Proverbs 6:31 - but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house.

Generated Verse: Proverbs 6:31

What does "Proverbs 6:31" mean?


Proverbs 6:31 states: "But if he is found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house." This verse is part of a larger passage (Proverbs 6:20-35) that warns against adultery. Let's break down what the verse means in that context:

"But if he is found...": This refers to a thief who is caught in the act of stealing, or is apprehended later. The person committing adultery is being compared to a thief.

"...he shall restore sevenfold...": This means the thief (or adulterer in the comparison) will have to repay seven times the value of what was stolen. This is an extremely high penalty, suggesting that theft is a serious crime, especially when considering the gravity of adultery which is a violation of trust and commitment.

"...he shall give all the substance of his house.": This indicates that the thief (or adulterer) may have to give up everything they own to make restitution. The implication is that the consequences for their actions are devastating and could lead to complete financial ruin.

In the context of adultery, the verse is used metaphorically:

The passage emphasizes the grave consequences of adultery. It's not necessarily saying that an adulterer literally has to pay a sevenfold financial penalty. Instead, it's highlighting that:

The consequences of adultery are severe: Adultery can lead to the loss of reputation, relationships, family, and self-respect.
There is a high price to pay: The adulterer will experience significant pain, suffering, and potentially complete destruction of their life as they know it.
Adultery is a form of stealing: The adulterer is stealing something precious from their spouse (trust, intimacy, fidelity) and from the wronged person's spouse and family, and the high penalty reflects the value of what's been taken.

Key takeaways:

The verse uses the imagery of a thief being caught and severely penalized to illustrate the devastating consequences of adultery.
The penalties described are meant to emphasize the serious nature of the sin and the potential for complete loss for the adulterer.
The verse isn't a literal legal mandate but a powerful warning against the destructive power of infidelity.