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Text -- Proverbs 7:17-27 (NET)

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7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 7:18 Come, let’s drink deeply of lovemaking until morning, let’s delight ourselves with sexual intercourse. 7:19 For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a journey of some distance. 7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him; he will not return until the end of the month.” 7:21 She persuaded him with persuasive words; with her smooth talk she compelled him. 7:22 Suddenly he went after her like an ox that goes to the slaughter, like a stag prancing into a trapper’s snare 7:23 till an arrow pierces his liver– like a bird hurrying into a trap, and he does not know that it will cost him his life. 7:24 So now, sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words I speak. 7:25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways– do not wander into her pathways; 7:26 for she has brought down many fatally wounded, and all those she has slain are many. 7:27 Her house is the way to the grave, going down to the chambers of death.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Sheol the place of the dead


Dictionary Themes and Topics: SNARE | Prostitute | PERFUMES | PERFUME; PERFUMER | Lasciviousness | LIVER | LIP | GOODMAN | Fowler | FOOL; FOLLY | FAIR | DART | COMPEL | CINNAMON | Bird | BED; BEDCHAMBER; BEDSTEAD | BAG | ATTIRE; DYED ATTIRE | ASTRONOMY, I | ALOES; LIGNALOES | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Pro 7:20 - -- Which is an evidence that he designs to stay a considerable time.

Which is an evidence that he designs to stay a considerable time.

Wesley: Pro 7:20 - -- So that we need not fear any surprise.

So that we need not fear any surprise.

Wesley: Pro 7:22 - -- Going to it securely, as if it were going to a good pasture.

Going to it securely, as if it were going to a good pasture.

Wesley: Pro 7:23 - -- His vital parts, 'till his life be lost.

His vital parts, 'till his life be lost.

JFB: Pro 7:16-17 - -- Or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.

Or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.

JFB: Pro 7:17 - -- A place for sleeping.

A place for sleeping.

JFB: Pro 7:18-20 - -- There is no fear of discovery.

There is no fear of discovery.

JFB: Pro 7:20 - -- Perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Pro 7:19).

Perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Pro 7:19).

JFB: Pro 7:21 - -- Or, "inclines."

Or, "inclines."

JFB: Pro 7:21 - -- (Compare Pro 5:3).

(Compare Pro 5:3).

JFB: Pro 7:21 - -- By persuasion overcoming his scruples.

By persuasion overcoming his scruples.

JFB: Pro 7:22 - -- Quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.

Quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.

JFB: Pro 7:23 - -- He is now caught (Pro 6:26).

He is now caught (Pro 6:26).

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

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

JFB: Pro 7:26-27 - -- Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.

Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.

Clarke: Pro 7:17 - -- I have perfumed any bed with Myrrh - מר mor , "aloes," אהלים ahalim , and "cinnamon," קנמון kinnamon . We have taken our names from th...

I have perfumed any bed with Myrrh - מר mor , "aloes," אהלים ahalim , and "cinnamon," קנמון kinnamon . We have taken our names from the original words; but probably the ahalim may not mean aloes, which is no perfume; but sandal wood, which is very much used in the East. She had used every means to excite the passions she wished to bring into action.

Clarke: Pro 7:18 - -- Come, let us take our fill of love - נרוה דדים nirveh dodim , "Let us revel in the breasts;"and then it is added, "Let us solace ourselves ...

