Proverbs 5:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol;

NIV: Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.

NASB: Her feet go down to death, Her steps take hold of Sheol.

CSB: Her feet go down to death; her steps head straight for Sheol.

NLT: Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.

KJV: Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

NKJV: Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell.

The book of Proverbs often warns against following ungodly examples because such acts lead to negative consequences (Proverbs 1:19; 4:14). This is very much true of those who tempt others into adultery. Solomon points out the symbolic seductress's impending judgment, saying her feet go down to death and her steps tread the path to Sheol. In blunt terms, those who tempt others to violate marriage are on a journey leading to hell.

Of course, despite the natural consequences of sin, even an adulteress—or adulterer, as the concepts apply equally to both sexes—can be saved from such a fate if she repents of her sin and trusts in the Lord to save her. The book of Judges identifies a prostitute named Rahab, who turned her back on her sinful lifestyle and put her faith in the God of Israel. Although the rest of the residents of Jericho, her city, perished, she was spared (Joshua 6). No one is so sinful that she or he lies beyond God's power to save.

The fact that Christ saves does not change the importance of this verse. Following the path of sin and sensuality means defying God and His will—that will never end well.

Proverbs 5:1–6 pleads with the son to heed his father Solomon's wise counsel in order to be discreet and to speak knowledgeably. He depicts the seductress—a person seeking to come between a married couple—as speaking sweetly but her words are full of deadly poison. She is headed for ruin, and she does not realize it. Of note is that Solomon does not describe the seducer physically, since temptation isn't limited to physical attraction. As with other warnings in this book, the reader is advised not to put themselves at risk of sharing in that same destruction.

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.