Proverbs 7

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.

Introduction to chapter 7

The subject continued, by a delineation of the arts of strange women, as a caution to the unwary. (Pro. 7:1-27)

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

Proverbs 7:2

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

Proverbs 7:3

Bind . . . fingers — as inscriptions on rings.

Proverbs 7:5

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

Proverbs 7:6

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" (Jdg 5:28).

casement — or, "lattice."

Proverbs 7:7

simple — as in Pro 1:4.

void of, &c. — (Compare Pro 6:32).

Proverbs 7:8

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."

Proverbs 7:9

The time, twilight, ending in darkness.

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

Proverbs 7:10

attire — that of harlots was sometimes peculiar.

subtile — or, "wary," "cunning."

Proverbs 7:11

loud — or, "noisy," "bustling."

stubborn — not submissive.

without . . . streets, . . . corner — (Compare Ti1 5:13; Tit 2:5).

Proverbs 7:13

The preparations for a feast do not necessarily imply peculiar religious professions. The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast (Lev 3:9, &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it.

Proverbs 7:16

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

Proverbs 7:17

bed — a place for sleeping.

Proverbs 7:18

There is no fear of discovery.

Proverbs 7:20

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

Proverbs 7:21

caused . . . yield — or, "inclines."

flattering — (Compare Pro 5:3).

forced him — by persuasion overcoming his scruples.

Proverbs 7:22

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

Proverbs 7:23

Till — He is now caught (Pro 6:26).

Proverbs 7:24

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

Proverbs 7:26

Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.

Public domain text from the HelloAO Free Use Bible API. Bible references link to the King James text.