The topic of infidelity and “the other woman” is a painful reality for many, and the Bible doesn’t shy away from addressing this issue. If you’re wondering what Scripture says about adultery, relationships, and betrayal, let’s explore how the Bible approaches the topic and the guidance it offers for healing and forgiveness.
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What Does The Bible Say About The Other Woman
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive consequences of adultery. It warns against the temptation of engaging in an illicit relationship, highlighting the importance of fidelity and faithfulness.
Committing adultery not only breaks the trust within a marriage but also damages the individuals involved, leading to emotional pain and the potential destruction of the family unit.
Proverbs 5:15
“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.”
This verse symbolizes the importance of cherishing and being satisfied with the love and companionship within a committed relationship. It encourages individuals to look to their own spouse for fulfillment and to avoid seeking it from others.
Instead of entertaining the idea of an affair or pursuing a relationship with another person, the verse advises finding contentment and satisfaction within one’s own marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse calls for believers to actively avoid and flee from sexual immorality, which includes engaging in an extramarital affair. It highlights the seriousness of this sin, as it not only breaks God’s commandments but also damages the individual’s own body and spirit.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the sanctity of marriage and the commitment made to one’s spouse, prioritizing faithfulness and purity.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse emphasizes the significant role a wife plays in her husband’s life. It contrasts a wife of noble character, who brings honor and blessings to her husband, with a disgraceful wife, who brings anguish and deterioration.
It serves as a reminder of the impact one’s actions can have on their spouse. Engaging in an extramarital affair not only damages the relationship but also erodes trust and creates deep emotional wounds.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This verse presents one of the Ten Commandments given by God to His people. It clearly prohibits the act of adultery, highlighting the importance of fidelity and faithfulness within the covenant of marriage.
By including this commandment, God emphasizes the need for His people to honor and respect the sanctity of marriage, promoting harmonious and committed relationships.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse expands the definition of adultery beyond physical acts, drawing attention to the importance of purity in thought and intention. It warns against the harmful effects of lustful desires, which can lead to the destruction of relationships.
By addressing the root cause of adultery, Jesus challenges His followers to cultivate a heart and mind that is pure, guarding against the temptations that can lead to infidelity.
Proverbs 7:6-27
“At the window of my house, I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him and kissed him, and with a brazen face she said: ‘Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.’ With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”
This lengthy passage from Proverbs vividly describes the temptation of succumbing to the allure of an adulterous relationship. It highlights the deceitful nature of the other woman, who approaches with cunning intentions and manipulative tactics.
This cautionary tale serves as a warning to individuals, especially young men, to be vigilant and wise in their choices, avoiding the trap of infidelity and the devastating consequences it brings.
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel.”
This verse expresses God’s disapproval of divorce, highlighting the seriousness of breaking the bonds of marriage. It reinforces the importance of commitment and faithfulness within the covenant of marriage.
Instead of seeking satisfaction outside the marriage through an affair, this verse encourages individuals to work through their marital difficulties, seeking reconciliation and restoration.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one another’s needs within the confines of marriage. It encourages husbands and wives to prioritize satisfying one another sexually, fostering a healthy and intimate bond.
By focusing on meeting each other’s desires within the marriage, the verse promotes the avoidance of seeking fulfillment outside the commitment of the marital relationship.
Proverbs 23:27-28
“For a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.”
This verse draws a parallel between the danger of engaging with a prostitute and the consequences of being involved with an unfaithful wife. It warns of the destructive nature of such relationships, emphasizing the risks they pose.
By highlighting the potential multiplication of unfaithfulness among men, the verse underscores the importance of avoiding the temptation of the other woman and remaining committed to one’s spouse.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse emphasizes the high value God places on marriage and the purity of the marriage relationship. It serves as a reminder to honor the sanctity of marriage and to avoid engaging in any form of sexual immorality, including adultery.
It also highlights the certainty of God’s judgment upon those who choose to violate His commandments in this area, emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance.
Proverbs 6:26
“For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life.”
This verse draws a distinction between the consequences of engaging with a prostitute and those of being involved with another man’s wife. It warns of the grave impact and risks associated with pursuing an extramarital affair.
By likening the actions of another man’s wife to a predatory act that threatens one’s life, the verse serves as a strong deterrent against pursuing relationships with married individuals.
Proverbs 2:16-19
“Wisdom will save you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead; none who go to her return or attain the paths of life.”
This passage warns against the seductive allure of the adulterous woman and the destructive path that follows such relationships. It highlights the importance of wisdom in avoiding temptation and staying committed to one’s own spouse.
By emphasizing the severe consequences that can stem from involvement with the other woman, the passage urges individuals to choose the path of faithfulness and avoid the enticements of infidelity.
Proverbs 9:13-18
“Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, ‘Let all who are simple come to my house!’ To those who have no sense, she says, ‘Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!’ But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.”
This passage describes the enticement and allure of folly personified as an unruly woman. It cautions against the deceptive appeal of pursuing forbidden pleasures and highlights the ultimate consequences of such actions.
By exposing the true nature of folly and warning against its enticing offers, the passage urges individuals to resist the temptations of the other woman and embrace wisdom and discernment.
Proverbs 30:20
“This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.'”
This verse paints a vivid picture of the character traits of an adulterous woman, highlighting her lack of remorse or guilt for her actions. It exposes the deceitful nature of the other woman, who seeks to cover up her wrongdoing.
The verse serves as a cautionary reminder to be discerning and vigilant, recognizing the manipulative tactics employed by those who engage in unfaithful relationships.
Proverbs 6:24-25
“Keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.”
This verse warns against the dangers of succumbing to lustful desires and the captivating attractiveness of the wayward woman. It advises individuals to guard their hearts and minds, ensuring that they do not fall into the trap of infidelity.
By emphasizing the importance of purity in thought and intention, the verse encourages believers to remain faithful to their own spouse and avoid the temptation of pursuing an affair.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse offers reassurance to believers facing temptation, including the temptation to engage in an extramarital affair. It reminds individuals that God is faithful and will provide a way to resist and overcome temptations.
By relying on God’s strength and seeking His guidance, believers can find the strength to resist the allure of the other woman and remain committed to their marriage vows.
Proverbs 5:3-6
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end, she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.”
This passage paints a stark contrast between the initial alluring façade of the adulterous woman and the devastating consequences that follow. It warns of the bitter and destructive path that accompanies such relationships.
By exposing the true nature of the other woman and the outcome of her choices, the passage urges individuals to consider the long-term effects and choose the path of life and righteousness instead.
Proverbs 7:10-23
“Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She is unruly and defiant; her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him and kissed him, and with a brazen face she said: ‘Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.’ With persuasive words, she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.”
This vivid description from Proverbs portrays the seductive tactics employed by the other woman. It highlights her crafty intent and the persuasive power of her words, which ultimately lead to the downfall of the naive man she entices.
This cautionary tale serves as a strong warning against falling into the trap of illicit relationships, urging individuals to remain steadfast in their commitment to their own spouse and to resist the temptations that may come their way.