βpretium enim scorti vix est unius panis, mulier autem viri pretiosam animam capit.β
βFor by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. the adulteress: Heb. the woman of a man, or, a man's wifeβ
βFor the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.β
βFor a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulteress hunts for your precious life.β
βFor on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread; And the adulteress hunteth for the precious life.β
Woman. Who is married, exposes her lover to the danger of death. She chooses the most accomplished men, while the harlot receives the first comer. (Calmet)
(1.) It is a sin that impoverishes men, wastes their estates, and reduces them to beggary (v. 26): By means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread; many a man has been so, who has purchased the ruin of his body and soul at the expense of his wealth. The prodigal son spent his living on harlots, so that he brought himself to be fellow-commoner with the swine. And that poverty must needs lie heavily which men bring themselves into by their own folly, Job 31 12.
Verses 20-35 The word of God has something to say to us upon all occasions. Let not faithful reproofs ever make us uneasy. When we consider how much this sin abounds, how heinous adultery is in its own nature, of what evil consequence it is, and how certainly it destroys the spiritual life in the soul, we shall not wonder that the cautions against it are so often repeated. Let us notice the subjects of this chapter. Let us remember Him who willingly became our Surety, when we were strangers and enemies. And shall Christians, who have such prospects, motives, and examples, be slothful and careless? Shall we neglect what is pleasing to God, and what he will graciously reward? May we closely watch every sense by which poison can enter our minds or affections.