Proverbs 5:9

Proverbs 5:9 serves as a stark warning within a larger discourse on the dangers of sexual immorality. It underscores the profound and irreversible losses that result from succumbing to illicit desires, specifically the erosion of one’s reputation and the squandering of precious time.

Context

This verse is part of a father’s urgent admonition to his son in Proverbs chapter 5, cautioning him against the seductive allure and ultimate destruction brought by the "strange woman" or adulteress. The preceding verses vividly describe her deceptive charm and the bitter end of her path, which leads to death and the grave (Proverbs 5:5). Verse 9 presents a direct consequence of ignoring this counsel, detailing the specific forms of ruin that await.

Key Themes

• Loss of Honour and Reputation: The phrase "give thine honour unto others" speaks to the forfeiture of one's good name, dignity, and public standing. In ancient Israel, honor was paramount, deeply tied to family and community standing. Engaging in sexual sin would bring shame not only upon the individual but also upon their entire lineage. This loss is often irreversible, as a tarnished reputation is difficult to restore.
• Wasted Years and Vitality: "And thy years unto the cruel" signifies the squandering of one's life, energy, and potential. The "cruel" here can refer to the destructive nature of sin itself, the merciless consequences that follow, or even literal individuals (like creditors or exploiters) who profit from one's downfall. Instead of building a productive and blessed life, years are consumed by the devastating effects of sin, leading to regret and ruin. Proverbs 6:26 also warns of losing substance.
• Consequences of Immorality: At its core, the verse highlights the severe and multifaceted repercussions of illicit sexual behavior. It’s a warning that actions have consequences, and certain sins carry particularly heavy tolls on one's personal well-being, social standing, and future.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "honour" is hod (הוֹד), which can mean majesty, splendor, dignity, or reputation. Its loss implies a complete stripping away of one's esteemed position. The term "cruel" comes from the Hebrew akhzariy (אַכְזְרִי), meaning merciless, fierce, or ruthless. This vividly portrays the unforgiving nature of the consequences that await those who stray from the path of wisdom, emphasizing the harsh reality of sin's grip.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:9 remains profoundly relevant today. It urges believers to exercise discernment and self-control, especially concerning temptations that promise fleeting pleasure but deliver lasting pain. It serves as a timeless reminder to:

• Guard Your Reputation: Understand that choices made in private can have public consequences, impacting your credibility and influence.
• Value Your Time and Life: Recognize that every year and every decision contributes to the trajectory of your life. Don't surrender your prime years to destructive patterns or relationships that will ultimately consume you.
• Flee from Destructive Temptations: The wisdom here is to avoid the very path that leads to such ruin, as emphasized by the counsel to "come not nigh the door of her house". This principle extends beyond sexual sin to any choice that promises temporary gratification but leads to long-term regret and loss, echoing the broader truth that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".