Proverbs 5:11
And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
Original Language Analysis
בְאַחֲרִיתֶ֑ךָ
at the last
H319
בְאַחֲרִיתֶ֑ךָ
at the last
Strong's:
H319
Word #:
2 of 5
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
בִּכְל֥וֹת
are consumed
H3615
בִּכְל֥וֹת
are consumed
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
3 of 5
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
Cross References
Romans 6:21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.Numbers 5:27And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.
Historical Context
Ecclesiastes explores this theme extensively - pleasure pursued as ultimate good leaves emptiness and regret. The rich fool in Jesus' parable (Luke 12:16-21) faced similar reckoning - life demanded, nothing to show. Throughout Scripture, death crystallizes life's real priorities, revealing whether we invested in eternal or temporal goods.
Questions for Reflection
- What choices are you making now that your future self might deeply regret?
- How can contemplating your deathbed perspective inform present decisions?
- What changes would eliminate potential end-of-life mourning over wasted opportunities?
Analysis & Commentary
At life's end, you'll mourn when your flesh and body are consumed. The Hebrew 'naham' (groan/lament) describes anguished regret. The consumption of flesh/body likely indicates disease (STDs were known in ancient world) or simply aging's regrets. What seemed pleasurable in youth produces groaning in old age. Deathbed regrets can't undo life's foolish choices. This verse warns: consider end from beginning; don't live for present pleasure if it produces future anguish.