Keraia
Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5:17

Avoiding Immorality · Proverbs 5:1–23
Read Proverbs 5

Translations

Modern
Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.
Traditional
Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
Literal
Let them be for you, yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.
Latin
Habeto eas solus, nec sint alieni participes tui.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.

Notes

Proverbs 5:15–18

To drink from one's own well (see also Song 4:12, 15) means to enjoy sexual relations within marriage. Instead of spending sexual energy on immoral women, a man should build a healthy sexual relationship with his wife. Sex should not be shared with strangers. This honors marriage (Genesis 2:22–25) and follows the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18).

Proverbs 5:1–23

These instructions on loving one's wife and avoiding immoral women were originally for young men starting their careers (see also Proverbs 2:16–22; 7:1–27). This topic is also common in ancient Egyptian wisdom writings.

Theme notes and profiles

Marriage and Sexuality

Parallels

Leviticus 20:10–21 1 Corinthians 5:1–8

Glossary

Discipline Prostitute, Prostitution Proverbs, Book of

Topics

Adultery: General Scriptures Concerning Chastity: General Scriptures Concerning Harlot (Prostitute): To be Shunned Husband: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Women: Wicked: Full of Deceit and Licentiousness Young Men: General Scriptures Concerning