King James Version
Proverbs 7
27 verses with commentary
A Father's Warning Against the Adulterous Woman
My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Keeping commandments as life itself demonstrates their vital importance. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep) implies guarding treasure, not merely obeying rules. God's law becomes precious when we recognize it as the path to flourishing, not onerous restriction.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
57-60. Sincere desires for God's favor, penitence, and activity in a new obedience, truly evince the sincerity of those who profess to find God a portion (Nu 18:20; Psa 16:5; La 3:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
Invitations to learn wisdom.(1-5)
The arts of seducers, with warnings against them.(6-27)
**Verses 1-5**
We must lay up God's commandments safely. Not only, Keep them, and you shall live; but, Keep them as those that cannot live without them. Those that blame strict and careful walking as needless and too precise, consider not that the law is to be kept ...
Read full commentary →Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This command uses vivid imagery to emphasize treasuring God's commandments. 'Keep my commandments, and live' directly links obedience to life—a recurring biblical theme. 'Keep my law as the apple of thine eye' uses 'apple' (literally the pupil or center of the eye), which we instinctively protect. The imagery teaches: guard God's law with the same reflexive care you protect your eyes. Any threat t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
61-62. This the more, if opposition of enemies, or love of ease is overcome in thus honoring God's law.
**have robbed me--**better, surrounded me, either as forcible constraints like fetters, or as the cords of their nets. Hengstenberg translates, "snares."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
Invitations to learn wisdom.(1-5)
The arts of seducers, with warnings against them.(6-27)
**Verses 1-5**
We must lay up God's commandments safely. Not only, Keep them, and you shall live; but, Keep them as those that cannot live without them. Those that blame strict and careful walking as needless and too precise, consider not that the law is to be kept ...
Read full commentary →Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse commands binding God's commandments 'upon thy fingers' and writing them 'upon the table of thine heart.' The Hebrew 'qashar' (bind) and 'kathab' (write) indicate permanent, intimate attachment. This echoes Deuteronomy 6:8 and anticipates the new covenant promise of God's law written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). From a Reformed perspective, this points to sanctification—the ongoing work o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**VII.**
(m). *Thirteenth Discourse:*—*Also Against Adultery *(Proverbs 7).
(3) **Bind them upon thy fingers.—**See above on Proverbs 3:3. The thong of the phylactery or fillet for the left arm was wound seven times round it, and as many times round the middle finger.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
61-62. This the more, if opposition of enemies, or love of ease is overcome in thus honoring God's law.
**have robbed me--**better, surrounded me, either as forcible constraints like fetters, or as the cords of their nets. Hengstenberg translates, "snares."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
Invitations to learn wisdom.(1-5)
The arts of seducers, with warnings against them.(6-27)
**Verses 1-5**
We must lay up God's commandments safely. Not only, Keep them, and you shall live; but, Keep them as those that cannot live without them. Those that blame strict and careful walking as needless and too precise, consider not that the law is to be kept ...
Read full commentary →Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
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KJV Study Commentary
Calling wisdom 'sister' and understanding 'kinswoman' suggests intimate, familial relationship. This personification of wisdom anticipates Proverbs 8-9, where wisdom calls out in the streets. The closest human relationships become metaphor for the believer's bond with divine truth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
63. The communion of the saints. Delight in their company is an evidence of belonging to them (Psa 16:3; Am 3:3; Mal 3:16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
Invitations to learn wisdom.(1-5)
The arts of seducers, with warnings against them.(6-27)
**Verses 1-5**
We must lay up God's commandments safely. Not only, Keep them, and you shall live; but, Keep them as those that cannot live without them. Those that blame strict and careful walking as needless and too precise, consider not that the law is to be kept ...
Read full commentary →That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Wisdom serves as protection 'from the strange woman' (Hebrew 'zarah')—the adulteress who represents all forbidden and destructive paths. The parallel between 'keep thee' and 'preserve thee' emphasizes comprehensive protection. Reformed theology sees this strange woman as a type of all worldly seductions that promise pleasure but deliver death. Wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, is our defense...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
64. While opposed by the wicked, and opposing them, the pious delight in those who fear God, but, after all, rely for favor and guidance not on merit, but mercy.
TETH. (Psa 119:65-72).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
Invitations to learn wisdom.(1-5)
The arts of seducers, with warnings against them.(6-27)
**Verses 1-5**
We must lay up God's commandments safely. Not only, Keep them, and you shall live; but, Keep them as those that cannot live without them. Those that blame strict and careful walking as needless and too precise, consider not that the law is to be kept ...
