Warning against Adultery

20 My son, observe thy father's commandment, and forsake not the teaching of thy mother; 21 bind them continually upon thy heart, tie them about thy neck: 22 when thou walkest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: 24 to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Lust not after her beauty in thy heart, neither let her take thee with her eyelids; 26 for by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a loaf of bread, and another's wife doth hunt for the precious soul. 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his garments not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be scorched? 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife: whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. 30 They do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry: 31 and if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. 32 Whoso committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 33 A wound and contempt shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the rage of a man, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance; 35 he will not regard any ransom, neither will he rest content though thou multipliest [thy] gifts.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20-35

Commentary on Proverbs 6:20-35

(Read Proverbs 6:20-35)

The word of God has something to say to us upon all occasions. Let not faithful reproofs ever make us uneasy. When we consider how much this sin abounds, how heinous adultery is in its own nature, of what evil consequence it is, and how certainly it destroys the spiritual life in the soul, we shall not wonder that the cautions against it are so often repeated. Let us notice the subjects of this chapter. Let us remember Him who willingly became our Surety, when we were strangers and enemies. And shall Christians, who have such prospects, motives, and examples, be slothful and careless? Shall we neglect what is pleasing to God, and what he will graciously reward? May we closely watch every sense by which poison can enter our minds or affections.