Proverbs 6:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.

NIV: But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.

NASB: One who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; He who would destroy himself commits it.

CSB: The one who commits adultery lacks sense; whoever does so destroys himself.

NLT: But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself.

KJV: But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

NKJV: Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul.

Scripture doesn't merely indicate that adultery is a sin (Exodus 20:14), or that it risks terrible consequences (Proverbs 6:27–31). The Bible also points out that adultery is foolish. In the context of Proverbs, "foolish" means something lacking in good sense, morality, wisdom, and so forth. In modern English, we might say "it's a stupid thing to do." Biblical foolishness, however, doesn't involve intelligence. Some very smart people are nevertheless extremely foolish; many are caught in adultery. In the grip of lust and temptation, those committing adultery often don't consider how destructive it is. Or, they know the risks but think pleasure is worth that gamble.

Solomon's own father, David, experienced not only spiritual anguish but also extreme physical distress because of his adultery. His case showed how one act of sin can lead to even more (2 Samuel 11). The so-called pleasure of adultery lasts only for a moment, but it leads to a lifetime of grief and painful consequences. Most adulterers wish they could turn back the hands of time and choose to refuse temptation.

Not only does adultery bring dire consequences to one's earthly life, it disrupts one's relationship with God. Isaiah told the people of Israel that this was a consequence of their idolatry: "Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God" (Isaiah 59:2). Because of their sins, the Lord refused to hear their prayers. He said, "When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen" (Isaiah 1:15).

This chapter provides teaching on two aspects of wealth management. The first is avoiding putting one's property in debt for the sake of some other person's risky investment. The other warns against laziness, indicating that it puts a person at risk for sudden ruin. Solomon then poetically explains attitudes and actions which God finds especially repulsive. Next, Solomon returns to the subject of adultery. He reiterates the inherent risks of sexual immorality, including the catastrophic consequences which it brings. That lesson continues into the following chapter.

This chapter of Proverbs continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his son. In chapter 5 he addresses adultery and marriage. In this chapter he addresses financial matters, work ethics, characteristics and conduct the Lord despises, and sexual immorality. A common theme of these lessons is to avoid the natural consequences of foolish choices. The next chapter describes the adulteress's ways and the pitfalls involved in committing adultery with her.

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.