Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Proverbs Ch.5 / 31 Ch.s
PR:5
* Exhortations to wisdom. The evils of licentiousness. (1-14)
Remedies against licentiousness, The miserable end of the
wicked. (15-23)
#1-14 Solomon cautions all young men, as his children, to
abstain from fleshly lusts. Some, by the adulterous woman, here
understand idolatry, false doctrine, which tends to lead astray
men's minds and manners; but the direct view is to warn against
seventh-commandment sins. Often these have been, and still are,
Satan's method of drawing men from the worship of God into false
religion. Consider how fatal the consequences; how bitter the
fruit! Take it any way, it wounds. It leads to the torments of
hell. The direct tendency of this sin is to the destruction of
body and soul. We must carefully avoid every thing which may be
a step towards it. Those who would be kept from harm, must keep
out of harm's way. If we thrust ourselves into temptation we
mock God when we pray, Lead us not into temptation. How many
mischiefs attend this sin! It blasts the reputation; it wastes
time; it ruins the estate; it is destructive to health; it will
fill the mind with horror. Though thou art merry now, yet sooner
or later it will bring sorrow. The convinced sinner reproaches
himself, and makes no excuse for his folly. By the frequent acts
of sin, the habits of it become rooted and confirmed. By a
miracle of mercy true repentance may prevent the dreadful
consequences of such sins; but this is not often; far more die
as they have lived. What can express the case of the self-ruined
sinner in the eternal world, enduring the remorse of his
conscience!
#15-23 Lawful marriage is a means God has appointed to keep from
these destructive vices. But we are not properly united, except
as we attend to God's word, seeking his direction and blessing,
and acting with affection. Ever remember, that though secret
sins may escape the eyes of our fellow-creatures, yet a man's
ways are before the eyes of the Lord, who not only sees, but
ponders all his goings. Those who are so foolish as to choose
the way of sin, are justly left of God to themselves, to go on
in the way to destruction.