Proverbs 5:4 Meaning and Explanation
“But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →What seems sweet now becomes bitter in the end.
The Context of Proverbs 5:4
The warning contrasts surface appeal with hidden destructive consequences.
What Does Proverbs 5:4 Mean?
Wormwood is a bitter plant symbolizing sorrow and regret. The contrast between the honeycomb above and the wormwood here shows that initial appeal does not predict final outcome—pleasure without wisdom leads to pain.
The two-edged sword cuts in both directions, suggesting the consequences wound the person from multiple angles. This warns that such paths harm oneself as much as others involved.
Proverbs 5:4 in the Original Language
wormwood (לַעֲנָה la'anah) — a bitter plant; figuratively, bitterness, sorrow, or calamity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 5:4
What does Proverbs 5:4 mean?
What seems sweet now becomes bitter in the end.
What is the context of Proverbs 5:4?
The warning contrasts surface appeal with hidden destructive consequences.