Proverbs 6:32
What does Proverbs 6:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 6:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 6:32 means
Proverbs 6:32 declares that adultery is an act of extreme foolishness, demonstrating a profound lack of wisdom and understanding. The Hebrew phrase "void of understanding" (חֲסַר־לֵב, chasar-lev) literally means "lacking a heart" or "wanting sense," indicating a person who acts impulsively and without moral discernment. The imagery here is of self-destruction. Engaging in adultery isn't just a moral failing, but a suicidal act for one's very being. The "soul" refers to the entire person—their character, reputation, peace, and spiritual well-being—all of which are utterly ruined by this specific sin. The verse paints a stark picture of the devastating, self-inflicted consequences of infidelity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who takes another man's wife is without all sense: he who does it is the cause of destruction to his soul.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who committeth adultery <FI>with<Fi> a woman lacketh heart, He is destroying his soul who doth it.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But he that is an adulterer, for the folly of his heart shall destroy his own soul:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Whoso committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
Context
This verse is part of a larger section in Proverbs 6 (verses 20-35) where a father is passionately warning his son against the dangers of adultery and sexual immorality. The immediate context features vivid descriptions of the seduction by an "evil woman" or "foreigner" and the ruinous consequences that follow. Just before verse 32, the father details the severe penalties and inescapable shame awaiting the adulterer. Following this verse, the proverb continues to elaborate on the irreparable damage, the rage of the cuckolded husband, and the impossibility of any compensation to atone for the sin. This verse acts as a powerful summation of the foolishness driving the entire destructive path.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 5:21
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; that have eyes, and see not; that have ears, and hear not:
- Proverbs 9:16
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,
- Jeremiah 5:8
they were as fed horses roaming at large; every one neighed after his neighbor’s wife.
- Ecclesiastes 7:25
I turned about, and my heart was set to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know that wickedness is folly, and that foolishness is madness.
- Hosea 13:9
It is thy destruction, O Israel, that thou art against me, against thy help.
- Proverbs 2:18
For her house inclineth unto death, And her paths unto the dead;
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