Proverbs 5:6
Proverbs 5:6 in Multiple Translations
She does not consider the path of life; she does not know that her ways are unstable.
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
So that she findeth not the level path of life: Her ways are unstable, and she knoweth it not.
She never keeps her mind on the road of life; her ways are uncertain, she has no knowledge.
She doesn't follow the path that leads to life—she wanders away and doesn't even know she's lost.
She weigheth not the way of life: her paths are moueable: thou canst not knowe them.
The path of life — lest thou ponder, Moved have her paths — thou knowest not.
She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it.
Lest thou shouldst ponder the path of life, her ways are movable, that thou canst not know them .
They walk not by the path of life, her steps are wandering, and unaccountable.
She is not concerned about the roads that lead to a long life. She walks down a crooked path, and she does not realize that she is on the wrong road.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 5:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹ֣רַח
חַ֭יִּים
פֶּן
תְּפַלֵּ֑ס
נָע֥וּ
מַ֝עְגְּלֹתֶ֗י/הָ
לֹ֣א
תֵדָֽע
אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cs
חַ֭יִּים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תְּפַלֵּ֑ס
pâlaç
H6424
to envy
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
נָע֥וּ
nûwaʻ
H5128
to shake
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מַ֝עְגְּלֹתֶ֗י/הָ
maʻgâl
H4570
track
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 5:6
אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
חַ֭יִּים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תְּפַלֵּ֑ס
pâlaç
H6424
"to envy"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to weigh or balance things, like preparing a road or thinking deeply. In the Bible, it can also mean to envy or ponder something. It appears in various forms, like 'make' or 'weigh'.
Definition: 1) (Piel) to weigh, make level, balance 1a) to weigh out 1b) to make level or smooth
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: make, ponder, weigh. See also: Psalms 58:3; Proverbs 5:6; Psalms 78:50.
נָע֥וּ
nûwaʻ
H5128
"to shake"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.
מַ֝עְגְּלֹתֶ֗י/הָ
maʻgâl
H4570
"track"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a path or track, either physical or figurative. It can also describe a circular rampart or entrenchment. In the Bible, it is translated as path, trench, or way.
Definition: 1) entrenchment, track 1a) circumvallation, entrenchment 1b) track
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: going, path, trench, way(-side). See also: 1 Samuel 17:20; Proverbs 2:15; Psalms 17:5.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 5:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 5:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 5:6
Context — Avoiding Immorality
4in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.
5Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol.
6She does not consider the path of life; she does not know that her ways are unstable.
7So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth. 8Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:26 | Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. |
| 2 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 3 | Psalms 16:11 | You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. |
| 4 | Proverbs 30:20 | This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:12–13 | A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:59 | I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies. |
| 7 | Proverbs 7:10–21 | Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner. She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: “I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you. I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. Let us delight in loving caresses! For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took with him a bag of money and will not return till the moon is full.” With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. |
| 8 | Proverbs 11:19 | Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death. |
| 9 | 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 | The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. |
Proverbs 5:6 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of not thinking carefully about the choices we make in life, and how these choices can lead us down a path of destruction, as seen in Proverbs 5:4-5. It's encouraging us to seek God's wisdom and consider the path of life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can avoid the instability and dangers that come from not following God's ways, and instead find a path that leads to life and happiness, as promised in Proverbs 3:13-18 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with the woman described in Proverbs 5:6?
The main issue is that she does not consider the path of life and is unaware of the instability of her ways, as seen in Proverbs 5:6, which is a result of not following God's wisdom as described in Proverbs 1:7.
How does this verse relate to the concept of wisdom in the book of Proverbs?
This verse highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and considering the path of life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Proverbs 4:26, to avoid the dangers of unstable and destructive ways.
What is the significance of the phrase 'she does not know that her ways are unstable' in Proverbs 5:6?
This phrase suggests that the woman is unaware of the consequences of her actions, which is a result of not having the fear of the Lord as described in Proverbs 1:7, and not seeking wisdom from God as encouraged in Proverbs 2:6.
How can we apply the warning in Proverbs 5:6 to our own lives?
