Proverbs 5:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.

NIV: Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.

NASB: Let them be yours alone, And not for strangers with you.

CSB: They should be for you alone and not for you to share with strangers.

NLT: You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.

KJV: Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

NKJV: Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you.

The prior verse used the imagery of springs and water. That might have continued the metaphor of sexuality as water: something to be managed carefully and enjoyed when it comes from the proper source. Alternatively, it might have implied the risks of unintended pregnancy brought on by adultery. In that vein, this warning is Solomon's plea to let one's children be for them alone, and not for strangers.

In Old Testament times children would help their father defend against marauders and those who filed a false claim against him. Children were a rich heritage. If a man and woman adhere to a monogamous marriage, no one will question whether the children are legitimately his. This is one reason why virginity was such a crucial concept in ancient culture—it was among the only sure ways to know that the child was legitimate, and not the result of an adulterous relationship.

Psalm 127 describes the beautiful relationship between parents and their children. The children are a heritage from the Lord and his reward (Psalm 127:3). They are like arrows in the hand of a warrior (Psalm 127:4). Further, they defend their father's honor when he speaks with his enemies in the gate—the place of conducting business and settling disputes (Psalm 127:5). Scripture does not require parenthood for all people, but it does describe children as a blessing.

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.