Tyndale Open Study NotesProverbs 5

These instructions on loving one's wife and avoiding immoral women were originally for young men starting their careers (see also Proverbs 2:16–22; 7:1–27). This topic is also common in ancient Egyptian wisdom writings.

Following instructions helps you make good choices. This is especially important when dealing with a woman who behaves immorally.

The lips of an immoral woman may seem sweet and tempting, but they are actually bitter and dangerous. Sexual activity often starts with a kiss, and flattering words can lure someone in.

A relationship with an immoral woman leads to death, just like a relationship with the woman named Folly (see Proverbs 9:13–18).

An illicit relationship may seem tempting, but it eventually causes shame. If the woman is a prostitute, the young man will have to pay her, losing income. If the woman is another man's wife, he might have to pay her husband (see Leviticus 20:10).

People in the ancient Near East were familiar with some sexually transmitted diseases. Leviticus 15:1–15 likely describes gonorrhea. Other Mesopotamian texts mention “the disease of intercourse” and the “disease of Ishtar” (goddess of love), which show symptoms of venereal diseases.

To drink from one's own well (see also Song 4:12, 15) means to enjoy sexual relations within marriage. Instead of spending sexual energy on immoral women, a man should build a healthy sexual relationship with his wife. Sex should not be shared with strangers. This honors marriage (Genesis 2:22–25) and follows the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18).

fawn: Compare with Song of Solomon 4:5.

Even if a man hides an illicit relationship from his family and society, the Lord knows. Adultery is a sin against God (Genesis 39:8–9).

Habitual sins are like ropes that trap and hold people.

He dies: Young men must practice self-control, as acting on forbidden sexual desires can lead to death.