To show the greatness of the danger presented by the seductions of the temptress, the writer introduces no mere abstraction, no mere personification of a quality, but an actual example of what had passed before his own eyes. read more
Profilgacy It would not, perhaps, be wise for any one to discuss this subject in the presence of a general congregation. The sin is so fearfully contaminating that it is scarcely possible to touch it in any way without contracting some defilement; and the few who might benefit by a public exposure of the evils of profligacy would be greatly outnumbered by the multitude of people, especially the young, to whom the direction of attention to it would be unwholesome. But on special... read more
Proverbs 7:11 and Proverbs 7:12 describe the character and habits of this woman, not as she appeared on this occasion, but as she is known to the writer. read more
Now is she without, now in the streets. At one moment outside her own door, at another in the open street. Septuagint: "At one time she roams without ( ἔξω ῥέμβεται )." The woman is represented not as a common prostitute, but as a licentious wife, who, in her unbridled lustfulness, acts the part of a harlot. Lieth in wait at every corner; seeking to entice some victim. Then the narrative proceeds; the writer returns to what he beheld on the occasion to which he refers. read more
So she caught him and kissed him; being utterly lost to shame, like Potiphar's wife ( Genesis 39:12 ). With an impudent face said; literally, strengthened her face and said ; put on a bold and brazen look to suit, the licentious words which she spoke. Wordsworth quotes the delineation of the "strange woman" drawn by St. Ambrose ('De Cain. et Abel.,' 1.4): " Domi inquieta, in plateis vaga, osculis prodiga, pudore villis, amictu dives, genas picta; meretricio procax motu, infracto per... read more
I have peace offerings with me. Shelamim, "peace or thank offerings," were divided between Jehovah, the priests, and the offerer. Part of the appointed victim was consumed by fire; the breast and right shoulder were allotted to the priests; and the rest of the animal belonged to the person who made the offering, who was to eat it with his household on the same day as a solemn ceremonial feast ( Leviticus 3:1-17 ; Leviticus 7:1-38 ). The adulteress says that certain offerings were due... read more
Therefore came I forth to meet thee. As though she would invite the youth to a pious rite, she speaks; she uses religion as a pretext for her proceedings, trying to blind his conscience and to gratify his vanity. Diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee (see on Proverbs 1:28 ). She tries to persuade her dupe that he is the very lover for whom she was looking, whereas she was ready to take the first that offered. Spiritual writers see in this adulteress a type of the mystery of... read more
Proverbs 7:11-12. She is loud, &c. Here the wise man draws her character. המיה היא וסררת , She is clamorous and obstinate, or refractory. She is full of talk, self-willed, disobedient to her husband, rebellious against God, and incorrigible by any admonitions of ministers or friends. Her feet abide not in her house She minds not her business, which lies in her own house, but gives herself wholly up to idleness and pleasure, which she seeks in gadding abroad, and in changing her... read more
Proverbs 7:14. I have peace-offerings with me “I am a woman happy in many blessings, which God hath bestowed upon me, and for which I have given him solemn thanks this very day; and, as religion and custom bind me, I have provided as good a feast as those sacrifices, which I formerly vowed, and have now paid, would afford, having no want of any thing, but of some good company at home to rejoice with me.” This woman’s conduct was the more abominable, as she covered her lewdness with the mask... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 7:1-27
The two ways Here we have— I. THE WAY OF SIN AND DEATH . This is: 1 . The way of thoughtlessness. It is the "simple ones," the "young men void of understanding" ( Proverbs 7:7 ), those who go heedlessly "near the corner," "the way to the house" of the tempter or the temptress ( Proverbs 7:8 ). It is those who "do not consider," who do not think who they are, what they are here for, whither they go, what the end will be;—it is these who go astray and are found in... read more