Proverbs Chapter 6 · Verse 27
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Original Language Analysis
אִ֓ישׁ
Can a man
H376
אִ֓ישׁ
Can a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Fire in ancient households required constant vigilance to prevent disaster. A single hot coal could destroy an entire dwelling, making this metaphor powerfully immediate to original hearers.
Questions for Reflection
- What sins do you treat as manageable that actually threaten to consume you?
- How does understanding consequences help you flee temptation more effectively?
Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical question exposes the self-destructive nature of sexual sin. Fire represents uncontrollable passion—taking it to one's bosom ensures injury. Sin's consequences are built into the moral fabric of reality; God's prohibitions protect us from harm, not arbitrarily restrict pleasure.