Proverbs 5:3–4: For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Insight
We’ve met “the strange woman” before (2:16; NIV, “adulteress”) and she’ll be mentioned again (5:20; 6:24; 7:5; 20:16; 22:14; 23:27; 27:13). The word translated “strange” basically means “not related to.” The “strange woman” is one to whom the man is not related by marriage, and therefore any sexual liaison with her is evil. The beginning of this sinful alliance may be exciting and sweet, because the kisses and words from her lips drip like honey (7:13–20), but in the end, the “sweetness” turns to bitterness and the honey becomes poison (5:4). 1
Application
Being passionate about Christ-likeness is a worthwhile passion. But being passionate about carnal pursuits is a deadly passion. Are you drinking from the wells of living water, or are you drinking from a poisonous well?
Motivation
But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28
There is never enough of the world to satisfy a thirsty soul. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, teach me to love You more, especially during times of great temptations.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Skillful (pp. 48–49). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
