lest strangers feast on your wealthThis phrase warns against the consequences of infidelity and unwise living, suggesting that one's resources and hard-earned wealth could be consumed by those outside the family or community. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wealth was often tied to land, livestock, and produce, which were vital for survival and prosperity. The idea of "strangers" feasting on one's wealth implies a loss of control and the squandering of resources meant for one's own family. This aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, where individuals are called to manage their resources wisely (
Proverbs 21:20). The imagery of strangers consuming wealth also echoes the covenantal warnings found in
Deuteronomy 28:33, where disobedience leads to foreign nations consuming the fruits of the Israelites' labor.
and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner
This part of the verse highlights the futility and injustice of one's efforts benefiting those outside the intended circle of blessing. In the historical context of Israel, the "house of a foreigner" could refer to neighboring nations or peoples who did not share the covenant relationship with God. The Israelites were warned against alliances and behaviors that would lead to their subjugation or exploitation by foreign powers (Judges 2:3). This phrase serves as a caution against allowing one's life and efforts to be directed away from God's purposes, resulting in the enrichment of those who do not honor Him. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of exile and loss, where disobedience leads to the forfeiture of God's blessings, as seen in the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 24:14). Theologically, it underscores the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from divine wisdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
StrangersIn the context of Proverbs, "strangers" often refers to those outside the covenant community of Israel, representing influences or entities that are not aligned with God's wisdom and commandments.
2.
ForeignersSimilar to "strangers," foreigners in this context symbolize those who do not share the values and beliefs of the covenant community, potentially leading one away from God's path.
3.
Wealth and LaborsThese terms refer to the fruits of one's efforts and resources, which are at risk of being squandered or misappropriated when one strays from wisdom.
Teaching Points
Guard Your ResourcesBe vigilant about where and how you invest your time, energy, and resources. Align them with God's wisdom to prevent loss to unworthy causes or people.
Avoiding TemptationRecognize the dangers of straying from God's path, which can lead to personal and financial ruin. Stay committed to biblical principles to safeguard your life and assets.
Wisdom in RelationshipsChoose relationships wisely, ensuring they are grounded in shared values and faith. This helps prevent the emotional and financial drain that can come from entanglements with those who do not share your commitment to God.
Consequences of DisobedienceUnderstand that turning away from God's wisdom can lead to tangible losses. Obedience to God's commands is a safeguard against such outcomes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 5:10?
2.How can Proverbs 5:10 guide us in managing our resources wisely today?
3.What does Proverbs 5:10 teach about the consequences of ignoring God's wisdom?
4.How does Proverbs 5:10 connect with the teachings on stewardship in Matthew 25:14-30?
5.In what ways can we avoid the pitfalls described in Proverbs 5:10?
6.How can Proverbs 5:10 inspire us to seek God's guidance in financial decisions?
7.What does Proverbs 5:10 imply about the consequences of infidelity?
8.How does Proverbs 5:10 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israel?
9.What is the theological significance of "strangers" in Proverbs 5:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 5?
11.What are the Bible's teachings on generosity?
12.What is the Bible's perspective on a midlife crisis?
13.Proverbs 22:4: If humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches and honor, why do many humble believers remain in poverty or face hardship?
14.How can we show respect to others biblically?What Does Proverbs 5:10 Mean
setting the sceneSolomon has been urging his son to “keep your way far from her” (Proverbs 5:8), warning against the seductive pull of adultery. Verses 9–11 list cascading consequences if the warning is ignored. Verse 10 forms the middle, painting a vivid picture of material loss: “lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner.” The language is straightforward—sin costs something tangible. CompareProverbs 6:26, where the same sin can reduce a man to “a loaf of bread.”
the imagery of loss• “Strangers feast on your wealth” suggests resources you worked for being devoured by people who have no rightful claim (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11).
• “Your labors enrich the house of a foreigner” depicts earnings redirected to someone outside your covenant community (Deuteronomy 28:30-33).
