Proverbs 5:6

“she does not ponder the path of life;

    her ways wander, and she does not know it.”

Proverbs 5:6 ESV

Here, the author identifies the naive way in which the “forbidden woman” wanders through life. First she gives no thought to her path in life. In contrast, Proverbs 4:26 says, “Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure.” Thus, the forbidden women’s ways will be unsure because she gives them no thought.

Note also that she wanders and is unaware that she is wandering. Meandering here and there, here and there, without realizing it. This reminds me of the drunk driver who is unaware that he is floating right and left, crossing the lines as he drifts back and forth. I think this illustration may be helpful for the modern reader, because almost instinctively we recognize the destruction and possible death that can come from drunk driving. Here, the author leads with the destruction and death imagery in vs. 5, “Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol.”

So, if the forbidden woman leads to destruction and death, why do men follow her? The answer is folly. Fools chase folly. Wise men chase wisdom. The path of the deceiver leads to death. The path of God leads to life. Choose wisely.