The danger of proximity: 'lest you lose your honor to others and your years to one who is cruel.' 'Lose your honor' (pen tattenkavodcha le'acherim) suggests that the affair will become public, resulting in shame and loss of reputation. 'Your years to one who is cruel' (shneycha le'okesha) indicates both the loss of life years through disease or early death, and the destructive relationship with the woman 'cruel' (hard-hearted). The young man learns that sexual sin has public consequences: his honor and reputation are at stake, not just private consequences.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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