Together the phrases show that immorality doesn’t merely threaten feelings; it drains bank accounts, reputations, and legacies.
the moral and financial stakesScripture never separates moral failure from real-world fallout. In later verses the wounded man laments, “I have come to the brink of utter ruin” (Proverbs 5:14). Likewise,1 Corinthians 6:18 warns that sexual sin is against one’s own body, andHebrews 13:4 says God will judge the adulterer. The point is clear: there is no such thing as a private sin with no public cost.
broader biblical echoes•Genesis 39 contrasts Joseph, who fled temptation and was later honored with authority and prosperity.
•Judges 16 shows Samson, who yielded to Delilah, losing strength, freedom, and eventually his life.
These narratives confirm the principle: obedience preserves blessings; disobedience squanders them.
application today• Guard boundaries—digital, emotional, and physical—so your earnings support your household, not court fees or secret expenses.
• Cultivate contentment with your spouse (Proverbs 5:18-19;1 Timothy 6:6).
• Remember stewardship: every paycheck is God’s provision (James 1:17). Immorality mismanages His gifts.
summaryProverbs 5:10 warns that sexual sin siphons hard-earned wealth into the hands of outsiders. The verse stands as a sober reminder that unfaithfulness bankrupts more than the soul—it empties wallets, erodes influence, and enriches those who neither labored nor loved. Choosing purity protects both spiritual and material treasure.
Verse 10. - Another temporal consequence of, and deterrent against, a life of profligacy.
Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger. The margin reads, "thy strength" for "thy wealth," but the text properly renders the original
koakh, which means "substance," "wealth," "riches" - the youth's possessions in money and property (Delitzsch). The primary meaning of the word is "strength" or "might," as appears from the verb
kakhakh, "to exert one's self," from which it is derived, but the parallel
atsabeyka, "thy toils," rendered "thy labours," determines its use in the secondary sense here. Compare the similar passage in
Hosea 7:9, "Strangers have devoured his strength [
koakh, i.e. ' his possessions'], and he knoweth it not" (see also
Job 6:22).
Koakh is the concrete product resulting from the abstract strength or ability when brought into action.
Thy labours (
atsabeyka);
i.e. thy toils, the product of laborious toil, that which you have gotten by the labour of your hands, and earned with the sweat of your brow. Fleischer compares the Italian
i miri sudori, and the French
mes sueurs. The singular
etsev signifies "heavy toilsome labour," and the plural (
atsavim, "labours," things done with toil, and so the idea passes to the resultant of the labour. Compare the very similar expression in
Psalm 127:2,
lekhem naatsavim, equivalent to "bread obtained by toilsome labour;" Authorized Version, "the bread of sorrows." The Authorized Version properly supplies the verb "be" against those (
e.g. Holden
et alli) who join on "thy labours" to the previous verb "be filled," as an accusative, and render, "and with thy labours in the house of a stranger." So also the LXX. and the Vulgate, "and thy labours come" (
ἕλθωσι, LXX.) or "be" (
sint, Vulgate) "to the house of strangers" (
εἰς οἴκους ἀλλοτρίων) or, "in a strange house" (
in aliena domo). In the latter case the Vulgate is wrong, as
nok'ri in the phrase
beyth nok'ri is always personal (Delitzsch), and should be rendered, as in the Authorized Version, "in the house of a stranger." The meaning of the verse is that a life of impurity transfers the profligate's substance, his wealth and possessions, to others, who will be satiated at his expense, and, being strangers, are indifferent to his ruin.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
lestפֶּֽן־(pen-)Conjunction
Strong's 6435:Removal, leststrangersזָרִ֣ים(zā·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2114:To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adulteryfeastיִשְׂבְּע֣וּ(yiś·bə·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7646:To be sated, satisfied or surfeitedon your wealth,כֹּחֶ֑ךָ(kō·ḥe·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3581:A small reptile (of unknown species)and your laborsוַ֝עֲצָבֶ֗יךָ(wa·‘ă·ṣā·ḇe·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6089:An earthen vessel, toil, a pang[enrich] the houseבְּבֵ֣ית(bə·ḇêṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseof a foreigner.נָכְרִֽי׃(nā·ḵə·rî)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5237:Foreign, alien
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:10 Lest strangers feast on your wealth (Prov. Pro Pr) 