Read full commentary →For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
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KJV Study Commentary
The adulteress 'flattereth with her words'—Hebrew 'chalaq' means to make smooth or slippery. Flattery is deceptive speech designed to manipulate through false praise. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates how sin appeals to pride and self-deception. The devil, like the adulteress, uses smooth words to make sin appear attractive and harmless. This warning applies beyond sexual sin to all fo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
65-67. The reliance on promises (Psa 119:49) is strengthened by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, the youths: Heb. the sons
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KJV Study Commentary
Among the simple ones, the youth void of understanding - observation of the naive young man about to fall into adultery's trap. The 'simple' (peti) and 'void of understanding' (chasar-lev - lacking heart/sense) characterize one vulnerable to seduction. Youth and inexperience create vulnerability requiring wisdom's protective instruction. The verse begins an extended illustration (vv.6-23) demonstr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Among the simple ones.—**He was not yet vicious, only empty-headed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
65-67. The reliance on promises (Psa 119:49) is strengthened by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
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KJV Study Commentary
The path to sin is described as passing 'near her corner' and taking 'the way to her house.' Sin rarely happens instantly; it begins with proximity and small compromises. The Reformed understanding of progressive sanctification recognizes that we must avoid the path to sin, not just the act itself. Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12), exemplifying this wisdom. This verse teaches that ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And he went the way **. . .—The word is used of the slow step of a religious procession (2Samuel 6:13), here of the sauntering of the idle youth up and down the street within view of the temptress’s house.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
65-67. The reliance on promises (Psa 119:49) is strengthened by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →In the twilight, in the evening , in the black and dark night: in the evening: Heb. in the evening of day
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Sin's timing is strategic—'in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night.' Darkness provides cover for deeds that cannot withstand light. Jesus declared Himself the light of the world (John 8:12), and John writes that those who practice evil hate the light (John 3:19-20). This verse reveals sin's furtive nature and our responsibility to walk in the light. Reformed theology emphasize...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **In the twilight **. . .—He has no excuse of sudden temptation to offer; from twilight till dark night he had trifled with danger, and now at last his “calamity comes” (Proverbs 6:15).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
68. Compare as to the Lord Jesus (Ac 10:38).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
A woman meets him dressed as a prostitute with crafty heart. The Hebrew 'tavnith' (attire/adornment) and 'natsar lev' (guarded/crafty heart) describe calculated seduction. External presentation and internal calculation combine for entrapment. This woman isn't accidentally tempting but deliberately predatory. The seducer studies prey, plans approach, calculates strategy. Temptation is often sophist...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Subtil of heart.—**Feigning love to her husband and devotion to her lovers, yet caring for none, only to satisfy her own passions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
69-70. The crafty malice of the wicked, in slandering him, so far from turning him away, but binds him closer to God's Word, which they are too stupid in sin to appreciate. Hengstenberg refers the "lie" to such slanders against the Jews during the captivity, as that in Ezr 4:1-6, of sedition.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
She is loud and stubborn; her feet don't stay home. The Hebrew 'hamah' (loud/tumultuous) and 'sarar' (stubborn/rebellious) describe disorderly character. Restlessness ('feet abide not in her house') indicates rejection of domestic contentment. This isn't cultural patriarchy but wisdom recognizing that contentment produces stability while restlessness produces moral vulnerability. Constantly seekin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Her feet** **abide not in her house.—**She is not a “keeper at home,” as St. Paul (Titus 2:5) would have Christian matrons to be.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
69-70. The crafty malice of the wicked, in slandering him, so far from turning him away, but binds him closer to God's Word, which they are too stupid in sin to appreciate. Hengstenberg refers the "lie" to such slanders against the Jews during the captivity, as that in Ezr 4:1-6, of sedition.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
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KJV Study Commentary
Now in the streets, now in the squares, lurking at every corner. The Hebrew 'arab' (lie in wait/ambush) describes predatory positioning. The seductress strategically places herself where targets gather. This isn't passive availability but active hunting. Temptation often involves environmental engineering - placing ourselves where we know we're vulnerable. Wisdom requires avoiding dangerous places...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
71-72. So also affliction of any kind acts as a wholesome discipline in leading the pious more highly to value the truth and promises of God.
JOD. (Psa 119:73-80).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, with: Heb. she strengthened her face and said
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
She seizes him, kisses him, and with brazen face says... The Hebrew 'chazaq' (seize/grasp) and 'nashaq' (kiss) indicate aggressive initiative. 'Strengthened her face' ('heez paneyha') means bold, shameless, brazen. This woman doesn't wait passively but pursues aggressively. Modern culture increasingly normalizes female sexual aggression, but biblical wisdom recognizes this as predatory reversal of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
71-72. So also affliction of any kind acts as a wholesome discipline in leading the pious more highly to value the truth and promises of God.
