1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
4 Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:
5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.
6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
10 And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
11 (She [is] loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
12 Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
13 So she caught him, and kissed him, [and] with an impudent face said unto him,
14 [I have] peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved [works], with fine linen of Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
19 For the goodman [is] not at home, he is gone a long journey:
20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, [and] will come home at the day appointed.
21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.
24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong [men] have been slain by her.
27 Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
Overview of Proverbs Chapter 7
Proverbs Chapter 7 is a poignant warning against the dangers of seduction and the consequences of straying from wisdom. The chapter is structured as a narrative that illustrates the perils of succumbing to temptation, particularly through the personification of folly as a seductive woman. The chapter serves as an admonition to adhere to wisdom and to be vigilant against the allure of immoral behavior.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Exhortation to Keep Wisdom (Verses 1-5)
- The importance of adhering to wisdom and understanding.
- Wisdom is portrayed as a protective force against temptation.
- The Seduction Encounter (Verses 6-23)
- A vivid description of a young man who falls prey to temptation.
- The seductive woman is depicted as alluring and persuasive.
- The narrative highlights the young man’s lack of discernment.
- Consequences of Folly (Verses 24-27)
- A warning about the inevitable destruction that follows succumbing to temptation.
- The chapter concludes with a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring wisdom.
Key Themes
- The Value of Wisdom
The chapter emphasizes the necessity of valuing wisdom and understanding as protective measures against moral failure.
- The Nature of Temptation
Temptation is depicted as seductive and enticing, often leading individuals away from the path of righteousness.
- The Consequences of Immorality
The chapter warns of the dire consequences that follow the pursuit of folly, including destruction and loss.
- Vigilance Against Seduction
Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and discerning in their choices to avoid falling into temptation.
Character Analysis
- The Young Man
- Represents innocence and naivety.
- His lack of wisdom leads him to a dangerous situation.
- The Seductive Woman
- Embodies temptation and folly.
- Her persuasive words and actions illustrate the deceptive nature of sin.
Moral Lessons
- Wisdom should be cherished and sought after as a means of protection against temptation.
- Individuals must be aware of their vulnerabilities and the seductive nature of sin.
- Ignoring wisdom can lead to destructive consequences, affecting not only the individual but also their relationships and future.
Conclusion
Proverbs Chapter 7 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of wisdom and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. The vivid imagery and narrative structure underscore the need for vigilance and discernment in the face of seductive influences. By adhering to the teachings of wisdom, individuals can safeguard themselves against the pitfalls of folly and immorality.
