Proverbs 5:20

Context

Proverbs 5:20 is part of a larger section (Proverbs 5:1-23) where a father passionately warns his son against the dangers of sexual immorality, specifically adultery and the "strange woman." The book of Proverbs is wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life according to God's principles. This particular chapter contrasts the fleeting pleasure of illicit relationships with the lasting joy and security found in marital fidelity and wisdom. Verse 20 serves as a direct, rhetorical question, challenging the son's potential folly in pursuing such destructive paths, building upon the earlier warnings about the strange woman's deceitful charms and the bitter end of her ways.

Key Themes

• Warning Against Adultery: The verse is a stark caution against sexual sin, specifically involving an "adulteress" or "prostitute," symbolized by the "strange woman" and "stranger."
• The Nature of Temptation: The word "ravished" implies being overwhelmed or deluded by allure, highlighting how temptation can intoxicate and lead one astray from sound judgment.
• Consequences of Folly: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the rhetorical question implies the severe negative outcomes detailed throughout Proverbs for those who succumb to such temptations, including ruin, regret, and loss of reputation (Proverbs 6:27-29).
• Call to Wisdom and Prudence: The father's question is an appeal to the son's reason, urging him to choose the path of wisdom and self-control over fleeting lusts.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses evocative language to convey its message:

• "Strange woman" / "Stranger": The Hebrew terms used (zarah or nokriyah) refer not merely to a foreigner but, in this context, to someone outside one's covenant or marital relationship; specifically, an adulteress or a prostitute. It emphasizes her 'otherness' and the danger she poses to the established order and covenant.
• "Ravished" (Hebrew: shagah): This word means to reel, stray, or be intoxicated. It paints a picture of being utterly captivated or deluded by the woman's charms, leading to a moral error or wandering from the right path. It suggests a loss of self-control and discernment.
• "Embrace the bosom of a stranger": This is a clear euphemism for engaging in intimate sexual relations outside the bounds of marriage, reinforcing the illicit and forbidden nature of the act.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:20 remains profoundly relevant in contemporary society:

• Timeless Warning: The dangers of sexual immorality and infidelity are as real today as they were in ancient Israel. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of illicit relationships.
• Guarding the Heart and Mind: It emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-control and guarding one's heart against temptations that can lead to moral compromise. This includes being mindful of media, relationships, and environments that might entice one towards sin.
• Valuing Fidelity: By warning against the "stranger," the verse implicitly upholds the sanctity of marriage and the value of fidelity within that covenant (Hebrews 13:4). It encourages devotion to one's spouse and the protection of marital intimacy.
• Choosing Wisdom Over Folly: The rhetorical question challenges individuals to consider the long-term consequences of their choices, urging them to choose wisdom and righteousness over fleeting pleasures that lead to ruin. It encourages fleeing from sexual immorality, as advised in 1 Corinthians 6:18.