7:6-23Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well. The person who has no purpose in life is naive (7:7). Without aim or direction, an empty life is unstable, vulnerable to many temptations. Even though the young man in this passage doesn’t know where he is going, the immoral woman knows where she wants him. Notice her strategies: She is dressed to allure men (7:10); her approach is bold (7:13); she invites him over to her place (7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (7:19, 20); she persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23). To combat temptation, make sure your life is full of God's Word and wisdom (7:4). Recognize the strategies of temptation, and run away from them—fast.
Life Application Study BibleProverbsChapter 7
Proverbs 7
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1012, 1013
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
1always treasure my commands.
2Obey my commands and live!Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.*
3Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.Write them deep within your heart.
4Love wisdom like a sister;make insight a beloved member of your family.
5Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
6While I was at the window of my house,looking through the curtain,7 saw some naive young men,and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,strolling down the path by her house.
9It was at twilight, in the evening,as deep darkness fell.
10The woman approached him,seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11She was the brash, rebellious type,never content to stay at home.
12She is often in the streets and markets,soliciting at every corner.
13She threw her arms around him and kissed him,and with a brazen look she said,
14“I've just made my peace offeringsand fulfilled my vows.
15You're the one I was looking for!I came out to find you, and here you are!
16My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17I’ve perfumed my bedwith myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.Let's enjoy each other’s caresses,19 for my husband is not home.He's away on a long trip.
20He has taken a wallet full of money with himand won't return until later this month.*”
21So she seduced him with her pretty speechand enticed him with her flattery.
22He followed her at once,like an ox going to the slaughter.He was like a stag caught in a trap,23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.He was like a bird flying into a snare,little knowing it would cost him his life.
24So listen to me, my sons,and pay attention to my words.
25Don't let your hearts stray away toward her.Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26For she has been the ruin of many;many men have been her victims.
27Her house is the road to the grave.*Her bedroom is the den of death.
Wisdom Calls for a Hearing
81 Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Textual footnotes
- 7:2 Hebrew as the pupil of your eye.
- 7:20 Hebrew until the moon is full.
- 7:27 Hebrew to Sheol.
Life Application Notes 2 notes
7:25-27You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins. First, guard your mind. Don’t read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires. Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin. Third, don't think only of the moment—focus on the future. Today's thrill may lead to tomorrow’s ruin.