Proverbs 5:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation."

NIV: And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people."

NASB: I was almost in total ruin In the midst of the assembly and congregation.'

CSB: I am on the verge of complete ruin before the entire community."

NLT: I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.'

KJV: I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

NKJV: I was on the verge of total ruin, In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

This passage warns against the sin of adultery. Specifically, Solomon is explaining the deep regret and painful consequences which come from that sin (Proverbs 5:7–13). One of the consequences already mentioned is a loss of reputation and honor (Proverbs 5:9). It's curious that even in sex-saturated modern culture, which celebrates casual promiscuity, there is still stigma attached to adultery. "Cheating" in a marriage relationship brings reactions from society at large.

This statement may refer to the shame an adulterer experiences in the eyes of others —or the shame of an adulteress, since this concept applies equally to both sexes. Certainly, he has good reason to feel ashamed of himself and deserving of divine judgment when he enters the sanctuary. However, "the brink of utter ruin" may also mean he is about to be punished by his fellow Israelites for his adulterous behavior. According to Leviticus 20:10 capital punishment was to be imposed on those who committed adultery, and stoning was the usual means of punishment.

When a woman in Jesus' day was caught in the act of adultery, the scribes and Pharisees brought her to where Jesus was teaching and told Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" (John 8:4–5). Jesus responded by writing something on the ground, perhaps the sins of the accusers. He said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7). Upon hearing that, all the accusers left, and Jesus forgave the woman but told her to go and sin no more (John 8:9–11). There is no sin too great that grace cannot erase!

Solomon approaches the subject of adultery by describing a prototype seducer: a smooth talker who leads the victim down a dangerous road. Sin promises pleasure, but it is ultimately brief and destructive consequences are long lasting. The destructive consequences include a loss of strength, respect, money, and longevity. The person who disregards godly counsel about adultery experiences ruin and disgrace. Faithfulness in marriage brings a person exuberance and joy. No sin, including adultery, is hidden from God. Sin ensnares the adulterer and shows that he is foolish, undisciplined, and far from the Lord.

This chapter continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his children and / or students. Solomon warns about the temptation to succumb to adultery. He points out the calamities of yielding to sexual sin, and of violating one's marriage. This warning is similar the one given in Proverbs 1:8–10. After cautioning about the risks of adultery, he cites the joys and advantages of monogamous marriage.

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.