Come, let us take our fill of love - נרוה דדים nirveh dodim , "Let us revel in the breasts;"and then it is added, "Let us solace ourselves with loves," נתעלסה באהבים nithallesah boohabim ; "let us gratify each other with loves, with the utmost delights."This does not half express the original; but I forbear. The speech shows the brazen face of this woman, well translated by the Vulgate, "Veni, inebriemur uberibus; et fruamur cupidinis amplexibus."And the Septuagint has expressed the spirit of it: Ελθε, και απολαυσωμεν φιλιας - δευρο, και εγκυλισθωμεν ερωτι . " Veni, et fruamur amicitia - Veni, et colluctemur cupidine ."Though varied in the words, all the versions have expressed the same thing. In the old MS. Bible, the speech of this woman is as follows: I have arrayed with cordis my litil bed, and spred with peyntid tapetis of Egipt: I have springid my ligginge place with mirre and aloes and calelcum, and be we inwardly drunken with Tetis, and use we the coveytied clippingis to the tyme that the dai wax light. The original itself is too gross to be literally translated; but quite in character as coming from the mouth of an abandoned woman.

Clarke: Pro 7:19 - -- For the good man - Literally, "For the man is not in his house."

For the good man - Literally, "For the man is not in his house."

Clarke: Pro 7:20 - -- He hath taken - Literally, "The money bag he hath taken in his hand."He is gone a journey of itinerant merchandising. This seems to be what is inten...

He hath taken - Literally, "The money bag he hath taken in his hand."He is gone a journey of itinerant merchandising. This seems to be what is intended

Clarke: Pro 7:20 - -- And will come home at the day appointed - ליום הכסא leyom hakkase , the time fixed for a return from such a journey. The Vulgate says, "at ...

And will come home at the day appointed - ליום הכסא leyom hakkase , the time fixed for a return from such a journey. The Vulgate says, "at the full moon."The Targum, "the day of the assembly."In other words, He will return by the approaching festival.

Clarke: Pro 7:21 - -- With her much fair speech - With her blandishments and lascivious talk, she overcame all his scruples, and constrained him to yield.

With her much fair speech - With her blandishments and lascivious talk, she overcame all his scruples, and constrained him to yield.

Clarke: Pro 7:22 - -- As an ox goeth to the slaughter - The original of this and the following verse has been variously translated. Dr. Grey corrects and translates thus:...

As an ox goeth to the slaughter - The original of this and the following verse has been variously translated. Dr. Grey corrects and translates thus: "He goeth after her straightway, as an Ox goeth to the Slaughter; as a Dog to the Chain; and as a Deer till the Dart strike through his liver; as a Bird hasteneth to the Snare, and knoweth not that it is for its life."Very slight alterations in the Hebrew text produce these differences; but it is not necessary to pursue them; all serve to mark the stupidity and folly of the man who is led away by enticing women or who lives a life of intemperance.

Clarke: Pro 7:24 - -- Hearken unto me now, therefore, O ye children - Ye that are young and inexperienced, seriously consider the example set before your eyes, and take w...

Hearken unto me now, therefore, O ye children - Ye that are young and inexperienced, seriously consider the example set before your eyes, and take warning at another’ s expense.

Clarke: Pro 7:26 - -- For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her - That is, such like women have been the ruin of many. חללים ...

For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her - That is, such like women have been the ruin of many. חללים chalalim , which we render wounded, also signifies solsliers or men of war; and עצמים atsumim , which we render strong men, may be translated heroes. Many of those who have distinguished themselves in the field and in the cabinet have been overcome and destroyed by their mistresses. History is full of such examples.

Clarke: Pro 7:27 - -- Her house is the way to hell - שאול sheol , the pit, the grave, the place of the dead, the eternal and infernal world. And they who, through su...

Her house is the way to hell - שאול sheol , the pit, the grave, the place of the dead, the eternal and infernal world. And they who, through such, fall into the grave, descend lower, into the chambers of death; the place where pleasure is at an end, and illusion mocks no more.

