Proverbs 5 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
5:1
1. This connection of wisdom and understanding is frequent (Pr 2:2; 3:7); the first denotes the use of wise means for wise ends; the other, the exercise of a proper discrimination in their discovery.
5:2
2. regard--or, "observe." keep--preserve constantly.
5:3
3. (Compare Pr 2:16). Her enticing promises are deceitful.
5:4
4. her end--literally, "her future," in sense of reward, what follows (compare Psa 37:37; 73:17). Its nature is evinced by the use of figures, opposite those of Pr 5:3. The physical and moral suffering of the deluded profligate are notoriously terrible.
5:5
5. feet ... , steps--that is, course of life ends in death.
5:6
6. her ways ... know--Some prefer, "that she may not ponder the path of life," c.; but perhaps a better sense is, "her ways are varied, so as to prevent your knowledge of her true character, and so of true happiness."
5:8–9
8-9. Avoid the slightest temptation.
5:10
10. wealth--literally, "strength," or the result of it. labours--the fruit of thy painful exertions (Psa 127:2). There may be a reference to slavery, a commuted punishment for death due the adulterer (De 22:22).
5:11
11. at the last--the end, or reward (compare Pr 5:4). mourn--roar in pain. flesh and ... body--the whole person under incurable disease.
5:12–14
12-14. The ruined sinner vainly laments his neglect of warning and his sad fate in being brought to public disgrace.
5:15–20
15-20. By figures, in which well, cistern, and fountain [Pr 5:15, 18] represent the wife, and rivers of waters [Pr 5:16] the children, men are exhorted to constancy and satisfaction in lawful conjugal enjoyments. In Pr 5:16, fountains (in the plural) rather denote the produce or waters of a spring, literally, "what is from a spring," and corresponds with "rivers of waters."
5:21
21. The reason, God's eye is on you,
5:22–23
22-23. and He will cause sin to bring its punishment.