Proverbs 7

Proverbs 7 continues the theme of warning against immorality and unfaithfulness, particularly focusing on the dangers of falling into the trap of adultery. It is framed as advice from a father to a son, encouraging him to remain faithful to wisdom and avoid the seductive allure of temptation. The chapter vividly portrays the consequences of ignoring wisdom’s counsel, using the example of a young man led astray by a seductive woman. The overarching message is to remain vigilant and protect one’s heart from destructive paths.

Proverbs 7:1-5 (NKJV)
1 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.

The father begins by urging his son to internalize wisdom, likening it to a valuable treasure. He emphasizes the life-giving power of God’s commands and the need to keep them central in his thoughts and actions. By calling wisdom “sister” and understanding “nearest kin,” he encourages a close, protective relationship with these virtues. The ultimate goal is to guard the young man from the enticing yet destructive seductions of immorality.

Proverbs 7:6-9 (NKJV)
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.

The father sets up a vivid scene where he observes a young man lacking wisdom. This youth, described as naive, makes a fatal mistake by wandering near the house of a seductress. The timing is significant—it happens under the cover of darkness, representing secrecy and moral obscurity. The scene symbolizes how easily one can fall into temptation by venturing too close to danger.

Proverbs 7:10-12 (NKJV)
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.

The young man encounters the woman who is deliberately dressed and behaving in a way to attract and manipulate him. Her loud, rebellious spirit is contrasted with the quietness of wisdom. She refuses to remain in one place, always seeking new opportunities to ensnare. Her behavior illustrates a restless pursuit of sin, constantly looking for her next victim.

Proverbs 7:13-15 (NKJV)
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.

The woman boldly approaches the young man, drawing him in with physical affection and flattery. She mentions her religious offerings to appear pious, thus removing any sense of guilt or wrongness from the encounter. By claiming that she sought him specifically, she appeals to his ego, making him feel special and desired. This manipulative tactic lures the young man further into her trap.

Proverbs 7:16-20 (NKJV)
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.”

She continues to entice him, describing her luxurious bed and using sensory imagery to appeal to his desires. The atmosphere she creates is one of indulgence, promising a night of pleasure. Her reassurance that her husband is away for a long time gives a false sense of security, convincing the young man that they won’t get caught, further leading him astray.

Proverbs 7:21-23 (NKJV)
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.

The young man, swayed by her seductive words, yields to her temptation. The comparison to an ox going to slaughter or a fool heading to punishment emphasizes the tragic consequences of his choice. The imagery of an arrow striking his liver suggests fatal damage, highlighting how sin can lead to death, both spiritually and physically. He remains unaware of the cost of his actions until it is too late.

Proverbs 7:24-27 (NKJV)
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.

The father concludes with a strong warning, calling on his children to heed his advice and pay attention to his words. He emphasizes the destructive nature of the woman’s ways, cautioning them not to let their hearts turn aside to her paths. Many have been wounded by following her, illustrating the danger of straying. Her house is depicted as the way to hell, symbolizing spiritual death and the ultimate consequence of ignoring wisdom.