Can a man embrace fireThis phrase uses the metaphor of fire to represent the destructive nature of sin, particularly adultery, which is the broader context of
Proverbs 6. In biblical times, fire was a common symbol for both divine presence and judgment (
Exodus 3:2,
Hebrews 12:29). The imagery suggests that engaging in sin is as dangerous as physically holding fire. The rhetorical question implies the impossibility of escaping harm when one willingly engages in sinful behavior. This aligns with the biblical principle that sin has inherent consequences (
Romans 6:23).
and his clothes not be burned?
Clothing in the Bible often symbolizes one's actions or righteousness (Isaiah 64:6,Revelation 19:8). The burning of clothes signifies the inevitable damage and shame that result from sin. In ancient cultures, clothing was a valuable possession, and its destruction would be a significant loss, symbolizing the personal and social consequences of sin. This phrase underscores the certainty of repercussions when one indulges in sinful acts, reinforcing the biblical teaching that actions have consequences (Galatians 6:7-8). The imagery also serves as a warning to avoid temptation and maintain purity, reflecting the call to holiness found throughout Scripture (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key part of teaching and moral instruction.
3.
Adulterous RelationshipsThe broader context of
Proverbs 6 warns against adultery, using vivid imagery to illustrate the consequences of such actions.
Teaching Points
The Danger of TemptationJust as fire is dangerous and consuming, so is the temptation of sin. We must recognize the peril in entertaining sinful desires.
Consequences of SinSin, like fire, has inevitable consequences. Engaging in sin will lead to damage and destruction in our lives.
Guarding Against SinWe must be vigilant and proactive in avoiding situations that could lead to sin, much like avoiding playing with fire.
Wisdom in RelationshipsProverbs teaches us to seek wisdom in our relationships, understanding the importance of faithfulness and integrity.
The Importance of Self-ControlExercising self-control is crucial in resisting temptation and maintaining a righteous path.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:27?
2.How does Proverbs 6:27 warn against the dangers of playing with sin?
3.What practical steps can prevent us from being "burned" by sin's temptations?
4.How does Proverbs 6:27 connect with 1 Corinthians 6:18 about fleeing immorality?
5.In what ways can we apply Proverbs 6:27 to modern-day temptations?
6.How does understanding Proverbs 6:27 deepen our awareness of sin's consequences?
7.What does Proverbs 6:27 imply about the consequences of temptation and sin?
8.How does Proverbs 6:27 relate to personal responsibility in avoiding sin?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 6:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 6?
11.What does "Fire in My Bosom but Not Burned" mean?
12.What does 'The Lord is my light and salvation' mean?
13.How should we respond to constructive criticism?
14.What does the Bible say about sexual temptation?What Does Proverbs 6:27 Mean
the vivid picture“Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27) paints an unmistakable scene. Solomon chooses fire because everyone understands its danger.
• Fire is attractive and useful, yet uncontrolled it destroys (Proverbs 26:20-21;Hebrews 12:29).
• Notice the personal act—“embrace.” This is not accidental contact; it is willful closeness.
• Clothes represent outward life. When fire touches them, damage is immediate and visible.
the certainty of consequencesThe question expects only one answer: No. Just as garments ignite, sin brings inevitable fallout.
• “Whatever a man sows, he will reap” (Galatians 6:7-8).
•James 1:14-15 shows desire conceiving sin and giving birth to death—an unavoidable chain reaction.
•Proverbs 13:21 reminds that “trouble pursues sinners,” underscoring the sure link between action and result.
the specific warning against adulteryProverbs 6:24-35 frames this verse inside a caution about sexual immorality.
• Adultery promises warmth but scorches the soul (Proverbs 7:21-23).
• “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) echoes Solomon’s logic—distance is safety.
• Unlike theft, adultery provokes a husband’s unrestrained vengeance (Proverbs 6:34). The social and relational ruins mirror burned clothing.
personal vigilanceBecause the danger is certain, Scripture urges proactive steps.
• Guard the heart (Proverbs 4:23) where desires originate.
• Make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14); stay away from the “street near her corner” (Proverbs 7:8).
• Keep eyes fixed on Christ (Hebrews 12:2) instead of the flame.
summaryProverbs 6:27 uses the undeniable law of fire to declare a moral law just as fixed: willful intimacy with sin always burns. The verse calls us to respect God’s boundaries, recognize inevitable consequences, and choose distance from temptation so our “clothes”--our witness, relationships, and peace--remain unscorched.
Verse 27. - In this and the two following verses (28 and 29) the discourse proceeds from statement to illustration, and by examples of cause and effect the teacher shows "the moral necessity of the evil consequences of the sin of adultery" (Delitzsch). The meaning of the verses is plain enough, viz. that as it is in vain to suppose that a person's garment will not be burnt or his feet not be scorched if fire is brought near them, so it is equally inconceivable that a person indulging in adultery can escape its consequences or the retribution that follows. The two questions in vers. 27 and 28 imply a strong negative, and so prepare for the conclusion in ver. 30.
Take fire. The Hebrew verb
khathah signifies "
to take burning or live coals
from the hearth" (Placater); and hence is used here in a pregnant sense "to take from the hearth and place in" (cf.
Proverbs 25:22, "For thou wilt take coals ['and heap them:' Hebrew,
gekhalim khotheh] on his head"). The fuller expression is met with in
Isaiah 30:14, "So that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth (
lakh'toth esh miyyakud).'" The Vulgate renders by
abscondere," to hide:
Numquid potest homo absconders ignem; and the LXX. by
ἀποδεῖν, equivalent to the Latin
alligare "to tie or bind fast." Wordsworth explains "to take and heap up, as in a firepan or censer."
In hisbosom; Hebrew,
b'kheyko; LXX.,
ἐν κόλπῳ; Vulgate,
in sinu suo. The word
kheyk is properly "an undulation" (Delitzsch). not the
lap, but as in the Authorized Version here, "the bosom," and "the bosom of a garment" as in ch. 16:33; 17:23; 21:14. The answer to the question of this and the next verse is of course a decided negative, but we may note that the teacher compares adultery to a burning fire in its consequences.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Can a manאִ֓ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personembraceהֲיַחְתֶּ֤ה(hă·yaḥ·teh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2846:To lay hold of, to pick up firefireאֵ֬שׁ(’êš)Noun - common singular
Strong's 784:A fireand his clothesוּ֝בְגָדָ֗יו(ū·ḇə·ḡā·ḏāw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillagenotלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe burned?תִשָּׂרַֽפְנָה׃(ṯiś·śā·rap̄·nāh)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural
Strong's 8313:To be, on fire
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his (Prov. Pro Pr) 