JOD. (Psa 119:73-80).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. I have: Heb. Peace offerings are upon me
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
I had to offer peace offerings; today I've paid my vows. The Hebrew 'zebach shelamim' (peace offerings) and 'shalam neder' (fulfill vows) invoke religious language. The seductress claims piety while planning sin. Portions of peace offerings returned to offerers for celebratory meals, which she uses as pretext for entertaining her target. This illustrates hypocrisy - using religious observance as c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **I have peace offerings with me.—**Rather, *upon me, i.e., *I had vowed them, and to-day I have accomplished my vow. The peace-, or thank-offering as it is also rendered, was purely voluntary, in token of thanksgiving for some mercy. The breast and right shoulder of the victim were given to the priest, and the rest belonged to the offerer, who was thus admitted, as it were, to feast with God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
73. As God made, so He can best control, us. So as to Israel, he owed to God his whole internal and external existence (De 32:6).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
So I came out to meet you, to seek your face, and I've found you. The Hebrew 'shachar' (seek early/diligently) and 'matsa' (find) describe intentional pursuit. The seductress flatters her target - you're special, I specifically sought you. This personalized approach disarms resistance. Flattery makes us feel valued, lowering defenses. Seduction often involves making targets feel uniquely special a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
74. So when He has led us to rely on His truth, He will "make us to the praise of His grace" by others. "Those who fear Thee will be glad at my prosperity, as they consider my cause their cause" (Psa 34:2; 142:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
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KJV Study Commentary
I've decked my bed with coverings, colored linens from Egypt. The Hebrew 'ramad' (spread/deck) and 'chatul' (striped/colored) describe luxurious preparation. Egyptian linens were premium import goods. This verse emphasizes sensory seduction - visual beauty, textile luxury, exotic imports. Seduction appeals to senses and aesthetics. What looks beautiful can be morally deadly.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Carved works.—**Rather, *with coloured or striped coverlets. *For another notice of the extravagance of the women of Jerusalem, see Isaiah 3, and for a description of the trade of Tyre, the great supplier of foreign luxuries, see Ezek. xxvii Myrrh is said to be a natural product of Arabia, aloes and cinnamon of the east coast of Africa and Ceylon.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**75-78. in faithfulness--**that is, without in the least violating Thy faithfulness; because my sins deserved and needed fatherly chastisement. Enduring chastisement with a filial temper (He 12:6-11), God's promises of mercy (Ro 8:28) will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow (La 3:22; 2Co 1:3, 4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
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KJV Study Commentary
I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. The Hebrew 'noph' (sprinkle/perfume) and exotic spices create sensory seduction. Myrrh, aloes, cinnamon were expensive imports creating luxurious aromatics. The seductress appeals comprehensively to senses - visual beauty (v.16), aromatic pleasure (v.17), later sexual gratification (v.18). Temptation engages multiple dimensions simultaneously. ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**75-78. in faithfulness--**that is, without in the least violating Thy faithfulness; because my sins deserved and needed fatherly chastisement. Enduring chastisement with a filial temper (He 12:6-11), God's promises of mercy (Ro 8:28) will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow (La 3:22; 2Co 1:3, 4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
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KJV Study Commentary
Come, let's drink deeply of love until morning; let's delight in love. The Hebrew 'ravah' (drink deeply/saturate) and 'alaz' (rejoice/delight) describe indulgent pleasure. The invitation is to unbounded sensual enjoyment. 'Until morning' indicates extended encounter. Seduction promises pleasure without consequences, intensity without commitment. It offers what marriage legitimately provides but di...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**75-78. in faithfulness--**that is, without in the least violating Thy faithfulness; because my sins deserved and needed fatherly chastisement. Enduring chastisement with a filial temper (He 12:6-11), God's promises of mercy (Ro 8:28) will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow (La 3:22; 2Co 1:3, 4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
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KJV Study Commentary
For my husband is not at home; he's gone on a long journey. The Hebrew 'iysh' (husband/man) and 'derek rachowq' (long journey/way) indicate assured absence. The seductress promises safety through circumstance - no one will know. Sin feels safer when detection seems impossible. But hidden sin isn't consequence-free. God sees all, and 'be sure your sin will find you out' (Numbers 32:23).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **The goodman.—**Literally, *the man; *she does not even call him “my husband.”
