Proverbs 5:14
I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֭מְעַט
I was almost
H4592
כִּ֭מְעַט
I was almost
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
1 of 7
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
הָיִ֣יתִי
H1961
הָיִ֣יתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְכָל
H3605
בְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּת֖וֹךְ
in the midst
H8432
בְּת֖וֹךְ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
5 of 7
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
Historical Context
Achan's sin (Joshua 7), David's adultery (2 Samuel 12), Gehazi's greed (2 Kings 5) - all private sins became public scandals, bringing shame before the congregation. Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns that even private words can be revealed: 'A bird of the air shall carry the voice.' Jesus taught that hidden things will be revealed (Luke 8:17).
Questions for Reflection
- What private sins, if exposed, would bring public shame in your community?
- How does the potential for public exposure help you resist secret temptations?
- What steps toward confession and repentance could prevent feared public disgrace?
Analysis & Commentary
Nearly destroyed in the midst of the congregation. The Hebrew 'kimeat' (almost/nearly) and 'raah' (evil/ruin) describe barely avoided catastrophe. Public disgrace threatened - sin committed privately almost became public scandal. This verse warns that secret sins tend toward public exposure. The congregation/assembly witnessing the ruin adds social shame to personal destruction.