Proverbs 6:32

KJV

[But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

But whoso committeth adultery {H5003} with a woman {H802} lacketh {H2638} understanding {H3820}: he that doeth {H6213} it destroyeth {H7843} his own soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.

Berean Standard Bible

He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

American Standard Version

He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:32 issues a stark and uncompromising warning against the act of adultery, portraying it not merely as a moral failing but as a profound deficiency in understanding that inevitably leads to comprehensive self-destruction. The verse underscores the inherent, devastating consequences of sexual immorality, emphasizing that the perpetrator inflicts deep and lasting harm upon their very being, their reputation, and their future, demonstrating a fundamental lack of wisdom in choosing a path of ruin over life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:32 stands as the climactic warning within an extended discourse (Proverbs 5-7) where a father passionately instructs his son on the perils of sexual immorality, particularly concerning the "strange woman" or adulteress. This section is framed by vivid metaphors and dire warnings, contrasting the fleeting pleasure of illicit encounters with their inevitable, bitter end. The preceding verses in [Proverbs 6](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Folly") detail the severe consequences of adultery, including financial ruin, loss of reputation, and the vengeful wrath of an enraged husband, as seen in [Proverbs 6:34-35](/proverbs/6-34 "Proverbs 6:34-35 - The Jealousy of a Husband"). This verse, therefore, serves as a theological summation, moving beyond external consequences to highlight the internal, self-inflicted damage inherent in such a transgression, firmly placing adultery within the realm of folly that leads to death, in stark contrast to the path of wisdom that leads to life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, marriage was a foundational institution, not merely a personal arrangement but a covenant essential for the stability of family, clan, and society. Adultery, particularly by a married woman, was considered a grave offense, a violation of the marital covenant, and a deep affront to the husband's honor and property rights. The Mosaic Law prescribed the death penalty for both parties involved in adultery ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Law on Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Punishment for Adultery")). Beyond legal ramifications, adultery carried immense social stigma, leading to public disgrace, ostracism, and the potential for blood feuds from the wronged husband's family. Proverbs 6:32, while not explicitly referencing legal penalties, taps into this deep cultural understanding of adultery as an act that shatters societal norms, individual integrity, and divine commands, resulting in profound personal and communal disruption.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 6:32 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly**, unequivocally categorizing adultery as an act of profound foolishness, a direct antithesis to the discerning judgment that wisdom imparts. The "lack of understanding" is not mere ignorance but a willful blindness to divine truth and practical consequences. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Inescapable Consequences of Sin**, particularly emphasizing that sin is not a victimless act but carries inherent, often self-inflicted, repercussions. The destruction of one's "soul" speaks to a holistic ruin that extends beyond external circumstances to one's character, spiritual well-being, and very essence. Thirdly, it implicitly upholds the **Sanctity of Marriage and Sexual Purity**, presenting the marital covenant as a sacred boundary established by God, the violation of which brings severe judgment. This aligns with the Ten Commandments, specifically the prohibition against adultery found in [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment"). Finally, the verse touches upon the theme of **Personal Responsibility**, asserting that the individual who commits adultery is the agent of their own destruction, bearing the ultimate responsibility for the devastating outcomes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adultery (Hebrew, _nâʼaph'_):** From H5003, a primitive root meaning "to commit adultery." Figuratively, it can also mean "to apostatize." In this context, it refers to the literal act of sexual infidelity, the violation of the marital covenant. The use of this strong verb immediately establishes the gravity of the transgression, highlighting it as a direct breach of one of God's fundamental moral laws and a profound betrayal of trust.
* **Lacketh (Hebrew, _châçêr'_):** From H2638, meaning "lacking; hence, without; destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want." This word, combined with "understanding" (Hebrew, _lêb'_ - H3820, "heart," representing intellect, will, and moral discernment), paints a picture of profound deficiency. It's not just a momentary lapse but a fundamental absence of sound judgment, foresight, and moral insight. One who "lacks understanding" in this sense is spiritually blind, unable to grasp the true nature and devastating consequences of their actions.
* **Destroyeth (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, a primitive root meaning "to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively); batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r)." This powerful verb, coupled with "his own soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh'_ - H5315, referring to the whole person, life, self), indicates a comprehensive and self-inflicted ruin. The destruction is not merely external or reputational but penetrates to the very core of one's being, corrupting character, vitality, and spiritual integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding:"** This opening clause immediately identifies the subject and their defining characteristic. The act of adultery is presented as a clear indicator of a profound intellectual and moral deficiency. It suggests that such a person is not merely making a mistake but demonstrating a fundamental inability to discern wisdom from folly, to weigh consequences, or to grasp the inherent value of fidelity and the sanctity of covenants. Their actions reveal a spiritual blindness to the truth of God's design and the destructive nature of sin.
* **"he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."** This second clause reveals the inevitable and devastating outcome of the act. The phrase "he that doeth it" directly links the action to the consequence, emphasizing personal agency and responsibility. The "destruction of his own soul" is a comprehensive ruin, encompassing not just physical life or social standing, but the very essence of the person – their character, reputation, inner peace, spiritual vitality, and eternal prospects. It is a self-inflicted wound that corrupts and wastes the individual's entire being.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:32 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is evident in the two clauses, where the act of adultery in the first clause is directly linked to the consequence of self-destruction in the second, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship. The phrase "lacketh understanding" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual and moral blindness; it's not a lack of intellectual capacity but a deficiency in wisdom and discernment, implying a failure to grasp the true nature of reality and the consequences of one's choices. This also functions as **Irony**, as one might assume an act of passion is driven by desire, but the text reveals it as an act of profound folly. The declaration that one "destroyeth his own soul" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive and devastating nature of the ruin, extending beyond mere physical or social consequences to the very core of one's being, though it also contains a literal truth about the profound damage inflicted. The entire verse functions as a **Warning**, a common didactic device in wisdom literature, designed to deter the reader from a destructive path by vividly portraying its dire outcomes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:32 profoundly articulates a core biblical truth: sin, particularly sexual sin, is not merely an external transgression but an internal corruption that fundamentally harms the perpetrator. This verse resonates with the broader theological understanding that true wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), and a departure from this wisdom leads to self-inflicted ruin. The "destruction of the soul" speaks to the comprehensive nature of sin's impact, affecting one's spiritual vitality, moral integrity, and relationship with God. It underscores God's design for human flourishing within the boundaries of His moral law, particularly concerning the sanctity of marriage as a divine covenant. The warning serves as a timeless reminder that actions have inherent consequences, and those who sow to the flesh will reap corruption ([Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")).