**At the day appointed.**—Rather, *at the full moon, *a fortnight later, as now it would seem to have been new moon, when the nights are dark.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**75-78. in faithfulness--**that is, without in the least violating Thy faithfulness; because my sins deserved and needed fatherly chastisement. Enduring chastisement with a filial temper (He 12:6-11), God's promises of mercy (Ro 8:28) will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow (La 3:22; 2Co 1:3, 4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. with: Heb. in his hand the day: or, the new moon
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KJV Study Commentary
He took a bag of money; he'll return on the appointed day. The Hebrew 'tserowr hakkeseph' (bundle of silver) indicates substantial funds for extended travel. The 'appointed day' ('yowm hakkese') is distant future. This verse reinforces v.19's assurance of safety through absence. Seduction often involves timing calculations - when's it safe to sin? But moral reality doesn't depend on human detectio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
79-80. Those who may have thought his afflictions an evidence of God's rejection will then be led to return to Him; as the friends of Job did on his restoration, having been previously led through his afflictions to doubt the reality of his religion.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
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KJV Study Commentary
With much seductive speech she persuades him; with flattering lips she seduces. The Hebrew 'leqach' (persuasive speech/instruction) and 'chelqah' (flattery/smoothness) describe verbal seduction. Repetition emphasizes the point: smooth words seduce. Earlier verses described visual, sensory, circumstantial seduction; now comes verbal. Comprehensive assault on multiple fronts. Seduction is sophistica...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
79-80. Those who may have thought his afflictions an evidence of God's rejection will then be led to return to Him; as the friends of Job did on his restoration, having been previously led through his afflictions to doubt the reality of his religion.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; straightway: Heb. suddenly
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KJV Study Commentary
He follows her suddenly, as an ox to slaughter, as a fool to stocks for correction. The Hebrew 'pitom' (suddenly/instantly) and 'tevach' (slaughter) describe swift movement toward doom. The ox imagery portrays ignorant domesticated animal approaching its death. The fool in stocks awaits punishment. Both illustrations depict foolish movement toward certain destruction. Seduction succeeds by blindin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks.**—This sense is only gained by a transposition of the original. It has been attempted to translate it literally “and as if in fetters to where one corrects fools,” *i.e., *to prison.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
81-83. In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (Psa 73:26; 84:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
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KJV Study Commentary
Till an arrow pierces his liver, as a bird rushes into a snare, not knowing it will cost his life. The Hebrew 'chets' (arrow) and 'pach' (snare/trap) continue destruction imagery. Liver-piercing produces mortal wound. Bird flying into snare seeks food, finds death. Both images emphasize fatal consequences arising from ignorant pursuit of apparent goods. Seduction offers pleasure but delivers death...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Till a dart strike through his liver.—**These words must be taken in a parenthesis.
**That it is for his life.—***i.e.*, at the cost of it, when “his flesh and body are consumed,” and remorse has seized upon him (Proverbs 5:11).
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
81-83. In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (Psa 73:26; 84:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
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KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore, children, listen to me; attend to my words. The Hebrew 'shama' (hear/obey) and 'qashav' (attend/heed) command responsive attention. After extensive warning about sexual seduction (7:6-23), Solomon directly exhorts his audience: learn from this! Observing others' folly should teach without personally experiencing destruction. Wisdom learns from others' mistakes; folly requires person...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
81-83. In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (Psa 73:26; 84:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
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KJV Study Commentary
Let not your heart turn to her ways; don't stray into her paths. The Hebrew 'satah' (turn aside/deviate) and 'ta'ah' (err/wander) warn against directional departure. Heart-turning precedes foot-wandering. First internal desire, then external action. Guard the heart, and behavior follows. Proverbs 4:23 commands: 'Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.' Heart purity...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
84-87. The shortness of my life requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be speedy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
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KJV Study Commentary
For she has cast down many wounded; numerous are her slain. The Hebrew 'naphal' (fall/cast down) and 'chalal' (slain/pierced) describe casualties of sexual sin. This isn't isolated incident but pattern - many wounded, strong men slain. Sexual temptation destroys broadly and consistently. No one is immune; the strong fall as easily as the weak. This warns: don't presume on your strength; many stron...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
84-87. The shortness of my life requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be speedy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
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KJV Study Commentary
Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to chambers of death. The Hebrew 'sheowl' (grave/death/underworld) and 'maweth' (death) describe final destination. Sexual sin's path descends progressively deeper into destruction. It's not lateral movement but downward spiral. Each step leads lower until arriving at death's chambers. The path seems pleasurable but terminates in destruction. Proverbs 5:5 ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
84-87. The shortness of my life requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be speedy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-27**
Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just s...
Read full commentary →