Proverbs 5:10
Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
Original Language Analysis
פֶּֽן
H6435
פֶּֽן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יִשְׂבְּע֣וּ
be filled
H7646
יִשְׂבְּע֣וּ
be filled
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
2 of 7
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
זָרִ֣ים
Lest strangers
H2114
זָרִ֣ים
Lest strangers
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
3 of 7
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
כֹּחֶ֑ךָ
with thy wealth
H3581
כֹּחֶ֑ךָ
with thy wealth
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
4 of 7
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
וַ֝עֲצָבֶ֗יךָ
and thy labours
H6089
וַ֝עֲצָבֶ֗יךָ
and thy labours
Strong's:
H6089
Word #:
5 of 7
an earthen vessel; usually (painful) toil; also a pang (whether of body or mind)
Cross References
Proverbs 31:3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.Proverbs 6:35He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.Hosea 7:9Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.
Historical Context
Ancient society's economic unit was the household/family. Adultery could result in divorce, loss of inheritance, payment of restitution. Everything earned through honest labor could be forfeited through moral failure. The stranger/foreigner benefiting adds insult to injury - those outside covenant community profit from covenant breaker's folly.
Questions for Reflection
- What economic or practical consequences might result from sexual immorality you're contemplating?
- How does considering the 'stranger' who benefits from your folly help resist temptation?
- What labor/wealth should you ensure benefits your household rather than outsiders?
Analysis & Commentary
Strangers will be filled with your wealth and your labors go to a foreigner's house. The economic consequences of adultery are severe - everything you work for enriches others. The Hebrew 'zur' (stranger/outsider) appears twice, emphasizing that what should benefit your household instead benefits those with no legitimate claim. Sexual sin has financial devastation, not just moral/relational costs.