* [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-2 - Israel's Sin and Judgment") - Describes a land where there is no faithfulness or love, but only swearing, deception, murder, stealing, and adultery, leading to the land mourning.
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - God's Judgment on Unrighteousness") - Details how God gives people over to a debased mind when they suppress the truth, leading to all forms of unrighteousness, including sexual immorality, and knowing God's righteous decree, they still practice and approve of such things.
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Honor Marriage") - Declares that "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:32 serves as an enduring and urgent call to sexual purity and a profound warning against the deceptive allure of infidelity. In a contemporary society that often trivializes or even celebrates sexual promiscuity, this verse stands as a stark reminder of the devastating personal cost of such choices. It compels us to recognize that adultery is not merely a momentary lapse in judgment or a private affair, but an act of profound foolishness that inflicts comprehensive damage upon the individual's character, conscience, relationships, and spiritual well-being. Understanding that the ultimate victim of adultery is often the perpetrator themselves should instill a deep sense of caution and a commitment to guard our hearts and minds. It challenges us to embrace God's design for sexuality within the covenant of marriage, fostering integrity, self-control, and a pursuit of wisdom that leads to life and wholeness, rather than the path of self-destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might a "lack of understanding" manifest in choices regarding sexual purity today?**
* **How does the concept of "destroying one's own soul" challenge modern perspectives that often separate actions from their deeper, internal consequences?**
* **What practical steps can individuals take to "guard their hearts" against the temptations of sexual immorality in a culture that often normalizes it?**
* **How can understanding the severe consequences of adultery, as described in this verse, strengthen our commitment to honoring the sanctity of marriage?**
* **Beyond the individual, how does widespread adultery impact the fabric of families and communities, reflecting the "destruction" warned about here?**

### FAQ
**Does "destroyeth his own soul" mean eternal damnation?**
Answer: While the term "soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*) can sometimes refer to the eternal spirit, in Proverbs 6:32, it primarily signifies the whole person, their life, vitality, and very being. Therefore, "destroyeth his own soul" speaks to a comprehensive ruin that encompasses one's character, reputation, inner peace, physical health (through disease or violence), social standing, and spiritual well-being in this life. It implies a profound self-inflicted corruption and waste of one's potential and essence. While such actions certainly have eternal ramifications, the immediate emphasis in Proverbs is on the devastating consequences experienced within one's earthly life and relationships, reflecting a life lived contrary to God's wisdom, which ultimately leads to spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")).

**Why is adultery considered such a severe sin in Proverbs?**
Answer: Adultery is considered severe in Proverbs for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is a direct violation of God's explicit commandment ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")). Secondly, it breaks the sacred covenant of marriage, which is foundational to societal order and individual well-being in biblical thought. Thirdly, as Proverbs 6:32 highlights, it demonstrates a profound "lack of understanding" or wisdom, leading to self-destruction. The book of Proverbs consistently presents a binary choice between wisdom (leading to life) and folly (leading to death), and adultery is unequivocally placed in the category of folly due to its devastating consequences on reputation, finances, relationships, and ultimately, the "soul" of the perpetrator ([Proverbs 5:7-14](/proverbs/5-7 "Proverbs 5:7-14 - Consequences of Adultery")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:32, with its stark warning against the self-destructive nature of adultery, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law condemned the outward act, Jesus elevated the standard to the heart, declaring that even lustful thoughts constitute adultery in God's eyes ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Jesus on Adultery of the Heart")). This reveals that true "understanding" (or the "heart" in Hebrew thought) is not merely intellectual but moral and spiritual, aligning perfectly with Christ's emphasis on internal purity. The "destruction of his own soul" foreshadows the spiritual death that sin brings, which Jesus came to reverse. As the incarnate Wisdom of God ([1_Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), Christ offers the true understanding and discernment that enables one to flee from such destructive paths. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the destructive consequences of our sin, including sexual immorality, offering forgiveness and the power to overcome it ([1_Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")). He not only warns against self-destruction but provides the path to true life and wholeness, transforming the "soul" corrupted by sin into a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit")), enabling believers to live lives of purity that honor God and preserve their very being.

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 7:7

And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Proverbs 7:22

He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

Proverbs 7:23

Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

Romans 1:22

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:24

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Genesis 39:9

[There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?