Proverbs 5:20

20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

Proverbs 5:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 5:20

And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman,
&c.] Or "err with her" ^F25; after all those inconveniences and miseries that follow upon a conversation with a harlot, and all those advantages of a marriage state set before thee; why wilt thou be, so foolish and mad as to have a fondness for an harlot and dote upon her, and neglect entering into a marriage state, or forsake the wife of youth? and yet though things are so clearly stated and aptly represented, and the expostulation made in the most tender and affectionate manner; it is suggested as if after all it would not be attended unto, but a harlot be preferred to a wife of youth, a filthy beast to a loving hind, and dirty puddles of water in a ditch to running streams from a well or fountain; and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
that is not thy wife; a description of unlawful love and impure embraces, which are dissuaded from.

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 "Errares", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "aberrares", Cocceius.

Proverbs 5:20 In-Context

18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.

20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

21 For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.

22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.