Proverbs 5:9 web — lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;

World English Bible

"lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;"

— Proverbs 5:9, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Proverbs 5:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 5 — Context

6

She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.

7

Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don't depart from the words of my mouth.

8

Remove your way far from her. Don't come near the door of her house,

9

lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;

10

lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man's house.

11

You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,

12

and say, "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

Proverbs 5:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 5:9 say?
Proverbs 5:9 in the World English Bible reads: “lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;”
Where is Proverbs 5:9 in the Bible?
Proverbs 5:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 5, verse 9.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 5:9.
What translation should I read Proverbs 5:9 in?
Proverbs 5:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 5:9?
Proverbs 5:9 reads (WEB): “lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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