We can apply this warning by seeking God's wisdom and considering the path of life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, and being mindful of the company we keep and the choices we make, as warned in Proverbs 5:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be unaware of the instability of my own ways, and how can I seek God's wisdom to correct this?
- How can I apply the principle of considering the path of life to my daily decisions and choices?
- What are some potential consequences of not considering the path of life, and how can I avoid these dangers?
- In what ways can I seek to follow God's wisdom and avoid the destructive ways described in Proverbs 5:4-5?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:6
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life,.... Consider and meditate which is the way to get out of her hands and ways, and escape death, and obtain eternal life; lest those she has drawn into her
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:6
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, (that) thou canst not know (them).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, to prevent thy serious consideration of the way and manner of rescuing thyself from this deadly course of life. Movable; various and changeable. She transforms herself into several shapes, to accommodate herself to the humours of her lovers, and hath a thousand arts and deceits to ensnare them, and hold them fast. Thou canst not know them; thou canst not discover all her subtle practices, and much less deliver thyself from them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
Proverbs 5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them].Ver. 6. Lest thou shouldest ponder,] q.d., Lest thou shouldest persuade thyself that thou mayest embrace the bosom of a stranger, and yet lay hold upon the paths of life by repenting thee of thy folly - this was Solomon’ s error sometimes - thou art utterly deceived herein, for her ways are moveable, so that thou observest not whither she tendeth; she wanders here and there (and thou with her), yet not so wide as to miss hell; lo, that is the centre whereunto she is rolling, that is the rendezvous for all her associates in sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
(6) Lest thou shouldest ponder . . .—The meaning of the English version appears to be, “To prevent thy choosing the path of life, she leads thee by devious paths that thou knowest not where thou art.” It may also be rendered, “Far from smoothing for herself the path of life, her steps wander without her observing it.” By these words is described the reckless career of a vicious woman, who at last dares not think whither her steps are leading her, but as it were with eyes shut, totters on till she falls to rise no more.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
Verse 6. Lest thou shouldest ponder] To prevent thee from reflecting on thy present conduct, and its consequences, her ways are moveable - she continually varies her allurements. Thou canst not know them.] It is impossible to conceive all her tricks and wiles: to learn these in all their varieties, is a part of the science first taught in that infernal trade.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:6
6. Lest thou shouldest ponder] The rendering of A.V. or of R.V. marg. (Lest thou find the level path, or, Lest thou weigh carefully the path) is to be preferred to R.V. text which connects the words with the preceding verse and makes them refer to the strange woman: so that she findeth not the level path of life. Having described in Proverbs 5:5 the end to which her ways lead, the wise Teacher in this verse unveils the artful versatility with which she allures her victims from the plain path of life, and keeps them from the reflection which might lead them to return to it. thou canst not know them] So R.V. marg., but R.V. text, making the strange woman still the subject, she knoweth it not, Comp. Psalms 35:8, where the same Heb. expression is rendered “at unawares.” See for the sentiment ch. Proverbs 7:22-23.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:6
Or (with the Septuagint and Vulgate), Lest she should ponder (or “She ponders not”) the way of life, her paths move to and fro (unsteady as an earthquake); she knows not.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:6
6. Her ways are movable — She continually varies her allurements. Thou canst not — Or dost not. Know them — It is impossible to conceive all the tricks and arts of her infernal trade. Beware of them.
Sermons on Proverbs 5:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec |
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The Way to Serve God by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and doing it with passion and dedication. He encourages the audience to identify what their hands sh |
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The Benefits of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions o |
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Sins of Ignorance by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the 'Sins of Ignorance,' emphasizing that many wrongdoings stem from inadvertence and a lack of thoughtful consideration. He points out that people often ac |
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1887 Sword and Trowel Preface by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the journey of faith and the dangers of false doctrine in his preface to the 'Sword and Trowel.' He emphasizes the importance of adhering to the true gosp |
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Look to Your Walking by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of one's walk with God, asserting that true spiritual richness comes not from knowledge or mere words, but from a life lived in obedience |
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Keep Your Eyes Open! by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of living wisely and circumspectly as instructed by Paul in Ephesians 5:7-17. He urges believers to be vigilant and intentional in their acti |