TSK: Pro 7:17 - -- perfumed : Son 3:6; Isa 57:7-9 with : Psa 45:8; Son 4:13, Son 4:14

TSK: Pro 7:19 - -- the goodman : Mat 20:11, Mat 24:43; Luk 12:39 he : Mat 24:48; Mar 13:34-36; Luk 12:45, Luk 12:46

TSK: Pro 7:20 - -- with him : Heb. in his hand the day appointed : or, the new moon, 2Ch 2:4

with him : Heb. in his hand

the day appointed : or, the new moon, 2Ch 2:4

TSK: Pro 7:21 - -- With her : Pro 7:5, Pro 5:3; Jdg 16:15-17; Psa 12:2 forced : 1Sa 28:23; 2Ki 4:8; Luk 14:23, Luk 24:29; Act 16:15; 2Co 5:14

TSK: Pro 7:22 - -- straightway : Heb. suddenly as an : Act 14:13 as a : Dr. Grey, making a slight alteration in the text, renders, ""as a dog to the chain, and as a deer...

straightway : Heb. suddenly

as an : Act 14:13

as a : Dr. Grey, making a slight alteration in the text, renders, ""as a dog to the chain, and as a deer, till a dart strike through his liver;""and Dr. Hunt, ""Or as a hart boundeth into the toils, till a dart strike through his liver.""The LXX, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, concur in this interpretation. The circumstance of the dart, as applied to the deer, is beautiful and proper, which otherwise we are at a loss to dispose of; and this creature, of all others, was the most proper to be noticed on this occasion; for the usual representation which the Egyptians made of a man overthrown by flattery and fair speeches was the picture of a heart captivated and ensnared by the sound of music.

the correction : Job 13:27; Jer 20:2; Act 16:24

TSK: Pro 7:23 - -- a dart : Num 25:8, Num 25:9 as a bird : Pro 1:17; Ecc 9:12 knoweth : Pro 9:18

a dart : Num 25:8, Num 25:9

as a bird : Pro 1:17; Ecc 9:12

knoweth : Pro 9:18

TSK: Pro 7:24 - -- O : Pro 4:1, Pro 5:7, Pro 8:32, Pro 8:33; 1Co 4:14, 1Co 4:15; Gal 4:19; 1Jo 2:1

TSK: Pro 7:25 - -- thine : Pro 4:14, Pro 4:15, Pro 5:8, Pro 6:25, Pro 23:31-33; Mat 5:28 go : Pro 5:23; Psa 119:176; Isa 53:6

TSK: Pro 7:26 - -- Pro 6:33; Jdg 16:21; 2Sa 3:6-8, 2Sa 3:27, 2Sa 12:9-11; 1Ki 11:1, 1Ki 11:2; Neh 13:26; 1Co 10:8; 2Co 12:21; 1Pe 2:11

TSK: Pro 7:27 - -- Pro 2:18, Pro 2:19, Pro 5:5, Pro 9:18; Ecc 7:26

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Pro 7:17 - -- The love of perfumes is here, as in Isa 3:24, a sign of luxurious vice. Cinnamon - The Hebrew word is identical with the English. The spice im...

The love of perfumes is here, as in Isa 3:24, a sign of luxurious vice.

Cinnamon - The Hebrew word is identical with the English. The spice imported by the Phoenician traders from the further East, probably from Ceylon, has kept its name through all changes of language.

Barnes: Pro 7:19 - -- The reference to the husband is probably a blind. The use of the word "goodman"is due to the wish of the English translators to give a colloquial ch...

The reference to the husband is probably a blind. The use of the word "goodman"is due to the wish of the English translators to give a colloquial character to this part of their Version. The Hebrew is merely "the man."A touch of scorn may be noticed in the form of speech: not "my husband,"but simply "the man."

Barnes: Pro 7:21 - -- Fair speech - The Hebrew word is usually translated "doctrine,"or "learning"Pro 1:5; Pro 4:2; Pro 9:9; possibly it is used here in keen irony.

Fair speech - The Hebrew word is usually translated "doctrine,"or "learning"Pro 1:5; Pro 4:2; Pro 9:9; possibly it is used here in keen irony.

Barnes: Pro 7:22 - -- As a fool ... - literally, "As a fetter to the correction of a fool,"the order of which is inverted in the King James Version The Septuagint, f...

