Guarding Your Heart: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Proverbs 5 — Avoiding Adultery

Executive Summary

Proverbs 5, “Guarding Your Heart: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Proverbs 5 — Avoiding Adultery”, serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of adultery and extramarital affairs. The chapter emphasizes the sweetness of wisdom versus the bitterness and eventual ruin that illicit relationships bring. It highlights the importance of fidelity within marriage, urging readers to find satisfaction and joy in their spouse. This passage underscores the devastating consequences of ignoring divine counsel and succumbing to temptation, both spiritually and physically. Through vivid imagery, it paints a picture of a life consumed by regret, shame, and ultimately, destruction. We will explore this important message through a Coptic Orthodox lens, drawing from scripture, Patristic wisdom, and practical application for the modern Christian.

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, especially Proverbs, provides practical guidance for navigating the complexities of life. Chapter 5 delivers a potent warning against adultery, presenting it not just as a moral failing, but as a path leading to spiritual and physical ruin. This commentary delves into the verses of Proverbs 5, drawing upon the rich theological tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church to illuminate its enduring relevance and offer pathways to spiritual protection and growth.

Commentary on Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5:1-2

Verse: Μιέ μου υιέ, πρόσεχε ταίς εμαίς βουλαίς, τοις δε εμοίς λόγοις πρόσχες τον σον ους· ίνα φυλάξης εννόημα, και γνώσονται τα χείλη σου γνώσιν. (Septuagint) My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may retain knowledge. (NKJV)

Verse: My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. (KJV)

Here, we see the familiar structure of Proverbs – the father imparting wisdom to his son. “My son” establishes a relational bond, emphasizing the care and concern driving the instruction. This is not merely abstract advice, but a personal plea. The call to “pay attention” (πρόσεχε) is not passive; it demands active engagement and receptivity. “Wisdom” (σοφία) is personified throughout Proverbs, often linked to God Himself. This initial invitation sets the stage for the specific warnings that follow. The purpose is “that you may preserve discretion (φύλαξης εννόημα).” Discretion, or insight, is the key to avoiding the pitfalls that lie ahead.

Spiritual Application: In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect seeking wisdom. We must actively seek it out through prayer, scripture, and the teachings of the Church. Like the son in Proverbs, we must listen attentively and apply that wisdom to our daily choices.

Proverbs 5:3-6

Verse: Από γαρ χειλέων γυναικός πόρνης αποστάζει κηρίον, ο δε λάρυγξ αυτής απαλώτερος ελαίου· τελευταια δε πικρότερον χολής ευρήσεις αυτήν, και οξύτερον μαχαίρας διστόμου· πόδες δε αυτής κατάγουσιν εις άδου, τοις δε βήμασιν αυτής συντρέχει θάνατος. ου γαρ εάν οδούς ζωής κατευθύνη, πλανώμενοι δε οι τρόποι αυτής ου καταγινώσκονται. (Septuagint) For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell. Lest you ponder her level path, Her ways are unstable; she does not know them. (NKJV)

Verse: For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. (KJV)

The imagery here is vivid and powerful. The “immoral woman” (γυναικός πόρνης) represents the temptation of adultery. Her words are described as “honey” (κηρίον) and “smoother than oil,” emphasizing their initial allure. This highlights the deceptive nature of sin; it rarely presents itself in its true, destructive form. However, this initial sweetness is a facade. The verse starkly contrasts this fleeting pleasure with the ultimate consequence: bitterness “as wormwood” and sharpness “as a two-edged sword.” The path she leads to descends to “death” and “hell.”

Patristic Insight: St. Anthony the Great warns us: “Always be prepared for the temptations of the devil, for he is always on the watch to deceive you.” (Αντώνιος ὁ Μέγας, Φιλοκαλία, Vol. 1). The devil uses alluring images to make us lose our way from God.

Historical/Urban Context: In ancient societies, where women held different social positions, the “strange woman” could also symbolize the disruption of social order caused by adultery, challenging the stability of families and inheritance lines.

Spiritual Application: We must be discerning, recognizing that what appears pleasurable may ultimately lead to destruction. This calls for constant vigilance and reliance on God’s grace to resist temptation. We have to understand the long term consequences of a short-term mistake.

