But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks wisdom: the person who does this destroys his own soul.
This verse is warning that adultery is foolish and self-destructive, damaging not just relationships but one's own inner life.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Solomon, who is traditionally credited with writing Proverbs, adultery was viewed as a serious violation of God's law and societal order, as emphasized in the Ten Commandments and the broader wisdom teachings of ancient Israel. This verse appears in a section warning against various foolish behaviors, highlighting how such actions lead to personal destruction in a culture that prized marital fidelity and family stability for the community's well-being. The emphasis on "lacking understanding" reflects the wisdom literature's focus on moral discernment as essential for a righteous life.
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