5a: The Roots of Adultery

Soon after the 'how long would it take' discussion, the gemara transitions into a discussion of gasot ruach - or arrogance. On this amud we have a number of opinions about the not so fun consequences of someone who is arrogant. Though this might seem like a tangential conversation, it actually gets to the core issue of the Sota - or adultery in general. Reasons abound for why one would commit adultery, but the rabbis seem to be saying that a fundamental reason is arrogance. It could be an arrogance of not getting caught or that somehow it is ok for that person - or perhaps simply the act of cheating on a spouse is an act of arrogance. Either way, the gemara here seems to be speaking out against a negative trait that they feel leads to adultery - and in our context a possible Sota situation.

Like with the initial discussion of the witnesses, the rabbis are trying to take preventative action -- building a fence around the Sota ordeal so as not to have to be confronted with it.