Bridges on Proverbs 5:1-14
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 5:1-14
 
 1-14 
 15-19 
 20-23 
 

1.  ¶ My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: 2.  That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. 3.  For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: {mouth: Heb. palate} 4.  But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5.  Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. 6.  Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. 7.  Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. 8.  Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: 9.  Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: 10.  Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; {thy wealth: Heb. thy strength} 11.  And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, 12.  And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; 13.  And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! 14.  I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
 
PONDER this chapter — ye that know not the poison and corruption of fleshly lusts. Perhaps painful experience (1 Kings 11:1-8. Ecclesiastes 7:26) had given the wise man wisdom and understanding. Therefore attend to it with fear and trembling. Man's own strength, the restraint of education or self-discipline, is powerless, as the green withs to bind the giant. (Judges 16:9.) Engrafted wisdom is the only effectual safeguard. This heavenly influence teaches us, both to regard discretion for the covering of our souls, and to keep knowledge for the warning of our fellow-sinners. (Chapter 2:10-11, 16; 6:20, 24; 7:1-5. Psalm 17:4; 119:9, 11.)
The extreme plausibility of the temptation calls our attention. The deluded victim only tastes, or expects to taste, the honeycomb: only hears the wily smoothness of the charmer's voice. (Chapter 2:16; 6:24; 7:21.) But never is the beginning so sweet as the end is bitter. God shows the wormwood — the two-edged sword (Compare Psalm 55:21) — her path of death — every step taking hold of hell, as if invading it with a high hand; grasping it as her home. One feature of the tempter's wiliness is most remarkable. She winds herself in a thousand moveable ways, to meet the varying humours and circumstances (Chapter 7:21); she works upon every weakness; seizes every unguarded moment — all with one deeply-hidden object — lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life. The checks of conscience must be diverted. No time must be given for reflection. The intrusion of one serious thought might break the spell, and open the way of escape. (See Psalm 119:59. Ezekiel 18:28. Luke 15:17.)
Can we wonder then at parental earnestness, forcing back the children playing on the brink of a precipice? Hear now, O ye children! We mean no austere restraint upon youthful pleasures. Only avoid the tempter's touch, her word, even her look. Remove thy way far from her. Not only go not in to her; but — such is the contagion — come not near the door. (Compare chapter 4:14, 15; 6:27, 28.) To thrust ourselves into temptation, is to throw ourselves out of God's protection. The snare as it approaches becomes more enticing. The voice of wisdom therefore is — “Flee youthful lusts.” (2 Timothy 2:22.)
The loss of honour (Chapter 6:32, 33. Genesis 38:23-26), taking the crown from the victim's head (2 Samuel 12:11; 15:30. Nehemiah 13:26); years given to the cruel mockers of his misery (Chapter 6:26, 35; 29:3. Job 31:12. Hosea 7:9. Luke 15:13, 30. Compare Ecclus. 5:6); servitude in a stranger's house (Luke 15:15, 16): consumption, slowly bringing the body to the grave (1 Corinthians 6:18) — such is the bitter fruit of the neglected warning. Add to this the voice of conscience at the last; telling of slighted privileges, stifled convictions, abused knowledge. And will not this be the sting of thousands instructed in our schools, or the children of godly parents, now despising the reproofs of God, and the voice of their teachers; proclaiming their shame openly; perhaps making Christian assemblies the scenes of almost all evil? (Numbers 25:6, 7. Ezekiel 8:5-16.)
Such is the picture of sin. Its “pleasure is but for a season;” “its wages death eternal.” (Hebrews 11:25. Romans 6:23.) Every sin unrepented here will bring its perpetual torment in eternity. Impenitence does not put away its sorrow. It only delays it to mourn at the last, when mercy shall have fled away for ever (Chapter 1:24-31), and nothing will remain, but the piercing cry of the accusing conscience — “Son! remember.” (Luke 16:25.) There are no infidels in eternity, and but few on a death-bed. Sinner! the path of life is now open to thee. Ponder it anxiously, prayerfully. The light of the word, and the teaching of the Spirit, guide thee to it.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Kings 11:1-8
1 ¶ Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, {1} together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites; {1) Or besides} 2 of the nations concerning which Jehovah said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you; for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and went not fully after Jehovah, as did David his father. 7 Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, in the mount that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8 And so did he for all his foreign wives, who burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
 
Ecclesiastes 7:26
26 And I find more bitter than death the woman {1} whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. {1) Or who is a snare, and her heart is as nets}
 
 
Judges 16:9
9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known. {toucheth: Heb. smelleth}
 
 
Proverbs 2:10, 11, 16
10 ¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
 
Proverbs 6:20, 24
20 ¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. {of the...: or, of the strange tongue}
 
Proverbs 7:1-5
1 ¶ My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. 2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. 3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. 4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: 5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
 
Psalm 17:4
4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
 
Psalm 119:9, 11
9 ¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 11 ¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee
 
 
Proverbs 2:16
16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
 
Proverbs 6:24
24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. {of the...: or, of the strange tongue}
 
Proverbs 7:21
21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
 
 
Psalm 55:21
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
 
 
Footnote:
Schultens in loco. Proverbs 1:18; 7:17; 9:18. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. Revelation 21:8.
 

 
Proverbs 1:18
18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
 
Proverbs 7:17
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
 
Proverbs 9:18
18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
 
1 Corinthians 6:9, 10
9 ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
 
Revelation 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
 
 
Proverbs 7:21
21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
 
 
Psalm 119:59
59 ¶ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
 
Ezekiel 18:28
28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
 
Luke 15:17
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
 
 
Proverbs 4:14, 15
14 ¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
 
Proverbs 6:27, 28
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
 
 
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
 
 
Proverbs 6:32, 33
32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. {understanding: Heb. heart} 33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
 
Genesis 38:23-26
23 And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. {be shamed: Heb. become a contempt} 24 ¶ And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. 25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. 26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
 
 
2 Samuel 12:11
11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
 
2 Samuel 15:30
30 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. {and wept...: Heb. going up and weeping}
 
Nehemiah 13:26
26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
 
 
Proverbs 6:26, 35
26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. {the adulteress: Heb. the woman of a man, or, a man's wife} 35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. {He will...: Heb. He will not accept the face of any ransom}
Proverbs 29:3
3 ¶ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
 
Job 31:12
12 For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.
 
Hosea 7:9
9 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. {here...: Heb. sprinkled}
 
Luke 15:13, 30
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
 
Ecclesiasticus 5:6
6 And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation resteth upon sinners.
 
 
Luke 15:15, 16
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
 
 
1 Corinthians 6:18
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
 
 
Numbers 25:6, 7
6 ¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;
 
Ezekiel 8:5-16
5 Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry. 6 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations. 7 ¶ And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall. 8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door. 9 And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here. 10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about. 11 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. 12 Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth. 13 ¶ He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. 14 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD'S house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. 15 Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. 16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.
 
 
Hebrews 11:25
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
 
Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
 
Proverbs 1:24-31
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
 
 
Luke 16:25
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.