Proverbs 5:7-14

Verse: Και νυν, τέκνον, άκουσόν μου και μη αποστήσεις τους λόγους μου· μάκρυνε σου την οδόν σου από αυτής, και μη εγγίσης εις τας θύρας του οίκου αυτής· μη δως δε άλλους το σέλας σου, και τον σον βίον ανηλεήμονι· μη πλησθώσιν οι ξένοι της σης ισχύος, οι δε σοι πόνοι εις οίκον αλλοτρίων έλθωσιν· και μεταμεληθήση επ’ εσχάτων, ότε αν καταναλωθώσιν αι σάρκες του σώματός σου, και ερείς· πως εμισησα παιδείαν, και από των ελέγχων απέστη η καρδία μου· ουκ ήκουσα φωνής παιδευτού μου, ουδέ τοις διδάσκουσί με προσέσχον το ους· παρά μικρόν εγενόμην εν παντί κακώ εν μέσω εκκλησίας και συναγωγής. (Septuagint) Therefore hear me now, my children, And do not depart from the words of my mouth. Remove your way far from her, And do not go near the door of her house, Lest you give your honor to others, And your years to the cruel one; Lest aliens be filled with your wealth, And your labors go to the house of a foreigner; And you mourn at last, When your flesh and your body are consumed, And say: “How I have hated instruction, And my heart despised correction! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, Nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! I was almost in utter ruin In the midst of the assembly and congregation.” (NKJV)

Verse: Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. (KJV)

This section intensifies the warning. The plea “hear me now, my children” emphasizes the urgency. It’s not enough to acknowledge the danger intellectually; one must actively “remove your way far from her.” This is a call to avoid all situations that could lead to temptation. The consequences of adultery are presented in stark terms: loss of “honor,” “wealth,” and ultimately, physical and emotional ruin. The lament in verses 12-14 speaks of regret and the recognition of having rejected sound counsel. The shame is palpable, felt even “in the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

Spiritual Application: Prevention is key. We must be proactive in avoiding situations that could lead to temptation. This might involve changing our environment, our friendships, or our habits. We must also cultivate a teachable spirit, being willing to receive correction and guidance from those who are wiser than ourselves. This is a lifetime commitment to protect our commitment to our spouse.

Proverbs 5:15-20

Verse: Πινε ύδατα από των σων αγγείων, και από των σων φρεάτων πηγής. μη υπερεκχεείσθω σου πηγαί έξω, κατά δε τας πλατείας σου διανεείσθωσάν σοι ύδατα. ιδιος σου έστω, και μηδείς αλλότριος μετ’ σου. η πηγή των υδάτων σου ευλογημένη έστω, και ευφραίνου εκ γυναικός νεότητος σου· ελαφος φιλίας και πώλος χαρίτων σου λαλείτω, και οι μαστοί αυτής μεθυσκέτωσάν σε εν παντί καιρώ, εν δε τη αυτή πάντοτε εξίστασο εν τη αυτή αγαπήσει. ίνα τι γαρ παρεπλανήθης, τέκνον, επί αλλοτρία, και εστέναξας επί ξένη; (Septuagint) Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And embrace the bosom of a seductress? (NKJV)

Verse: Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? (KJV)

This section offers a beautiful contrast, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment that can be found within marriage. The imagery shifts from the bitterness of adultery to the refreshing “water from your own cistern” and “running water from your own well.” This symbolizes the deep satisfaction and intimacy that a husband and wife can share. The wife is described as a “loving deer and a graceful doe,” highlighting her beauty and charm. The encouragement to “be enraptured always with her love” is a call to cultivate a passionate and joyful relationship within the bonds of marriage. The question “why should you be enraptured by an immoral woman?” underscores the foolishness of seeking pleasure outside of marriage when true fulfillment is available within. It reminds us to find joy in our spouse and to build a strong, loving foundation.

Spiritual Application: We need to actively cultivate love and intimacy within our marriages. This requires time, effort, and a willingness to prioritize our spouse. Finding joy and satisfaction in our relationship is the best defense against the temptation of adultery. Go on regular date nights and celebrate the love with which you were joined.

