Proverbs 5 was written to warn a son about the dangers of an adulterous woman. Daughters needed no warnings about topics like this in the ancient world because their autonomy was determined by the men in their family. I suppose they might be warned away from becoming an adulterous woman, but I bet this chapter worked double-duty on that account.
As I read through the chapter this morning, I wondered if our modern daughters, who are now self-determining, could benefit from a contrasted warning? How many women have been trapped in abusive relationships because they were never given warning signs? Let us consider how to prepare our children to resist the allure of evil men (and women) by educating them that such evil, like abusive relationships, exist. Teach them how to spot one and how to resist.
I changed a few words in bold, but the passage is from NIV. Proverbs 5:
My daughter, pay attention to my wisdom,
turn your ear to my words of insight,
2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3 For the lips of the abusive man drip honey,
and his speech is smoother than oil;
4 but in the end he is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 His feet go down to death;
his steps lead straight to the grave.
6 He gives no thought to the way of life;
his paths wander aimlessly, but he does not know it.
7 Now then, my daughters, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
8 Keep to a path far from him,
do not go near the door of his house,
9 lest you lose your honor to others
and your dignity to one who is cruel,
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich the house of another.
11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.
Kay Bonikowsky 