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
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
She describes the preparation she has made for his entertainment. Coverings of tapestry; marbaddim, "cushions," "pillows." The expression occurs again in Proverbs 31:22 . It is derived from דָבַד "to spread," and means cushions spread out ready for use. The Septuagint has κειρίαις ; Vulgate, funibus, "cords." These versions seem to regard the word as denoting a kind of delicate sacking on which the coverlets were laid. Carved works, with fine linen of Egypt; literally, ... read more
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. The substances mentioned were dissolved in or mixed with water, and then sprinkled on the couch. The love of such things is reckoned as a sign of luxury and vice ( Isaiah 3:20 , etc.). The three perfumes are mentioned together in So Proverbs 4:14 ; "myrrh, aloes, and cassia," in Psalms 45:8 . Septuagint, "I have sprinkled my couch with saffron, and my house with cinnamon." Myrrh is nowadays imported chiefly from Bombay, but it... read more
Let us take our fill of love; let us intoxicate ourselves ( inebriemur, Vulgate); as though the reason were overthrown by sensual passion as much as by drunkenness. The bride in So Proverbs 1:2 says, "Thy love is better than, wine" (see Proverbs 5:15 , Proverbs 5:19 , and note there), read more
Proverbs 7:15-20. Therefore came I forth to meet thee As not being able to take any pleasure in my feast without thy company; and I have found thee By a happy providence of God complying with my desires, to my great joy, I have found thee speedily and most opportunely. Thus this wicked woman pretended that she came forth on purpose to meet this youth, from a peculiar affection, as if she had had a prior acquaintance and intimacy with him. I have decked my bed, &c. She desires to... read more
More about sexual misbehaviour (6:20-7:27)Sometimes teaching can be so well known that people no longer take any notice of it. Therefore, they must remind themselves to be obedient to familiar truths (20-22). One matter concerning which the writer repeats his earlier warnings is sexual immorality. Offenders are merely destroying themselves (23-29). People may not despise a desperately hungry person who steals food; nevertheless, the person must be dealt with and made to repay (with interest)... read more
decked, &c. These words in verses: Proverbs 7:16 , Proverbs 7:17 , are rare words appropriately put into the lips of a foreigner. 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