Proverbs 5
Lutheran reading notes
In Proverbs chapter 5, the wisdom literature continues to explore wisdom for righteous living and reverence for God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
My son, attend unto my wisdom, {and} bow thine ear to my understanding:
Proverbs 5:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
That thou mayest regard discretion, and {that} thy lips may keep knowledge.
Proverbs 5:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
For the lips of a strange woman drop {as} an honeycomb, and her mouth {is} smoother than oil: {mouth: Heb. palate}
Proverbs 5:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
Proverbs 5:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
Proverbs 5:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, {that} thou canst not know {them}.
Proverbs 5:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 5:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
Proverbs 5:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
Proverbs 5:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours {be} in the house of a stranger; {thy wealth: Heb. thy strength}
Proverbs 5:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
Proverbs 5:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
Proverbs 5:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
Proverbs 5:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
Proverbs 5:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
Proverbs 5:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, {and} rivers of waters in the streets.
Proverbs 5:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
Proverbs 5:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Proverbs 5:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
{Let her be as} the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. {satisfy...: Heb. water thee} {be thou...: Heb. err thou always in her love}
Proverbs 5:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
Proverbs 5:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
For the ways of man {are} before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
Proverbs 5:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. {sins: Heb. sin}
Proverbs 5:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Proverbs 5:23 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.