Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
A warning against the seductive arts of wicked women, enforced by considering the advantages of chastity, and the miserable end of the wicked. (Pro. 5:1-23)
This connection of wisdom and understanding is frequent (Pro 2:2; Pro 3:7); the first denotes the use of wise means for wise ends; the other, the exercise of a proper discrimination in their discovery.
her end — literally, "her future," in sense of reward, what follows (compare Psa 37:37; Psa 73:17). Its nature is evinced by the use of figures, opposite those of Pro 5:3. The physical and moral suffering of the deluded profligate are notoriously terrible.
her ways . . . know — Some prefer, "that she may not ponder the path of life," &c.; but perhaps a better sense is, "her ways are varied, so as to prevent your knowledge of her true character, and so of true happiness."
wealth — literally, "strength," or the result of it.
labours — the fruit of thy painful exertions (Psa 127:2). There may be a reference to slavery, a commuted punishment for death due the adulterer (Deu 22:22).
By figures, in which well, cistern, and fountain [Pro 5:15, Pro 5:18] represent the wife, and rivers of waters [Pro 5:16] the children, men are exhorted to constancy and satisfaction in lawful conjugal enjoyments. In Pro 5:16, fountains (in the plural) rather denote the produce or waters of a spring, literally, "what is from a spring," and corresponds with "rivers of waters."
The Linked Word Project
Proverbs 5
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
Introduction to chapter 5
A warning against the seductive arts of wicked women, enforced by considering the advantages of chastity, and the miserable end of the wicked. (Pro. 5:1-23)
This connection of wisdom and understanding is frequent (Pro 2:2; Pro 3:7); the first denotes the use of wise means for wise ends; the other, the exercise of a proper discrimination in their discovery.
Proverbs 5:2
regard — or, "observe."
keep — preserve constantly.
Proverbs 5:3
(Compare Pro 2:16). Her enticing promises are deceitful.
Proverbs 5:4
her end — literally, "her future," in sense of reward, what follows (compare Psa 37:37; Psa 73:17). Its nature is evinced by the use of figures, opposite those of Pro 5:3. The physical and moral suffering of the deluded profligate are notoriously terrible.
Proverbs 5:5
feet . . . , steps — that is, course of life ends in death.
Proverbs 5:6
her ways . . . know — Some prefer, "that she may not ponder the path of life," &c.; but perhaps a better sense is, "her ways are varied, so as to prevent your knowledge of her true character, and so of true happiness."
Proverbs 5:8
Avoid the slightest temptation.
Proverbs 5:9
thine honour — in whatever consisting, strength (Pro 3:13) or wealth.
thy years — by cutting them off in dissipation.
unto the cruel — for such the sensual are apt to become.
Proverbs 5:10
wealth — literally, "strength," or the result of it.
labours — the fruit of thy painful exertions (Psa 127:2). There may be a reference to slavery, a commuted punishment for death due the adulterer (Deu 22:22).
Proverbs 5:11
at the last — the end, or reward (compare Pro 5:4).
mourn — roar in pain.
flesh and . . . body — the whole person under incurable disease.
Proverbs 5:12
The ruined sinner vainly laments his neglect of warning and his sad fate in being brought to public disgrace.
Proverbs 5:14
evil — for affliction, as in Gen 19:20; Gen 49:15.
Proverbs 5:15
By figures, in which well, cistern, and fountain [Pro 5:15, Pro 5:18] represent the wife, and rivers of waters [Pro 5:16] the children, men are exhorted to constancy and satisfaction in lawful conjugal enjoyments. In Pro 5:16, fountains (in the plural) rather denote the produce or waters of a spring, literally, "what is from a spring," and corresponds with "rivers of waters."
Proverbs 5:17
only thine own — harlots' children have no known father.
Proverbs 5:18
wife . . . youth — married in youth.
Proverbs 5:19
loving . . . roe — other figures for a wife from the well-known beauty of these animals.
breasts — (Compare Sol 1:13; Eze 23:3, Eze 23:8).
ravished — literally, "intoxicated," that is, fully satisfied.
Proverbs 5:21
The reason, God's eye is on you,
Proverbs 5:22
and He will cause sin to bring its punishment.
Proverbs 5:23
without instruction — literally, "in want of instruction," having refused it (compare Job 13:18; Heb 11:24).
go astray — literally, "be drunken." The word "ravished" (Pro 5:19) here denotes fulness of punishment.
Public domain text from the HelloAO Free Use Bible API. Bible references link to the King James text.