Proverbs 7
My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin, 5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words.
6 For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, 7 And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding, 8 Passing along the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house 9 In the twilight, in the evening, In the black and dark night. 10 And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. 11 She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. 12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner. 13 So she caught him and kissed him; With an impudent face she said to him: 14 “I have peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you, Diligently to seek your face, And I have found you. 16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. 17 I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. 19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day.” 21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. 22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: 25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; 26 For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. 27 Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 7 Meaning
Proverbs 7 is a passage that warns us about the dangers of falling into the trap of sexual immorality. It uses the example of a young man being enticed by a seductive woman. The verses emphasize the importance of wisdom, discernment, and self-control in resisting the temptations of sexual sin.
Proverbs 7 Commentary and Explanation
Proverbs 7 offers us a compelling and instructive narrative about the dangers of temptation and the importance of wisdom in our lives.
In this passage, we encounter a young man who, lacking understanding, falls victim to the allure of an adulterous woman. The narrative paints a vivid picture of her seductive tactics, illustrating how enticing and deceptive sin can be. It serves as a stark reminder that temptation often masquerades as something desirable and harmless.
The “simple” or naive young man represents anyone who lacks spiritual discernment and understanding. It’s a call for us to be vigilant, for we too can fall prey to temptations if we are not rooted in wisdom and godliness. This message is echoed in Proverbs 4:23, which reminds us to guard our hearts diligently, for from it flow the issues of life.
The narrative of the adulterous woman also echoes the warnings in the book of Proverbs about the dangers of bad company. Proverbs 13:20 tells us that he who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Here, the young man’s choice to follow the path of folly and associate with the immoral woman leads to his eventual downfall.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and the value of God’s Word. The father’s instructions in verses 1-5 underscore the need for us to heed the counsel of our elders and the wisdom passed down through generations. It resonates with the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12, which commands us to honor our parents.
As we continue reading, we witness the woman’s persuasive words and seductive attire. Her portrayal as an adulteress is a powerful reminder of the temptations that can ensnare us in our lives. Her flattering speech and sensuous attire symbolize the allure of worldly desires and sinful pleasures that often lead us away from God’s path.
Proverbs 7:26-27 delivers a solemn warning: “For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.” These verses echo the broader biblical message that sin has devastating consequences. Romans 6:23 reminds us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
Ultimately, Proverbs 7 serves as a cautionary tale that implores us to seek wisdom, heed parental guidance, and be vigilant against the alluring traps of temptation. By doing so, we can walk in the path of righteousness and avoid the destructive consequences of sin. This chapter calls us to reflect on our own lives and consider the choices we make in light of God’s wisdom and guidance.
Also Read: Isaiah 54:14 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Proverbs 7
Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, written primarily by King Solomon. It offers practical advice for living a godly and righteous life. In the context of Proverbs 7, the passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of succumbing to sexual immorality.
The book of Proverbs frequently addresses topics such as wisdom, discipline, and the fear of the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and living in accordance with His wisdom. Proverbs 7 specifically focuses on the temptation of sexual sin and the need for discernment and self-control.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 7
Proverbs 7:1-3: These verses highlight the importance of treasuring wisdom and guidance, internalizing them and seeking them wholeheartedly.
Proverbs 7:6-10: The passage introduces the young man who lacks understanding and is easily swayed. It sets the stage for the seductive woman’s advances.
Proverbs 7:13-20: These verses describe the seductress’s methods: dressing like a prostitute, speaking with seductive words, and enticing the young man with promises of pleasure.
Proverbs 7:22-23: Here, we see the consequence of the young man’s actions. He follows the seductress and falls into her trap, not knowing it will lead to his destruction.
Lessons From Proverbs 7
- Seek and treasure wisdom: We should actively pursue and cherish godly wisdom as a guiding force in our lives. It is through wisdom that we can discern and resist temptation.
- Be discerning: We need to be cautious about the motives and intentions of others. Not everyone who appears attractive or alluring has our best interests at heart.
- Avoid compromising situations: We should be mindful of the places we go and the people we spend time with. By consciously avoiding situations that could lead to temptation, we can protect ourselves from falling into sin.
- Flee from temptation: Even when faced with initial temptations, we should run away from them. We need to resist the allure of sexual sin and remember the destructive consequences it can have on our lives.
- Trust in God’s guidance: Ultimately, our strength and ability to resist temptation come from the Lord. By relying on His wisdom and seeking His guidance, we can find the strength to overcome the temptations we face.
Final Thoughts
The passage in Proverbs 7 serves as a reminder of the importance of wisdom, discernment, and self-control in resisting sexual temptation. It warns us about the deceitful nature of sin and emphasizes the need to avoid compromising situations.
By treasuring God’s wisdom, being discerning, and seeking His guidance, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls of sexual immorality and live a life of purity and righteousness.