary surrender or forfeiture. The individual actively "gives away" or "hands over" their honor and years, suggesting a conscious choice, even if misguided, that leads to these losses. It's not merely something taken from them, but something they relinquish.
* **honour (Hebrew, _hôwd'_):** Derived from an unused root, this noun signifies "grandeur," "an imposing form and appearance," "beauty," "comeliness," "excellency," "glory," "goodly," or "majesty." It speaks to one's inherent dignity, public esteem, and the respect commanded by their character and position. The loss of *hôwd* is therefore a profound stripping away of one's social standing, reputation, and perhaps even their inner sense of self-worth and integrity.
* **cruel (Hebrew, _ʼakzârîy'_):** This adjective, stemming from a root meaning "terrible," describes someone or something as "merciless," "fierce," or "ruthless." Here, it vividly portrays the unforgiving nature of the consequences of sin. It can refer to the adulteress herself, who is ruthless in her destruction; to the literal individuals who would exploit the ruined man (e.g., creditors, enemies); or, more broadly, to the relentless and unpitying grip of sin's natural consequences, which show no mercy in consuming one's life.
* **years (Hebrew, _shâneh'_):** This noun, often appearing in plural, refers to "a year" as a revolution of time. In this context, "thy years" signifies one's lifespan, vitality, energy, and the accumulated time and effort invested in building a life. To give one's years "unto the cruel" means to squander this precious resource, allowing it to be consumed by destructive pursuits and their aftermath, leading to a life characterized by regret, loss, and unfulfilled potential.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest thou give thine honour unto others":** This clause warns against the forfeiture of one's dignity, reputation, and public esteem. "Honour" (H1935, *hôwd*) encompasses one's good name, social standing, and the respect one commands. To "give" (H5414, *nâthan*) it "unto others" implies that this invaluable asset is transferred or squandered, often to those who have no right to it or who will exploit it. This loss is a direct consequence of engaging in illicit sexual behavior, which publicly shames the individual and their family, eroding their standing within the community and potentially leading to public disgrace.
* **"and thy years unto the cruel":** This second clause describes the squandering of one's life, vitality, and future potential. "Years" (H8141, *shâneh*) refers to the span of one's life, particularly the productive and formative periods. To give these years "unto the cruel" (H394, *ʼakzârîy*) signifies that one's time and energy are consumed by the merciless and destructive consequences of sin. This can manifest as financial ruin, health problems, emotional distress, legal entanglements, or the relentless pursuit of fleeting pleasures that ultimately leave one empty and broken, effectively surrendering one's prime to the ravages of self-inflicted harm or the exploitation of others.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is evident in the two balanced clauses: "Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel." This synthetic parallelism builds upon the initial warning, presenting two distinct but related consequences that reinforce each other, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the loss. The verse also uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** by using "honour" to represent one's entire reputation, social standing, and dignity, and "years" to represent one's life, vitality, and future potential. These abstract concepts are made tangible through their "giving" away. Furthermore, the phrase "unto the cruel" employs **Personification** or **Metaphor**, as "the cruel" can refer not only to merciless individuals but also to the ruthless and unforgiving nature of sin's consequences themselves, which are depicted as an entity that devours one's life. The overall tone is one of **Admonition** and **Warning**, characteristic of the wisdom literature, designed to instruct and deter from destructive paths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:9 speaks profoundly to the biblical understanding of the holistic nature of humanity and the far-reaching consequences of sin. It underscores that our choices, particularly in areas of moral purity, impact not only our spiritual standing but also our social reputation, physical well-being, and future potential. The loss of "honour" reflects the biblical emphasis on living a life that glorifies God and earns the respect of others, while the squandering of "years" highlights the preciousness of life as a gift from God, to be stewarded wisely rather than consumed by destructive pursuits. This verse serves as a stark reminder that sin is never a private matter; its ripple effects touch every sphere of existence, diminishing the individual and often bringing shame to their community and to God's name.

* [Proverbs 6:26](/proverbs/6-26 "Proverbs 6:26 - The Cost of Adultery")
* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is Better Than Riches")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:9 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its ancient context, speaking directly to the contemporary challenges of self-control, integrity, and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. In a world saturated with instant gratification and blurred moral lines, this verse serves as a sober reminder that true freedom and fulfillment are found not in indulging every desire, but in disciplined living that honors God and preserves one's future. It challenges us to consider the long-term ramifications of our choices, particularly in areas of sexual purity and relational integrity. We are called to guard our reputation, understanding that it is a sacred trust, and to steward our time and energy, recognizing that our years are a finite and precious gift. The warning to avoid giving our "honour unto others" and our "years unto the cruel" compels us to build lives of character and purpose, resisting temptations that promise temporary delight but deliver lasting regret and ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "giving away" my honor or squandering my "years" to destructive influences or pursuits?**
* **How does the pursuit of immediate gratification often blind us to the long-term consequences highlighted in this proverb?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better guard my reputation and steward my time and energy according to God's wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "honour" specifically refer to in this proverb?**

Answer: In Proverbs 5:9, "honour" (Hebrew: *hôwd*) refers to one's dignity, reputation, public standing, and the respect one commands within the community. It encompasses one's good name, integrity, and the esteem associated with a life lived wisely and righteously. The loss of this honor implies public shame, disgrace, and a diminished social and personal value, which was a devastating consequence in ancient Israelite society where communal standing was paramount. It's not just personal self-respect, but how one is perceived and valued by others.

**Who are "the cruel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The cruel" (Hebrew: *ʼakzârîy*) can be interpreted in several ways, all pointing to the devastating outcomes of illicit behavior. It can refer to the adulteress herself, who is ruthless in her exploitation and destruction of those she ensnares. It can also refer to external parties who would exploit the ruined individual, such as creditors who seize assets due to financial ruin, or enemies who gloat over one's downfall. More broadly, "the cruel" can personify the merciless and unforgiving nature of sin's consequences—the physical ailments, emotional anguish, financial devastation, and spiritual decay that relentlessly consume the life of one who strays from wisdom's path. The proverb warns that these consequences show no mercy, devouring one's "years" or life's vitality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:9, while a stark warning against the temporal consequences of sexual immorality, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, has collectively "given its honour unto others" by worshipping idols and pursuing self-gratification, thereby squandering its "years unto the cruel" dominion of sin and death. We, by our rebellion, forfeited our true dignity as image-bearers of God and subjected ourselves to the merciless tyranny of spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). However, Christ, the embodiment of true wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), did not squander His years or His honor. Instead, He willingly "gave" His life as a ransom, taking upon Himself the shame and the cruel consequences of our sin on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). Through His sacrifice, He redeems our lost honor and restores our years, offering us a new life free from the cruel dominion of sin ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). In Christ, we receive not only forgiveness but also a renewed purpose, enabling us to live lives that bring true honor to God and are no longer consumed by the destructive patterns of the world, but rather filled with the abundant life He promised ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). He is the one who took our shame so we might receive His glory ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory")).

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

Nehemiah 13:26

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

Hosea 4:13

They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof [is] good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.

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.

Judges 16:19

And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.

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.

Genesis 38:23

And Judah said, Let her take [it] to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her.

Genesis 38:26

And Judah acknowledged [them], and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.