As a fool ... - literally, "As a fetter to the correction of a fool,"the order of which is inverted in the King James Version The Septuagint, followed by the Syriac Version, has another reading, and interprets the clause: "As a dog, enticed by food, goes to the chain that is to bind him, so does the youth go to the temptress."None of the attempts of commentators to get a meaning out of the present text are in any degree satisfactory.

Barnes: Pro 7:23 - -- The first clause does not connect itself very clearly with the foregoing, and is probably affected by the corrupt text which makes it perplexing.

The first clause does not connect itself very clearly with the foregoing, and is probably affected by the corrupt text which makes it perplexing.

Barnes: Pro 7:26 - -- The house of the harlot is now likened to a field of battle strewn with the corpses of the many slain.

The house of the harlot is now likened to a field of battle strewn with the corpses of the many slain.

Poole: Pro 7:19 - -- The goodman whom she doth not call her husband, lest the mention of that name should awaken his conscience or discretion.

The goodman whom she doth not call her husband, lest the mention of that name should awaken his conscience or discretion.

Poole: Pro 7:20 - -- He hath taken a bag of money with him which is an evidence that he designs to go far, and to stay a considerable time. And will come home at the day...

He hath taken a bag of money with him which is an evidence that he designs to go far, and to stay a considerable time.

And will come home at the day appointed so that we need not fear any surprisal.

Poole: Pro 7:21 - -- With her much fair speech which implies that her alluring words were more effectual with him than her impudent kisses, which possibly had a little al...

With her much fair speech which implies that her alluring words were more effectual with him than her impudent kisses, which possibly had a little alienated his mind from her.

She caused him to yield whereby he signifies that no provocation to sin is a sufficient excuse for sin.

She forced him she prevailed over him; which argues that there was some reluctancy in his judgment or conscience against it.

Poole: Pro 7:22 - -- Straightway without delay and consideration. As an ox to the slaughter either being drawn and driven to it; or going to it securely, as if it were ...

Straightway without delay and consideration.

As an ox to the slaughter either being drawn and driven to it; or going to it securely, as if it were going to a good pasture.

As a fool to the correction of the stocks or, which is more agreeable to the order of the words in the Hebrew text, as one in fetters , or bound with fetters, to the correction of a fool , i.e. to receive such correction or punishment as belongs to fools; which may imply either,

1. That he hath no more sense of the shame and mischief which he is bringing upon himself than a fool. Or,

2. That he can no more resist the temptation, nor avoid the danger, than a man fast tied with chains or fetters can free himself, although his be a moral and voluntary, and not a natural impotency.

Poole: Pro 7:23 - -- His liver i.e. his vital parts, whereof the liver is one. Till his life be lost, as it is explained in the next clause. Knoweth not which may be re...

His liver i.e. his vital parts, whereof the liver is one. Till his life be lost, as it is explained in the next clause.

Knoweth not which may be referred either to a foolish and inconsiderate young man; or to the silly bird to which he is compared, which comes to the same thing.

Poole: Pro 7:25 - -- Decline to her ways either to the paths which lead to her house, or to her manner of living.

Decline to her ways either to the paths which lead to her house, or to her manner of living.

Poole: Pro 7:26 - -- Strong men men that excel others, either, 1. In bodily strength, upon which they presume, which yet is wasted, and by degrees ruined, by these cours...

Strong men men that excel others, either,

1. In bodily strength, upon which they presume, which yet is wasted, and by degrees ruined, by these courses. Or,

2. In wisdom, and fortitude, and resolution; whereby he implies how much more necessary it is for a weak and foolish young man to use all possible care and diligence to avoid this mischief.

Poole: Pro 7:27 - -- To hell or; to the grave ; for the word is used in both senses; and this sense seems better to agree both with the foregoing and following words. Al...