Proverbs 5:21-23

Verse: Ότι εναντίον Κυρίου οι τρόποι ανδρός, πάντας δε τους τροχούς αυτού ορά. αδικία αιχμαλωτίζει άνδρα παρανομούντα, ταίς δε σχοινίαις των ιδίων αμαρτημάτων εκάστου σφίγγεται. ούτος αποθνήσκει αμαθία, και πλήθει ιδίων απορρημάτων παρεπλανήθη. (Septuagint) For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, And He ponders all his paths. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. (NKJV)

Verse: For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. (KJV)

The chapter concludes with a sobering reminder of God’s omniscience and the inevitable consequences of sin. “The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord,” meaning nothing is hidden from God’s judgment. “His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin” illustrates how sin binds and eventually destroys. Adultery, like all sin, has natural consequences, but also spiritual consequences. To act as if God does not see or care is an act of profound foolishness, leading to destruction.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great said, “Sin is a voluntary madness.” (Βασίλειος ο Μέγας) This captures the self-destructive nature of sin; it’s a choice that leads to spiritual and ultimately physical death.

Spiritual Application: We must live with the awareness that God sees all that we do. This awareness should inspire us to live with integrity and to resist temptation. When we stumble, we must confess our sins and seek God’s forgiveness, trusting in His mercy and grace to restore us. When we look for services, check out Dohost.us!

Key Reflections on Fidelity and Marriage

Proverbs 5 offers a timeless perspective on the sanctity of marriage and the dangers of infidelity. Here are some key reflections:

• ✨The Deceptive Allure of Sin: Adultery often presents itself as attractive and pleasurable, masking its destructive consequences.
• 💡The Importance of Discernment: We must cultivate wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist temptation.
• 📖The Joy of Marital Intimacy: True fulfillment and joy are found within the bonds of marriage.
• 📜The Consequences of Disobedience: Sin has both immediate and long-term consequences, leading to ruin and regret.
• 🕊️God’s Omniscience: We must live with the awareness that God sees all that we do and will hold us accountable.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Proverbs 5 and its relevance to modern life:

• Q: How does Proverbs 5 relate to the teachings of the New Testament?

  A: While Proverbs 5 focuses on the practical wisdom of avoiding adultery, the New Testament elevates the standard, emphasizing purity of heart and mind (Matthew 5:28). Both testaments underscore the importance of fidelity and the sanctity of marriage.

• Q: What are some practical steps I can take to protect my marriage from infidelity?

  A: Prioritize your relationship with your spouse, cultivate intimacy, communicate openly, avoid compromising situations, and seek support from your church community. Consistent prayer and reliance on God’s grace are essential.

• Q: How can I help a friend who is struggling with temptation to commit adultery?

  A: Offer support and encouragement, listen without judgment, pray for them, and gently encourage them to seek professional counseling or spiritual guidance. Avoid enabling behavior and be willing to speak the truth in love.

• Q: What does the Coptic Orthodox Church teach about forgiveness and reconciliation after adultery?

  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church believes in forgiveness and reconciliation through repentance and confession. While adultery is a grave sin, God’s grace is sufficient for healing and restoration. The process involves seeking forgiveness from God, confessing to a priest, and committing to rebuild trust with the injured spouse.

Conclusion

Proverbs 5, “Guarding Your Heart: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Proverbs 5 — Avoiding Adultery”, provides a potent and timeless warning against the allure and devastation of adultery. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom, discernment, and a deep commitment to the sanctity of marriage. By finding satisfaction and joy within the bonds of matrimony, avoiding compromising situations, and seeking God’s guidance, we can protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of infidelity. Let us heed the wisdom of Proverbs 5, living with integrity, faithfulness, and a constant awareness of God’s presence in our lives. By guarding our hearts and honoring our commitments, we can experience the true blessings of a loving and faithful marriage and avoid the path of ruin.

Tags

Adultery, Fidelity, Marriage, Coptic Orthodox, Proverbs 5, Wisdom, Temptation, Sin, Forgiveness, Repentance

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Explore Proverbs 5 with Coptic Orthodox insights, warning against adultery and emphasizing the joy of marital fidelity. Protect your marriage and seek wisdom! “Guarding Your Heart: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Proverbs 5 — Avoiding Adultery”