Proverbs 30:20 kjv

Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

Proverbs 30:20 nkjv

This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, "I have done no wickedness."

Proverbs 30:20 niv

"This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

Proverbs 30:20 esv

This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, "I have done no wrong."

Proverbs 30:20 nlt

An adulterous woman consumes a man,
then wipes her mouth and says, "What's wrong with that?"

Proverbs 30 verses

Proverbs 30 20 Meaning

Proverbs 30:20 describes the chilling and deceptive nature of an adulteress who, after committing her sin, effortlessly erases all physical and psychological traces, carrying on as if nothing has occurred. She "eats and wipes her mouth," signifying a quick, seamless cover-up, and then boldly asserts, "I have done no wrong," revealing a hardened conscience and a profound lack of repentance or acknowledgment of guilt. The verse highlights self-deception, hypocrisy, and a dangerous moral blindness to severe transgression.

Proverbs 30 20 Context

Proverbs chapter 30 opens with the "words of Agur son of Jakeh" (Prov 30:1), presenting a collection of enigmatic observations and wisdom teachings that are distinct from other sections of Proverbs. Verses 18 and 19 list "four things that are too amazing for me," describing untraceable and mysterious ways: the way of an eagle in the sky, a serpent on a rock, a ship on the high seas, and a man with a virgin. This establishes a theme of mystery and paths that leave no visible mark. Proverbs 30:20 immediately follows this, suggesting that the "way of an adulteress" is likewise perplexing or characterized by its ability to hide evidence. Her mystery lies in her apparent ease in committing sin and then, astonishingly, convincing herself and others that no wrong has occurred, or that no trace remains. It speaks to a profound inner deception and lack of moral compass, paralleling the enigmatic movements in nature that defy detection.

Proverbs 30 20 Word analysis

• "This is the way": In Hebrew, derek (דֶּרֶךְ), signifying a path, road, or habitual manner of conduct. It denotes a characteristic pattern of behavior or a lifestyle. Here, it refers to the typical, shocking behavior of the unrepentant adulteress.
• "of an adulteress": No'efet (נֹאֶפֶת) specifically refers to a female participant in adultery. The term points directly to sexual infidelity that violates the sanctity of marriage and family. It emphasizes the deep breach of trust and the grave nature of the sin.
• "she eats": Akh'lah (אָכְלָה) means "she has eaten." This can be taken literally, implying that she lives her normal life unaffected, or metaphorically, as having consumed or enjoyed her illicit pleasure without hesitation. It portrays an absence of guilt, carrying on daily routines immediately after the act.
• "and wipes her mouth": U'machatah pi'ha (וּמָחֲתָה פִּיהָ) means "and wipes her mouth." This vivid image is crucial. Literally, it suggests removing physical traces of a meal. Symbolically, it represents the act of erasing any evidence, concealing the transgression perfectly, or dismissing any memory or sense of guilt. It illustrates her intentional effort to appear blameless and unmarred by sin.
• "and says,": Ve'amrah (וְאָמְרָה), "and she says." This signifies her vocal declaration, completing the act of deception and denial. It’s not just an internal thought, but an outward, defiant statement.
• "‘I have done no wrong.’": Lo-ʿawen ʿasithi (לֹא־עָוֶן עָשִׂיתִי) literally "no iniquity have I done." 'Awah (עָוָה) denotes crookedness, perversity, or guilt. The denial indicates more than just lying to others; it points to a profound lack of remorse, a hardened conscience, or even a self-deception that she genuinely believes she has committed no sin. It encapsulates a state of moral blindness and self-righteousness despite grave transgression.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "She eats and wipes her mouth": This phrase beautifully and terrifyingly encapsulates the seamlessness and calculated effort to erase all signs of the sin. There is no pause, no hesitation, no outward manifestation of shame or guilt. She partakes, removes the trace, and immediately returns to normal, showing an incredible lack of conscience. It's a portrayal of swift concealment and maintaining appearances.
  • "and says, ‘I have done no wrong.’": This final statement seals her moral corruption. It is the verbal affirmation of her internal deception. Not only does she cover her tracks outwardly, but she also solidifies her innocence, whether genuinely believed or defiantly proclaimed, making genuine repentance impossible. This declaration is a key sign of a morally depraved and unrepentant heart, indicating a rejection of truth.

Proverbs 30 20 Bonus section

The context of the "four amazing things" in Prov 30:18-19, which are characterized by their untraceable nature, adds significant depth to verse 20. The way of an eagle in the air leaves no path; a serpent on a rock leaves no trail; a ship on the sea leaves no wake (that persists); and a man with a virgin can go unnoticed or be unidentifiable in their interaction. The "way of an adulteress" is thus likened to these in its baffling elusiveness. For her, the "mystery" isn't merely the physical act being hard to detect by others, but primarily her uncanny ability to commit grave sin, then effortlessly erase all sense of guilt or evidence within her own conscience, presenting herself as blameless. It highlights her profound moral pathology where she believes no wrong was done, rather than just hiding that wrong. This speaks to a deeper spiritual malady of a seared conscience, where moral truth is utterly inverted for self-justification, a perilous condition in the eyes of God.

Proverbs 30 20 Commentary

Proverbs 30:20 masterfully portrays the depravity of a conscience seared by sin. The description goes beyond the act of adultery itself, focusing on the astonishing unrepentance and self-deception that follow. The adulteress's actions of "eating and wiping her mouth" reveal a person capable of enjoying illicit pleasure, then quickly and meticulously eliminating any outward sign or inward sense of wrongdoing. This reflects an exceptional skill in maintaining appearances, or a chilling capacity for self-deception. The concluding statement, "I have done no wrong," highlights her deep spiritual blindness and moral callousness. She is either a bold liar or so spiritually lost that she genuinely believes her actions are innocent. This state contrasts sharply with biblical calls for repentance and confession. While human eyes and systems might be deceived by such a perfect cover-up, the verse subtly implies that this denial is ultimately futile before God, who knows every hidden thing and every heart's true condition. The verse serves as a sober warning about the insidious nature of unacknowledged and unrepented sin, illustrating how transgression can erode conscience, leading to a state where wrong is called right and truth is denied. This person lives in a dangerous illusion, unaware or uncaring of the divine judgment awaiting those who mock righteousness.

• Examples:
  • Like a politician who engages in corruption, then gives a polished speech denying any wrongdoing, confident that all evidence has been destroyed.
  • A student who cheats on a test, then casually hands it in and maintains an innocent expression, claiming to have worked hard.