Proverbs 6:32 kjv

But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

Proverbs 6:32 nkjv

Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul.

Proverbs 6:32 niv

But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.

Proverbs 6:32 esv

He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.

Proverbs 6:32 nlt

But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool,
for he destroys himself.

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 32 Meaning

Proverbs 6:32 warns that anyone who commits adultery with a married woman fundamentally lacks wisdom and understanding. The passage declares that such a person not only acts foolishly but also actively destroys their own spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. It highlights the devastating and self-inflicted harm that results from this transgression against God's law and the marriage covenant.

Proverbs 6 32 Context

Proverbs chapter 6 serves as a powerful series of warnings from a father to his son (and implicitly to all readers) against destructive behaviors. The immediate preceding verses (Prov 6:27-31) discuss the consequence of theft, which, while severe (requiring sevenfold restitution), is still understandable as an act motivated by need and potentially repayable. Verse 32 directly contrasts with this, stating that the man who commits adultery, unlike the thief, destroys his own soul—a consequence far more profound and often irreparable than financial loss. This comparison underscores the gravity of adultery, placing it on a different, more damaging level than other sins, highlighting its intrinsic self-destructive nature. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, adultery was a severe breach of covenant, family honor, and communal order, often punishable by death (Lev 20:10). The proverbs aimed to guide young men toward wise living by presenting the dire consequences of such actions within this cultural framework.

Proverbs 6 32 Word analysis

• But whoso committeth adultery: This phrase introduces a distinct and graver offense.
  • committeth adultery: From the Hebrew verb na'aph (נָאַף), meaning "to commit adultery," specifically involving a married woman. This act directly violates the seventh commandment (Exod 20:14) and the sanctity of the marital covenant. It signifies not just an immoral act but a treacherous breach of trust and sacred vows. The action is deliberate and takes agency.
• with a woman: Refers to a ’ish·shah (אִשָּׁה), typically indicating a married woman. The specific wording underscores the nature of the transgression: it is not just any sexual act, but one that desecrates an existing marriage union. The target is another man's covenant, leading to compounded offense.
• lacketh understanding: Translated from Hebrew ḥă·sar lēḇ (חֲסַר לֵב).
  • lacketh: From ḥaser (חָסֵר), meaning "to lack, to be wanting." It suggests a fundamental deficiency or absence.
  • understanding: From lev (לֵב), often translated as "heart." In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral discernment. To "lack heart" or "lack understanding" means to be devoid of wisdom, insight, and moral judgment, indicating extreme foolishness or moral bankruptcy, not just intellectual deficiency. It implies a person acting against their own best interest and against divine wisdom.
• he that doeth it: Emphasizes the personal and volitional nature of the act. The person is an active participant and fully responsible. This is a clear agent of the action.
• destroyeth: From Hebrew mashchit (מַשְׁחִית), the Hiphil participle of shāḥat (שָׁחַת), meaning "to spoil, corrupt, ruin, destroy, pervert." The Hiphil stem indicates a causative or active role, implying that the individual actively brings about destruction upon himself. This is a severe and far-reaching impact.
• his own soul: From Hebrew nap̄·shōw (נַפְשֹׁו), referring to nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ) with a possessive suffix.
  • Nephesh is a broad term encompassing "life, soul, self, person, being." It refers to the entirety of a person, their vitality, identity, and inner core. Therefore, "destroying his own soul" means self-annihilation of one's holistic well-being—spiritual, moral, social, and potentially physical life—and the forfeiture of divine favor and peace. This destruction affects the innermost core of one's being.

Proverbs 6 32 Bonus section

The Hebrew contrast between the thief (who might act from desperation and repay with multiple folds) and the adulterer (who destroys his own soul) underscores the distinct nature and severity of sexual sin. While a thief often harms others' possessions, the adulterer fundamentally harms himself in addition to devastating innocent lives and defying God. This highlights a biblical principle: sexual immorality, particularly adultery, is a unique offense because it is a sin against one's own body (1 Cor 6:18) and against the very essence of covenant fidelity which God ordained in marriage (Gen 2:24, Mal 2:14-15). It represents a total disregard for sacred boundaries and spiritual purity, resulting in a deep internal wound that is not easily healed. The destruction of "his own soul" also suggests an affront to the divine image within man, desecrating the temple of God that is the human body and spirit (1 Cor 6:19).

Proverbs 6 32 Commentary

Proverbs 6:32 delivers a stark warning about the profound spiritual and existential cost of adultery. Unlike common societal wrongs that might incur fines or physical injury, adultery inflicts a unique and deep-seated damage upon the perpetrator. The "lack of understanding" is not mere ignorance but a profound moral foolishness, a perversion of wisdom that ignores severe long-term consequences for momentary illicit pleasure. This individual demonstrates an astonishing blindness to the sanctity of life, covenant, and personal integrity. The phrase "destroyeth his own soul" speaks to a devastation far beyond reputational damage or even physical consequence. It points to a deep spiritual rot that compromises one's moral fabric, severs one's relationship with God, and brings inner torment and guilt. Adultery is thus portrayed as a self-destructive act, fundamentally alienating the individual from their true self and God's design for their life. It illustrates the Bible's teaching that sin, especially sexual sin, warps and ultimately diminishes the human spirit, leading to spiritual barrenness and often, tangible earthly repercussions.

Practical usage:

• Understanding the Gravity: Recognise adultery as self-destructive folly, not merely a 'mistake' or a 'slip.'
• Guard Your Heart: Emphasize internal discipline, as the "lack of understanding" begins in the heart, leading to such actions.
• Seek Wisdom: Prioritize biblical wisdom in decision-making, understanding its protective power against such destructive paths.
• Consequences are Real: Be mindful that sin has real, profound consequences on one's entire being, extending beyond social repercussions.