The
lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil, But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
Proverbs 5:3-4
Proverbs 5 [1.] My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
Turn your ear to my understanding:
that you may maintain discretion,
that your lips may preserve knowledge.
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey.
Her mouth is smoother than oil,
But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,
and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
Proverbs 5 [5.] Her feet go down to death.
Her steps lead straight to Sheol.
She gives no thought to the way of life.
Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it.
Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.
Don’t depart from the words of my mouth.
Remove your way far from her.
Don’t come near the door of her house,
lest you give your honor to others,
and your years to the cruel one;
Proverbs 5 [10.] lest strangers feast on your wealth,
and your labors enrich another man’s house.
Meaning:
In these verses, we encounter imagery that captures the allure of temptation: "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil" (Proverbs 5:3). The language used here is striking—honey symbolizes sweetness and pleasure, while smooth oil signifies ease and charm. This description highlights the deceptive nature of temptation, which often presents itself as appealing and desirable, drawing us in with promises of immediate gratification and satisfaction.
However, the allure of temptation is fleeting and deceptive, as the following verse warns: "But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword" (Proverbs 5:4). Wormwood, a bitter herb, symbolizes the bitterness and regret that accompany the pursuit of sinful desires. Just as a two-edged sword cuts both ways, so too does yielding to temptation result in harm not only to ourselves but also to those around us.
These verses carry profound significance for our lives today, serving as a timeless warning against the dangers of succumbing to temptation. They remind us that while temptation may promise pleasure and satisfaction in the moment, its ultimate outcome is bitterness, regret, and pain. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, we are constantly faced with choices—choices that can either lead us closer to God or draw us away from Him.
In the face of temptation, it is crucial that we arm ourselves with wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 5:7-8 exhorts us: "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don’t depart from the words of my mouth. Remove your way far from her. Don’t come near the door of her house". Here, we are urged to listen to the wisdom of those who have gone before us and to actively avoid situations and influences that may lead us astray.
Furthermore, these verses underscore the importance of accountability and community in our journey of faith. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up". By surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who can support and encourage us, we are better equipped to resist temptation and remain steadfast in our faith.
Ultimately, the message of Proverbs 5:3-4 is one of caution and wisdom. It calls us to be vigilant and discerning in our choices, recognizing the deceptive nature of temptation and its potential to lead us away from God. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we cling to the truth of God's word and the guidance of His Spirit, seeking to honor Him in all that we do.
In conclusion, Proverbs 5:3-4 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of temptation and the importance of exercising wisdom and discernment in our lives. May we heed its warning, drawing near to God and seeking His guidance as we navigate the challenges of daily life.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible