Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’ New Living Translation An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, “What’s wrong with that?” English Standard Version This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wrong.” Berean Standard Bible This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ Berean Literal Bible This is the way of a woman committing adultery: She eats and has wiped her mouth and has said, ‘I have not done wickedness.’ King James Bible Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. New King James Version This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wickedness.” New American Standard Bible This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wrong.” NASB 1995 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wrong.” NASB 1977 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wrong.” Legacy Standard Bible This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wrong.” Amplified Bible This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth And says, “I have done no wrong.” Berean Annotated Bible This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong. Christian Standard Bible This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.” Holman Christian Standard Bible This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.” American Standard Version So is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness. Contemporary English Version An unfaithful wife says, "Sleeping with another man is as natural as eating." English Revised Version So is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. GOD'S WORD® Translation This is the way of a woman who commits adultery: She eats, wipes her mouth, and says, "I haven't done anything wrong!" Good News Translation This is how an unfaithful wife acts: she commits adultery, takes a bath, and says, "But I haven't done anything wrong!" International Standard Version This is what an immoral woman is like: she eats, wipes her mouth, then says "I've done nothing wrong." NET Bible This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, "I have not done wrong." New Heart English Bible "So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.' Webster's Bible Translation Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ World English Bible “So is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSo—the way of an adulterous woman, "" She has eaten and has wiped her mouth, "" And has said, “I have not done iniquity.” Berean Literal Bible This is the way of a woman committing adultery: She eats and has wiped her mouth and has said, ‘I have not done wickedness.’ Young's Literal Translation So -- the way of an adulterous woman, She hath eaten and hath wiped her mouth, And hath said, 'I have not done iniquity.' Smith's Literal Translation So the way of a woman committing adultery; eating and wiping her mouth, and saying, I transgressed not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSuch is also the way of an adulterous woman, who eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith: I have done no evil. Catholic Public Domain Version Such is the way also of an adulterous woman, who eats, and wiping her mouth, says: “I have done no evil.” New American Bible This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats, wipes her mouth, and says, “I have done no wrong.” New Revised Standard Version This is the way of an adulteress: she eats, and wipes her mouth, and says, “I have done no wrong.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSuch is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats, and wipes her mouth, and says, I have done no evil. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated So is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats and she wipes her mouth and she says, "I have done nothing.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith: 'I have done no wickedness.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Such is the way of an adulterous woman, who having washed herself from what she has done, says she has done nothing amiss. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Words of Agur…19the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea, and the way of a man with a maiden. 20This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ 21Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:… Cross References This is the way of an adulteress: Proverbs 7:10-27 Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. / She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. / Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner. … Proverbs 6:24-29 to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. / Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. / For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. … Proverbs 2:16-19 It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words / who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. / For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits. … She eats and wipes her mouth Matthew 23:25-26 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. Luke 11:39-41 Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. / You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? / But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you. Jeremiah 2:22 Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD. and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ Jeremiah 2:35 you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ 1 John 1:10 If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? Matthew 23:27-28 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed. Ezekiel 16:32 You adulterous wife! You receive strangers instead of your own husband! Hosea 4:14 I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Isaiah 3:16 The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— Revelation 2:20-22 But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. / Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling. / Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds. Treasury of Scripture Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats, and wipes her mouth, and said, I have done no wickedness. Proverbs 7:13-23 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, … Numbers 5:11-30 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, … Jump to Previous Adulteress Adulterous Cleaning Eaten Eateth Eats Food Iniquity I've Mouth Way Wickedness Wife Wiped Wipes Wipeth WrongJump to Next Adulteress Adulterous Cleaning Eaten Eateth Eats Food Iniquity I've Mouth Way Wickedness Wife Wiped Wipes Wipeth WrongProverbs 30 1. Agur's confession of his faith7. The two points of his prayer 10. The meanest are not to be wronged 11. Four wicked generations 15. Four things insatiable 24. four things exceeding wise 29. Four things stately 32. Wrath is to be prevented This is the way of an adulteress: The phrase introduces the behavior and mindset of an adulteress, a recurring theme in Proverbs. Adultery is condemned throughout Scripture as a violation of the marriage covenant, which is sacred and reflective of God's covenant with His people (Malachi 2:14). The adulteress here symbolizes not only literal infidelity but also spiritual unfaithfulness, as seen in Israel's idolatry (Hosea 2:2-5). The warning against such behavior is consistent with the wisdom literature's emphasis on moral integrity and the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. AdulteressThe central figure in this verse, representing a person who engages in sexual immorality and deceit. The term "adulteress" is used metaphorically to describe someone who is unrepentant and dismissive of their sinful actions. 