Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 7

Introduction

CHAPTER 7

:-. The subject continued, by a delineation of the arts of strange women, as a caution to the unwary.

Verse 1

1-4. Similar calls (Proverbs 3:1-3; Proverbs 4:10, &c.).

Verse 2

2. apple . . . eye—pupil of eye, a custody (Proverbs 4:23) of special value.

Verse 3

3. Bind . . . fingers—as inscriptions on rings.

Verse 4

1-4. Similar calls (Proverbs 3:1-3; Proverbs 4:10, &c.).

Verse 5

5. The design of the teaching (compare Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 6:24).

Verse 6

6. For—or, "Since," introducing an example to illustrate the warning, which, whether a narrative or a parable, is equally pertinent.

window—or, "opening"

looked—literally, "watched earnestly" ( :-).

casement—or, "lattice."

Verse 7

7. simple—as in :-.

void of, &c.—(Compare Proverbs 6:32).

Verse 8

8. her corner—where she was usually found.

went . . . house—implying, perhaps, confidence in himself by his manner, as denoted in the word

went—literally, "tread pompously."

Verse 9

9. The time, twilight, ending in darkness.

black . . . night—literally, "pupil," or, "eye," that is, middle of night.

Verse 10

10. attire—that of harlots was sometimes peculiar.

subtile—or, "wary," "cunning."

Verse 11

11, 12. loud—or, "noisy," "bustling."

stubborn—not submissive.

without . . . streets, . . . corner—(Compare 1 Timothy 5:13; Titus 2:5).

Verse 13

13-15. The preparations for a feast do not necessarily imply peculiar religious professions. The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast ( :-, &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it.

Verse 16

16, 17. my bed—or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.

Verse 17

17. bed—a place for sleeping.

Verse 18

18-20. There is no fear of discovery.

Verse 20

20. the day appointed—perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Proverbs 7:19).

Verse 21

21. caused . . . yield—or, "inclines."

flattering—(Compare :-).

forced him—by persuasion overcoming his scruples.

Verse 22

22. straightway—quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.

Verse 23

23. Till—He is now caught ( :-).

Verse 24

24. The inferential admonition is followed (Proverbs 7:26; Proverbs 7:27), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice.

Verse 26

26, 27. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.