Proverbs 6:35

Proverbs 6:35 comes at the end of a serious warning about adultery. This verse describes the reaction of a betrayed husband—someone whose wife has been unfaithful. It teaches us that some sins hurt people so deeply that no amount of money or gifts can fix the damage. This isn't just about marriage. It's about understanding that our actions have consequences that we can't always buy our way out of.

The Verse in Different Translations

Let's look at how different Bible versions translate this powerful verse:

"He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, though it is large."

— Proverbs 6:35 (NIV)

"He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts."

— Proverbs 6:35 (ESV)

"He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts."

— Proverbs 6:35 (KJV)

"He will accept no compensation, nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size."

— Proverbs 6:35 (NLT)

What Does This Verse Mean?

Proverbs 6:35 is talking about a husband whose wife has committed adultery. The verse describes how he responds when the person who slept with his wife tries to make it right by offering money or gifts. Let's break down what this verse is really saying:

"He will not accept any compensation"

Compensation means payment to make up for damage or harm. In ancient times, many wrongs could be settled by paying the person you hurt. If you damaged someone's property, you could pay them for it. If you stole something, you could pay it back with extra.

But adultery is different. This verse says the betrayed husband won't accept any payment. The damage done to his marriage and his heart is so deep that money can't fix it. Some things in life are more valuable than money, and some hurts can't be healed with cash.

"He will refuse a bribe, though it is large"

A bribe is when you offer someone money or gifts to make them do what you want or to avoid punishment. The verse says even if you offer a huge amount—more money than seems reasonable—the husband still won't accept it.

Why? Because his wife isn't for sale. His marriage isn't for sale. His dignity and honor aren't for sale. What's been broken can't be fixed with money, no matter how much you offer.

Understanding the Full Context

Proverbs 6:35 is the last verse in a longer warning about adultery. To understand it fully, we need to read the verses that come before it. Let's look at Proverbs 6:30-35:

"People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. For jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, though it is large."

— Proverbs 6:30-35 (NIV)

This passage compares two types of wrong: theft and adultery. A thief can pay back what he stole and eventually move past his crime. But adultery brings consequences that can't be undone. The betrayed husband will be furious and won't be satisfied with any amount of money.

Why Is Adultery Different from Theft?

The passage makes an interesting comparison. When someone steals, we understand they're taking something that doesn't belong to them. If they get caught, they can pay it back. The problem is solved.

But adultery is different because it violates something sacred—the trust and commitment in a marriage. It's not just about taking something physical. It's about breaking a promise, betraying trust, and destroying something that can't be rebuilt with money or gifts. The damage goes much deeper.

The Deeper Message

While this verse specifically talks about adultery, the principle applies to many areas of life. Here are the deeper lessons we can learn:

1. Some Things Are More Valuable Than Money

We live in a world that often treats everything like it has a price tag. But this verse reminds us that some things can't be bought or sold. Trust, loyalty, honor, and love are priceless. When you damage these things, you can't just throw money at the problem and expect it to go away.

2. Actions Have Consequences We Can't Always Fix

In this verse, the person who committed adultery learns a hard lesson: you can't undo what you've done. You can't just pay your way out of it. Some choices have lasting consequences. This is why it's so important to think before we act and consider who might get hurt by our decisions.

3. Betrayal Cuts Deep

When someone betrays our trust, especially someone close to us, the pain is deeper than almost anything else. The husband in this verse isn't being unreasonable by refusing payment. He's expressing how seriously he's been hurt. Betrayal wounds us in ways that gifts and money can never heal.

4. Respect the Sacred Things in Life

Marriage is sacred. Friendships are sacred. Family relationships are sacred. When we treat these things carelessly or selfishly, we're playing with fire. This verse is a warning: don't mess with what's sacred. The consequences are more serious than you think.

Practical Teaching Points

What can we learn from Proverbs 6:35 for our everyday lives?

1. Think About Long-Term Consequences

Before you make a choice that might hurt someone, especially someone who trusts you, think about the long-term consequences. Ask yourself: "If this goes wrong, can I fix it? Will saying sorry be enough? Will time heal this wound?" If the answer is no, then don't do it.

2. Guard Your Relationships

This verse shows how valuable relationships are. A marriage is worth more than any amount of money. Your friendships are priceless. Your family connections matter deeply. Don't take these relationships for granted. Protect them, honor them, and never do anything that would damage or destroy them.

3. Money Doesn't Fix Everything

We live in a culture that sometimes acts like money solves all problems. Need to make someone happy? Buy them something. Did you mess up? Offer to pay for dinner. But this verse reminds us that money has limits. It can't buy back trust. It can't heal a broken heart. It can't restore honor once it's lost.

4. Take Sin Seriously

The Bible doesn't use soft language when talking about adultery or other serious sins. God knows that sin has real consequences that hurt real people. When we take sin lightly, we're ignoring the damage it does. This verse helps us see sin from the perspective of the person who gets hurt by it.

5. Some Damage Is Permanent

This is a hard truth, but it's important: some of the damage we do to others can't be completely fixed. We can apologize, we can try to make amends, and God can forgive us—but the scars may remain. The memory of betrayal doesn't just disappear. This should make us think very carefully before we hurt someone.

Common Questions About This Verse

Does this mean God won't forgive adultery?

No. God forgives all sins when we truly repent and turn back to Him. This verse isn't about God's forgiveness—it's about the human consequences of our actions. While God can forgive us, the people we hurt might not be ready to forgive or forget. Both things can be true: God offers forgiveness, but we still face earthly consequences for our choices.

Is this verse saying revenge is okay?