2. Agur The author of Proverbs 30, who is traditionally understood to be a wise man contributing to the collection of Proverbs. His observations provide insight into human behavior and morality. 3. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context in which the Proverbs were written. Understanding the societal norms and values of ancient Israel helps in interpreting the text. Teaching Points The Deceptive Nature of SinSin often disguises itself as harmless or justified. The adulteress's behavior illustrates how sin can be rationalized and dismissed, leading to a hardened heart. The Importance of Repentance True repentance involves acknowledging one's wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness. The adulteress's denial of her sin serves as a warning against the dangers of unrepentance. Guarding Against Temptation Believers are called to be vigilant and guard their hearts against temptation. Recognizing the subtlety of sin helps in maintaining spiritual integrity. The Role of Conscience A seared conscience can lead to moral blindness. Regular self-examination and alignment with God's Word are essential for maintaining a sensitive and responsive conscience. The Impact of Sin on Relationships Sin not only affects the individual but also damages relationships with others and with God. Understanding the broader consequences of sin encourages a commitment to righteousness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 30:20?2. How does Proverbs 30:20 illustrate the deceitfulness of sin in daily life? 3. What behaviors in Proverbs 30:20 should we avoid to maintain purity? 4. How can Proverbs 30:20 guide us in recognizing self-deception in ourselves? 5. What other scriptures warn against justifying sinful actions like Proverbs 30:20? 6. How can we apply Proverbs 30:20 to promote accountability in our community? 7. What does Proverbs 30:20 reveal about human nature and moral accountability? 8. How does Proverbs 30:20 challenge our understanding of sin and self-deception? 9. In what ways does Proverbs 30:20 reflect societal attitudes towards immorality? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 30? 11. What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? 12. Proverbs 20:30 states punishment cleanses away evil--do contemporary views on rehabilitation versus punishment conflict with this concept? 13. How can one person realistically fulfill all the ideal qualities described in Proverbs 31:10-31 without ever falling short? 14. How does the violent response sanctioned in Esther 8:11 align with broader Old Testament teachings on justice and mercy? What Does Proverbs 30:20 Mean This is the way of an adulteress:“Such is the way of an adulterous woman…” (Proverbs 30:20) - Scripture singles out “the way”—a habitual pattern, not a one-time stumble (Proverbs 5:6; 7:27). - The verse sits among Agur’s observations about things that leave no trace (30:18-19). In contrast, adultery does leave a trace before God (Hebrews 4:13). - God consistently warns that sexual sin may look secret, yet its consequences run deep (Proverbs 6:32-33; Numbers 32:23). She eats “…She eats…” - The act is treated like grabbing a meal—common, casual, routine. - Sinful appetite is pictured as food elsewhere: “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant” (Proverbs 9:17). - Eating highlights physical gratification with no thought for covenant faithfulness (Hebrews 13:4). - David’s brief “taste” with Bathsheba led to cascading pain (2 Samuel 11–12), underscoring that what seems quick and harmless never is. and wipes her mouth “…and wipes her mouth…” - She removes the evidence, just as a diner wipes away crumbs—trying to erase all traces (Proverbs 28:13). - The wiping points to calculated concealment: “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper” (28:13). - Like Achan hiding plunder (Joshua 7:20-21) or Ananias and Sapphira masking deceit (Acts 5:1-10), hidden sin courts judgment. and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ “…and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’ ” - Hardened conscience: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). - Self-justification reveals a seared heart (1 Timothy 4:2) and denial of truth (1 John 1:8). - Proverbs links adultery with lack of remorse: “She laughs without fear; she does not ponder the path of life” (Proverbs 5:6; 7:13-14). - God notes when people “were not at all ashamed… they did not even know how to blush” (Jeremiah 6:15). summary Proverbs 30:20 paints a sober portrait: habitual sin treated as ordinary, quickly hidden, and shamelessly denied. The verse warns that secret immorality dulls the conscience and invites judgment, urging each reader to keep a tender heart, confess sin promptly (Psalm 32:5), and walk in the light of God’s unchanging standards (1 John 1:7). (20) Such is the way of an adulterous woman.--As there is no proof of her guilt, she flatly denies it.Verse 20. - This verse is a kind of gloss or illustration of the last thought of the preceding verse, and seems not to have formed an original part of the numerical proverb. It might well be placed in a parenthesis. Many commentators consider it to be an interpolation. Such is the way of an adulterous woman. What Agur had said of a man above, he now applies to the practised adulteress, whose sin cannot be traced. She eateth. This is a euphemism for the sin which she commits, "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant" (Proverbs 9:17; comp. Proverbs 5:15). And wipeth her mouth, as if to leave no trace of her illicit repast. And saith, I have done no wickedness. As she has sinned in secret, and there is no outward proof of her guilt, she boldly denies it. Septuagint, "Such is the way of an adulterous woman, who, when she has committed the act, having washed herself, says she has done nothing amiss." She forgets him who seeth in secret, and is quite content to escape detection at man's eyes, and to assume the character of a virtuous wife, which popular report assigns to her.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thisכֵּ֤ן ׀ (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus is the way דֶּ֥רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action of an adulteress: אִשָּׁ֗ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female She eats אָ֭כְלָה (’ā·ḵə·lāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 398: To eat and wipes וּמָ֣חֲתָה (ū·mā·ḥă·ṯāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 4229: To stroke, rub, to erase, to smooth, grease, make fat, to touch, reach to her mouth פִ֑יהָ (p̄î·hā) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to and says, וְ֝אָמְרָ֗ה (wə·’ā·mə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “I have done פָעַ֥לְתִּי (p̄ā·‘al·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6466: To do, make, to practise no לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no wrong.” אָֽוֶן׃ (’ā·wen) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol Links Proverbs 30:20 NIVProverbs 30:20 NLT Proverbs 30:20 ESV Proverbs 30:20 NASB Proverbs 30:20 KJV Proverbs 30:20 BibleApps.com Proverbs 30:20 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 30:20 Chinese Bible Proverbs 30:20 French Bible Proverbs 30:20 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:20 So is the way of an adulterous (Prov. 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