Proverbs 23:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well.

NIV: for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

NASB: For a prostitute is a deep pit, And a strange woman is a narrow well.

CSB: For a prostitute is a deep pit, and a wayward woman is a narrow well;

NLT: A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.

KJV: For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

NKJV: For a harlot is a deep pit, And a seductress is a narrow well.

In the prior verse, the reader was encouraged to keep their eyes on a godly example. This verse trades on that metaphor. Sexual sin often starts with the eyes (Matthew 5:28). Failing to care for where one looks can be as dangerous as being careless about where one steps. The imagery here parallels other proverbs which speak of sinful temptations as traps (Proverbs 5:22; 7:22–23; 22:14; 28:10). Even in the modern world, narrow voids are dangerous because they so easily catch persons off guard. To trip over a divot is risky enough; to fall into a deep cavity can be fatal.

The Hebrew phrasing of this verse implies the entire category of sexual temptation. The two examples represent what modern persons might distinguish as "fornication" and "adultery." The "prostitute" summarizes those who deliberately tempt others for money, or sport. The "adulteress" represents those who betray others in their sin. Whether the tempter is married or unmarried, both offer something spiritually deadly. Similarly, the literal phrasing refers to women tempting men; the principle applies to any person regardless of gender. Sexual sin violates God's design for intimacy. It also brings tremendous risks, both physically and socially (Proverbs 6:27–35).

Proverbs 23:26–35 contains a portion of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). In verse 26, he again pleads for his words to be heard. The warnings given here are more extensive than most others in this book. The first sounds an alarm about sexual temptation, comparing it to a trap or an ambush. The second goes to great lengths discouraging drunkenness, because of its effects and the danger of addiction.

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.