Proverbs 5:8
Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
Proverbs 5:8 (KJV)
Context
Proverbs is a book of wisdom, mostly written by King Solomon. It gives practical guidance for daily life. This verse is part of a father’s warning to his son about the dangers of adultery. The whole chapter urges faithfulness in marriage and shows the bitter results of unfaithfulness.
Meaning
The command is clear: “Remove thy way far from her.” This means to actively keep your path, habits, and conduct away from the immoral woman. It is not enough to resist temptation when it comes; you must stay far from it. The second command, “come not nigh the door of her house,” is even stronger. Do not even approach the place where temptation lives. Avoid the first step toward sin, because nearness can lead to entanglement before you realize it. The wise response is deliberate avoidance, not testing your own strength.
Biblical connections
This teaching fits the broader wisdom of Proverbs. The father calls his son to listen to wisdom (Proverbs 5:1-2) and warns that the adulterous woman’s paths lead to death (Proverbs 5:5). In contrast, wisdom’s children wait at her gates (Proverbs 8:34). The wise person stays close to wisdom, not to the door of folly.
Application
This verse applies beyond literal adultery. It teaches us to avoid any situation or person that may tempt us toward sin. We should not trust in our own strength to resist, but rather keep out of the way of temptation. This might mean changing routes, habits, or even relationships that lead us toward compromise. It is a call to deliberate, radical separation from anything that draws us away from God. Guarding your heart and mind from influences that lead to sin is part of this daily choice.
Reflection
God’s wisdom is practical. He does not ask us to fight temptation alone; He tells us to flee from it. This verse reminds us that we are not stronger than temptation, but we can be wiser. By staying far from the door of sin, we protect our hearts and honor God with our choices.
