Chapter 5 is the Bible’s version of marriage counseling. The NIV Bible separates the chapters into sections to make for easier reading. Chapter 5 only contains one section, Warning Against Adultery. The author uses the word son when writing, but the principles not only to male readers. The Bible, in its entirety, consistently speaks about sexual purity applying to both genders.

The author begins the Proverb again asking us, the readers, to pay close attention to the wisdom he has. It warns us of the sweet talk of the adulteress, but if you give in to her; the path will lead straight to the grave.

“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”

Proverbs 5:3-5 NIV

Verse 7 is another plea to listen to the author when he tells you to not even go near the house of the adulteress. It reminds us that if we do stray from a righteous path, not only do we hurt God, but we will lose honor among other humans. As Christians, we know that everyone makes mistakes, but we have a forgiving God. Non-believers turn their noses up at adulterers because they do not believe they would do something that terrible. In reality, everybody is a sinner and susceptible to adulterous ways. We should always pray for someone who commits adultery so that their path may become straight.

“Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house,”

Proverbs 5:7-8 NIV

The chapter stresses how we will feel later in life if we fall for the adulteress now. We will groan at the end of our life. Our life will be shorter, our regret will run deeper, and we will have ruined relationships in every part of our life.

The author then goes on to tell us of the good things we could enjoy in life if we do not commit adultery. We are told to enjoy sex with our spouse and only our spouse. There will be no guilt or shame in our hearts. We will be blessed if we are loyal to them. He asks, “Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?” That is a verse to remember if we ever feel lust of the eyes.

“For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths. The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.”

Proverbs 5:21-23

Verses 21-23 sum it up better than I ever could. We always think no one is watching when we are sinning, but the Lord sees everything.