Proverbs 5:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?

NIV: Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

NASB: For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress, And embrace the breasts of a foreigner?

CSB: Why, my son, would you lose yourself with a forbidden woman or embrace a wayward woman?

NLT: Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

KJV: And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

NKJV: For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And be embraced in the arms of a seductress?

The last few verses pointed out the satisfaction and pleasure a man is offered with his own wife. This passage has also explained a number of painful consequences associated with adultery, in contrast to the joyful benefits of faithfulness in marriage. Given all of that, why would someone choose to give over control of their sexuality to a forbidden woman?

When a person is intoxicated with alcohol, he is under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, when a person is intoxicated with a forbidden woman—or a man, in the case of a woman being tempted—he is under the influence or control of that woman.

Sadly, Solomon's life didn't adhere to this very advice. During his lifetime "he loved many foreign women…from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, 'You shall not enter into marriage with them… they will turn away your heart after their gods.'" (1 Kings 11:1–2). First Kings 11:3 reports that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and "his wives turned away his heart." In his mind Solomon knew he was doing wrong, but he ignored both his mind and convictions, and instead gave in to his impulses, which led him away from the Lord. His advice here is sound—and the consequences he suffered for turning away from it make that even clearer.

Proverbs 5:15–23 follows sections warning about the temptations and consequences of adultery. In this closing section of Proverbs 5, Solomon advises each of his sons to stay faithful to his wife in a monogamous relationship and to enjoy the blessings of marriage. He points out that the Lord knows all about each person's conduct.

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.