Proverbs 5:4
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But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
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Seduction by a strange woman, a woman you have not known before and have no right to be with, can be a great pleasure. But it is a very short pleasure, and then you discover the horrible consequences of such sin. Her sweet words and kisses turn bitter like wormwood, and her smooth flattery and lovemaking cut deep like a twoedged sword.
Many men have been destroyed by this deceitful delusion. She looks, sounds, smells, and feels so inviting, but the corrupting and cutting results are hidden from view. Knowing the great danger, Solomon used this chapter to warn his son about the dire trouble a whore brings into a man's life and the delightful and protective pleasure of a loving wife.
Our proverb completes a sentence started in the previous verse. There the wise Preacher told about a whore's sweet lips and smooth mouth. See the comments on 5:3. The flattery of such a woman is overpowering to a man - her offer of adoration and lovemaking is too much to resist. Our proverb here states a strong warning - consider the consequences!
What is the end of a thing? Its reward, results, or consequences (Ps 37:37; 73:17)! What is wormwood? An herb known for intense bitterness (Lam 3:15)! How bitter? The Greeks called it "undrinkable," and it is a regular symbol of bitterness. How sharp is a two-edged sword? Twice as sharp as one-edged sword! It will cut you either way, or both ways!
Consider how a strange woman turns out to be bitter and cutting. Consider it well, young man, for her first impressions are deceitfully dangerous. They disguise the poison; they cover the blade. She will take you to death and hell, but she will do it most painfully!
She will take all your time, for lusts are not satisfied with short liaisons or infrequent contact. The guilt will devour your soul day and night. Fear of being caught and exposed will destroy your confidence and conscience. The lie you must live to cover your sin will turn your life into a perpetual drama of deception. How bitter! How cutting!
She deceived others to seduce you, it is only time until she deceives you for another! The betrayal of true love and devotion will leave you vulnerably insecure. The prospect of revenge by her husband or father will chase you even when you are alone in a secluded place. Your reputation will be destroyed and reduced to that of a despised adulterer.
Since she has been with others, your health is at risk. Even pagans recognize the short lives of fornicators. She is not cheap, as she expects much in return for her favors. And then, of course, there is the Lord, death, judgment, and hell! How bitter! How cutting!
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