5:3 a strange woman. The so-called “strange woman” (or “foreign woman”) is mentioned some ten times in Proverbs. The emphasis, however, is not on the fact that she was foreign born, but instead had not been instructed in the laws of God, as had the women of Israel, and so often tended to practice idolatrous promiscuity. She was also called a “foolish woman” (Proverbs 9:13), and is actually personified as “the foolish” or “folly,” in contrast to “wisdom.”

5:18 wife of thy youth. Whether written by David or Solomon, this chapter gives strong counsel to young men against fornication and adultery, as well as polygamy. Both David and Solomon had many wives, and God used them anyway, but God’s intended purpose in creating men and women involved lifelong commitment between one husband and one wife (Matthew 19:3-9). It is significant that the marriages and family lives of both David and Solomon, as well as Rehoboam (Solomon’s son) were tragic in many ways, largely because of their ignoring this primeval commandment (Genesis 2:24,25).