What does Proverbs 5:20 teach about faithfulness in marriage? Text “Why, my son, should you be captivated by an adulteress or embrace the bosom of a stranger?” (Proverbs 5:20). Immediate Context Chapter 5 is a paternal exhortation warning against adultery. Verses 15-19 celebrate marital delight: “may you ever be intoxicated with her love.” Verse 20 contrasts that joy with the folly of straying. The rhetorical “why?” spotlights the irrationality of infidelity. The Doctrine of Marital Fidelity 1. Covenantal Nature – Marriage is a “one flesh” covenant (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14). Breaking it betrays not only a spouse but God who witnesses the covenant (Malachi 2:13-16). 2. Exclusive Intimacy – The body is to belong exclusively to one’s spouse (1 Corinthians 7:2-5). Verse 19’s imagery of lifelong, satisfying physical love grounds this exclusivity. 3. Spiritual Symbolism – Faithful marriage mirrors Christ’s faithful love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33). Adultery distorts that gospel picture. Literary Flow of Proverbs 5 • vv. 3-8: The allurement of the forbidden woman. • vv. 9-14: Consequences—loss of honor, wealth, health, and peace. • vv. 15-19: Positive exhortation—drink from your own cistern; rejoice in your wife. • v. 20: Climactic question—Why trade covenant joy for ruinous intoxication? • vv. 21-23: Divine surveillance and inevitable judgment. Cross-References on Fidelity – Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18 – “You shall not commit adultery.” – Matthew 5:27-30 – Adultery begins in the heart. – Hebrews 13:4 – God judges the sexually immoral. – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 – Sanctification entails sexual purity. Psychological and Sociological Corroboration Longitudinal studies (e.g., National Marriage Project, University of Virginia, 2017) consistently show that marital faithfulness correlates with higher life satisfaction, physical health, and child well-being, affirming Scripture’s wisdom. Practical Application 1. Guard the Heart – “Above all else, guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23). Monitor thought life, media intake, and emotional attachments. 2. Nurture Marital Joy – Invest time, affection, and spiritual companionship so verse 19 becomes lived experience. 3. Accountability – Seek community and, when needed, pastoral or counseling help. 4. Repentance and Restoration – If failure occurs, confession and faith in the risen Christ bring forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and power for renewed fidelity (Romans 8:11). Theological Bottom Line Proverbs 5:20 teaches that infidelity is irrational rebellion against God’s design, forfeits covenant blessings, invites divine judgment, and contradicts the gospel image embedded in marriage. Faithfulness—delighting in one’s spouse—glorifies God, nourishes personal flourishing, and testifies to the steadfast love ultimately revealed in the resurrection of Christ. |
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