Proverbs 6:30-32 (ESV)
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry,
31 but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold;
he will give all the goods of his house.
32 He who commits adultery lacks sense;
he who does it destroys himself.
The father now compares adultery with another sin. He describes a man who becomes desperately hungry and steals food to satisfy his appetite. In that moment he becomes a thief. Yet people often understand the reason behind the crime. Eating is not optional for survival, so some may feel a measure of pity for the thief driven by hunger.
Still, the law does not excuse theft. When the thief is caught, he must repay what he has taken. The Hebrew word translated “pay” is shalam, meaning to make restitution for a loss one has caused. According to Exodus 22:7, a thief was required to repay double the amount. Proverbs intensifies the picture by saying the thief may have to repay sevenfold, even giving up all the goods of his house. The point is clear. Theft carries serious consequences, yet even in the most severe case, restitution is possible. The thief can repay the one he wronged. The loss can be restored.
Adultery is different. People may show pity to the thief who steals bread to satisfy hunger, but no such sympathy is offered to the one who pursues forbidden sex to satisfy desire. Adultery violates a covenant. It shatters trust. It wounds innocent victims and dishonors God. There is no payment for adultery that can repair what has been broken. A wronged spouse cannot simply be bought off.
And so the father says, “He who commits adultery lacks sense.” The phrase describes someone who is missing good judgment. It is as though he has no understanding at all. In pursuing adultery, he ruins his own life. The proverb is blunt. Adultery makes no sense, and the destruction that follows is the adulterer’s own doing. There is no one else to blame.
Sexual sin violates promises and boundaries that cannot easily be undone. If you feel tempted to enter into sexual sin, call out to God. Seek the way of escape he promises to provide. Reach out to a trusted believer who can hold you accountable. If your marriage has been wounded by sexual unfaithfulness, seek help. Although this proverb is sobering, there is hope for those who are willing to do things God’s way. Your pastors and church leaders want to help you pursue repentance and restoration. Although it is tempting, do not cover these things in silence. Bring them into the light and deal with them today.