lest strangers feast on your wealth
This phrase warns against the consequences of infidelity and unwise living, suggesting that one's resources and hard-earned wealth could be consumed by those outside the family or community. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wealth was often tied to land, livestock, and produce, which were vital for survival and prosperity. The idea of "strangers" feasting on one's wealth implies a loss of control and the squandering of resources meant for one's own family. This aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, where individuals are called to manage their resources wisely (Proverbs 21:20). The imagery of strangers consuming wealth also echoes the covenantal warnings found in Deuteronomy 28:33, where disobedience leads to foreign nations consuming the fruits of the Israelites' labor.

and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner
This part of the verse highlights the futility and injustice of one's efforts benefiting those outside the intended circle of blessing. In the historical context of Israel, the "house of a foreigner" could refer to neighboring nations or peoples who did not share the covenant relationship with God. The Israelites were warned against alliances and behaviors that would lead to their subjugation or exploitation by foreign powers (Judges 2:3). This phrase serves as a caution against allowing one's life and efforts to be directed away from God's purposes, resulting in the enrichment of those who do not honor Him. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of exile and loss, where disobedience leads to the forfeiture of God's blessings, as seen in the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 24:14). Theologically, it underscores the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from divine wisdom.

1. Strangers
In the context of Proverbs, "strangers" often refers to those outside the covenant community of Israel, representing influences or entities that are not aligned with God's wisdom and commandments.

2. Foreigners
Similar to "strangers," foreigners in this context symbolize those who do not share the values and beliefs of the covenant community, potentially leading one away from God's path.

3. Wealth and Labors
These terms refer to the fruits of one's efforts and resources, which are at risk of being squandered or misappropriated when one strays from wisdom.Guard Your Resources
Be vigilant about where and how you invest your time, energy, and resources. Align them with God's wisdom to prevent loss to unworthy causes or people.

Avoiding Temptation
Recognize the dangers of straying from God's path, which can lead to personal and financial ruin. Stay committed to biblical principles to safeguard your life and assets.

Wisdom in Relationships
Choose relationships wisely, ensuring they are grounded in shared values and faith. This helps prevent the emotional and financial drain that can come from entanglements with those who do not share your commitment to God.

Consequences of Disobedience
Understand that turning away from God's wisdom can lead to tangible losses. Obedience to God's commands is a safeguard against such outcomes.Verse 10. - Another temporal consequence of, and deterrent against, a life of profligacy. Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger. The margin reads, "thy strength" for "thy wealth," but the text properly renders the original koakh, which means "substance," "wealth," "riches" - the youth's possessions in money and property (Delitzsch). The primary meaning of the word is "strength" or "might," as appears from the verb kakhakh, "to exert one's self," from which it is derived, but the parallel atsabeyka, "thy toils," rendered "thy labours," determines its use in the secondary sense here. Compare the similar passage in Hosea 7:9, "Strangers have devoured his strength [koakh, i.e. ' his possessions'], and he knoweth it not" (see also Job 6:22). Koakh is the concrete product resulting from the abstract strength or ability when brought into action. Thy labours (atsabeyka); i.e. thy toils, the product of laborious toil, that which you have gotten by the labour of your hands, and earned with the sweat of your brow. Fleischer compares the Italian i miri sudori, and the French mes sueurs. The singular etsev signifies "heavy toilsome labour," and the plural (atsavim, "labours," things done with toil, and so the idea passes to the resultant of the labour. Compare the very similar expression in Psalm 127:2, lekhem naatsavim, equivalent to "bread obtained by toilsome labour;" Authorized Version, "the bread of sorrows." The Authorized Version properly supplies the verb "be" against those (e.g. Holden et alli) who join on "thy labours" to the previous verb "be filled," as an accusative, and render, "and with thy labours in the house of a stranger." So also the LXX. and the Vulgate, "and thy labours come" (ἕλθωσι, LXX.) or "be" (sint, Vulgate) "to the house of strangers" (εἰς οἴκους ἀλλοτρίων) or, "in a strange house" (in aliena domo). In the latter case the Vulgate is wrong, as nok'ri in the phrase beyth nok'ri is always personal (Delitzsch), and should be rendered, as in the Authorized Version, "in the house of a stranger." The meaning of the verse is that a life of impurity transfers the profligate's substance, his wealth and possessions, to others, who will be satiated at his expense, and, being strangers, are indifferent to his ruin.

Parallel Commentaries ...


lest
פֶּֽן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

strangers
זָרִ֣ים (zā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2114: To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery

feast
יִשְׂבְּע֣וּ (yiś·bə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7646: To be sated, satisfied or surfeited

on your wealth,
כֹּחֶ֑ךָ (kō·ḥe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species)

and your labors
וַ֝עֲצָבֶ֗יךָ (wa·‘ă·ṣā·ḇe·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6089: An earthen vessel, toil, a pang

[enrich] the house
בְּבֵ֣ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of a foreigner.
נָכְרִֽי׃ (nā·ḵə·rî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5237: Foreign, alien


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:10 Lest strangers feast on your wealth (Prov. Pro Pr)