Proverbs 5:11 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 5:11 mean?

Proverbs 5:11 warns that a person will end up mourning in the end, when their physical body and strength are worn out as a result of their choices. The verse pictures regret coming too late, after the damage has already been done to both flesh and body.

In this part of Proverbs, a father is warning his son about the dangers of ignoring wisdom, especially in the area of sexual temptation and unwise living. The verse describes the sorrow and regret that follow a life spent chasing pleasure or ignoring wise counsel, with the consequences showing up in failing health and deep remorse.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 5:11

• "mourn" (נָהַם, nāham): This word often means to groan or wail in deep pain or sorrow, not just feeling sad but expressing regret in a very physical, audible way. It highlights how intense the regret is at this point.
• "last" (אַחֲרִית, acharit): This word means "the end" or "final outcome." It emphasizes that the regret comes only after everything has played out, when it is too late to change the results.
• "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) and "body" (שָׁפֵךְ, shefekh): Both words refer to the physical self, but together they stress that the whole person—inside and out—has suffered. It is not just a spiritual or emotional loss, but a real physical decline.
• "consumed" (כָּלָה, kalah): This word means to be used up, spent, or destroyed. It shows that the consequences are total, leaving nothing behind.

Why Proverbs 5:11 matters

• Proverbs 5:11 makes clear that the regret described is not just emotional but also physical, showing how unwise choices can affect a person’s whole life and health.
• The verse connects to the larger warning in Proverbs 5 about the long-term consequences of ignoring wisdom, especially in areas of temptation, making the cost very concrete.
• By using strong words for mourning and being consumed, Proverbs 5:11 emphasizes that some consequences cannot be undone, encouraging the reader to consider the end result of their actions before it is too late.