Proverbs 5:6
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
Original Language Analysis
אֹ֣רַח
the path
H734
אֹ֣רַח
the path
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
1 of 8
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
חַ֭יִּים
of life
H2416
חַ֭יִּים
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תְּפַלֵּ֑ס
Lest thou shouldest ponder
H6424
תְּפַלֵּ֑ס
Lest thou shouldest ponder
Strong's:
H6424
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to roll flat, i.e., prepare (a road); also to revolve, i.e., weigh (mentally)
נָע֥וּ
are moveable
H5128
נָע֥וּ
are moveable
Strong's:
H5128
Word #:
5 of 8
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
מַ֝עְגְּלֹתֶ֗יהָ
her ways
H4570
מַ֝עְגְּלֹתֶ֗יהָ
her ways
Strong's:
H4570
Word #:
6 of 8
a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular)
Cross References
Proverbs 4:26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Psalms 119:59I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.Proverbs 30:20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
Historical Context
Proverbs 5-7's extended warning against adultery addressed a real threat in ancient Israel. Temple prostitution pervaded Canaanite religion, and Israel constantly battled sexual immorality both literal and spiritual (idolatry portrayed as adultery). The prophets used marriage metaphor extensively - Israel as Yahweh's unfaithful wife (Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel).
Questions for Reflection
- What sins in your life initially seemed sweet but produced bitterness?
- How can you look beyond immediate appeal to evaluate long-term consequences?
- What sensory or emotional attractions might be deceiving you currently?
Analysis & Commentary
The adulteress's lips drip honey and her mouth is smoother than oil - initial appeal that conceals danger. The Hebrew 'nopheth' (honeycomb) and 'shemen' (oil) describe sensory attractiveness. Sin's deception often involves genuine pleasure that blinds to consequences. What tastes sweet initially produces bitter results (v.4). This verse warns against trusting superficial appeal without examining long-term outcomes.