No. The verse describes how a betrayed husband will naturally feel—angry and unwilling to accept payment for such a violation. But elsewhere, the Bible is clear that revenge belongs to God, not to us (Romans 12:19). This verse is describing what happens, not saying it's right to seek revenge.

Does this only apply to married people?

The specific example is about marriage and adultery, but the principle applies much more broadly. Any time we betray someone's trust—whether it's a friend, a family member, or even a business partner—we're doing damage that can't always be fixed with money or gifts. The lesson is about the value of trust and loyalty in all relationships.

What if I've already made this kind of mistake?

If you've hurt someone deeply through betrayal or unfaithfulness, this verse doesn't mean you should give up hope. What it does mean is that you need to understand the seriousness of what you've done. Don't expect a quick fix. True repentance means being patient, showing genuine change over time, and accepting that rebuilding trust is a slow process. God can redeem even our worst mistakes, but healing takes time.

Related Bible Verses

Here are other verses that connect to the themes in Proverbs 6:35:

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

— Hebrews 13:4

This New Testament verse echoes the same warning. Marriage is sacred, and sexual unfaithfulness is a serious sin that God takes very seriously. It reminds us that God values faithfulness and purity in relationships.

"Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished."

— Proverbs 6:27-29

Just a few verses before verse 35, we find this vivid illustration. Playing with adultery is like playing with fire—you will get burned. It's not a matter of if, but when. The consequences are as certain as getting burned when you touch fire.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

— Proverbs 4:23

This verse reminds us that our actions start in our hearts. If we want to avoid sins like adultery and betrayal, we need to guard what goes into our hearts and minds. Protect your thoughts, and you'll protect your actions.

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."

— 1 Corinthians 6:18

Paul tells us not to play around with sexual sin—run from it! Sexual sin is unique because it affects us deeply, hurting not just others but ourselves as well. The best strategy is to avoid it completely rather than trying to see how close we can get without crossing the line.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

— Matthew 5:27-28

Jesus takes the commandment against adultery even further. It's not just about the physical act—it's about what we allow into our hearts and minds. God cares about our thoughts and desires, not just our actions. Adultery starts long before two people get together physically.

Examples from Modern Life

While this verse talks about adultery, the principle shows up in many modern situations:

In Business

Imagine a business partner who embezzles money from your company. Even if they pay back every penny, the trust is broken. You'll never be able to work with them the same way again. The relationship has been damaged in a way that money can't fix.

In Friendships

If your best friend shares your deepest secret with others, you feel betrayed. They might apologize and buy you gifts, but those gifts won't make you trust them again. Trust is rebuilt slowly through consistent actions over time, not through presents.

In Family

When a family member lies about something important or breaks a promise they swore to keep, the hurt goes deep. No amount of "I'm sorry" or expensive gifts can instantly heal that wound. The relationship needs time and consistent trustworthy behavior to heal.

References in Media and Culture

The theme of Proverbs 6:35—that some betrayals can't be fixed with money—appears in many movies, books, and TV shows:

Movies and TV

Many crime dramas show characters trying to "make things right" by offering money after betraying someone, only to learn that their money means nothing compared to the trust they destroyed. Shows that deal with infidelity often portray the betrayed spouse as unwilling to be "bought off" with nice gestures or expensive gifts—they want genuine repentance and changed behavior.

Classic Literature

Stories about revenge often touch on this theme. When someone is deeply hurt by betrayal, they refuse any payment or apology because the wound is too deep. Think of "The Count of Monte Cristo" or "The Scarlet Letter"—both show how betrayal creates consequences that money and social status can't fix.

How to Apply This Verse Today

Here are practical ways to apply the wisdom of Proverbs 6:35 to your daily life:

Value relationships over things: Remember that the people in your life are worth more than any possession. Treat your relationships with the respect and care they deserve.
Think before you act: Before making a choice that could hurt someone, ask yourself if you'd be okay with facing consequences that can't be undone. If not, don't do it.
Don't try to buy forgiveness: If you've hurt someone, don't think you can just give them something to make it better. What they need is a genuine apology, changed behavior, and time. Be patient with the healing process.
Protect your commitments: Whether it's a marriage, a friendship, or a work relationship, take your commitments seriously. Don't treat them casually or assume you can fix any damage you cause.
Set boundaries: Protect yourself from situations where you might be tempted to betray someone's trust. If you know certain situations are dangerous for you, avoid them completely.
Be faithful in small things: Faithfulness isn't just about big decisions. Practice being trustworthy in small, everyday choices. This builds character and helps you stay faithful when bigger temptations come.

Conclusion

Proverbs 6:35 gives us a sobering but important message: some wrongs can't be fixed with money or gifts. When we damage trust, betray loyalty, or violate something sacred, we create consequences that go far deeper than our wallets can reach.

This verse isn't meant to discourage us or make us live in fear. Instead, it's meant to help us understand how valuable our relationships are and how important it is to treat them with care and respect. It teaches us to think seriously about our choices and to recognize that not everything in life has a price tag.

The good news is that God offers us something far better than our ability to pay for our mistakes. Through Jesus, He offers forgiveness we could never earn or buy. While we may face earthly consequences for our sins, God's grace covers what we could never pay for ourselves.

Let this verse inspire you to live with integrity, to honor your commitments, and to value the people in your life above all material things. Choose faithfulness. Choose honesty. Choose to protect what's sacred. And if you've made mistakes in the past, remember that while you can't change what happened, you can commit to living differently from this day forward.

God's path for us is always the path of faithfulness, honor, and love. When we walk that path, we protect ourselves and others from the kind of deep hurt that no amount of money can heal.