To hell or; to the grave ; for the word is used in both senses; and this sense seems better to agree both with the foregoing and following words. Although, without repentance, hell will certainly be their portion, and their first death will be followed by the second.

Haydock: Pro 7:17 - -- Aloes. Of Syria, (John xix. 39.) different from ours, Numbers xxxiv. 6. (Calmet)

Aloes. Of Syria, (John xix. 39.) different from ours, Numbers xxxiv. 6. (Calmet)

Haydock: Pro 7:18 - -- Inebriated. Protestants, "take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves." (Haydock) --- This passion is a sort of in...

Inebriated. Protestants, "take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves." (Haydock) ---

This passion is a sort of intoxication. (Menochius)

Haydock: Pro 7:19 - -- My. Literally, "the man." (Haydock) --- She speaks thus out of contempt. (Calmet)

My. Literally, "the man." (Haydock) ---

She speaks thus out of contempt. (Calmet)

Haydock: Pro 7:20 - -- The day. Septuagint, "after many days." Hebrew, "at the day concealed," or when the people will dwell under tents, (Chaldean; Calmet) or "at the ne...

The day. Septuagint, "after many days." Hebrew, "at the day concealed," or when the people will dwell under tents, (Chaldean; Calmet) or "at the new moon," when it does not appear. (Piscator) ---

He will not return for a long time, so that we need apprehend no danger from him. (Menochius)

Haydock: Pro 7:22 - -- Lamb. Protestants, "fool to the correction of the stocks," (Haydock) or "like a shackle ( abs. ) for the chastisement of a fool." (Mont.[Montanus?]...

Lamb. Protestants, "fool to the correction of the stocks," (Haydock) or "like a shackle ( abs. ) for the chastisement of a fool." (Mont.[Montanus?]) ---

Interpreters have read different words. (Calmet) ---

Sinners who have given way to temptations, are as inconsiderate as oxen, or birds which hasten to their own ruin. (Worthington)

Haydock: Pro 7:26 - -- Her. Solomon gave a melancholy proof of this, as well as David, and Amnon. (Calmet)

Her. Solomon gave a melancholy proof of this, as well as David, and Amnon. (Calmet)

Haydock: Pro 7:27 - -- Death. There can be no precaution too great, chap. ii. 18. (Calmet)

Death. There can be no precaution too great, chap. ii. 18. (Calmet)

Gill: Pro 7:17 - -- I have perfumed my bed,.... As she had made it entertaining to the senses of seeing and feeling, it being showy and gaudy, soft and easy; so to the se...

I have perfumed my bed,.... As she had made it entertaining to the senses of seeing and feeling, it being showy and gaudy, soft and easy; so to the sense of smelling; and all to provoke lust, and draw into her embraces; by censing it with incense, as Donesh in Jarchi; or by sprinkling s a liquor, made of the following spices, on the head, posts, and sides of the bed, to remove all ill scents, and make it more acceptable; so the Targum, Vulgate Latin, Septuagint, and all the Oriental versions, render it, "I sprinkled my bed": or, it may be, by suffumigation, which women are said to use with their garments and bed clothes t. Even this the harlot did,

with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon; all odorous, and of a sweet smell: Horace u speaks of the anointed beds of such persons; and of the above spices ointments were made, with which the harlot's bed might be perfumed. Cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, are reckoned among the wares of Babylon, or the church of Rome, Rev 18:13.

Gill: Pro 7:18 - -- Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning,.... Taking him by the hand, and pulling him along, she says, "come"; let us not stand here in th...

Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning,.... Taking him by the hand, and pulling him along, she says, "come"; let us not stand here in the streets, but let us go within, and after supper to bed; and there enjoy ourselves, till "inebriated" with love, as the word w signifies: so the poet x speaks of "ebrios ocellos", "eyes drunk", that is, with love; and so continue till the morning light, the night being the fittest season for those works of darkness: this expresses the insatiableness of her lust;

let us solace ourselves with loves; mutual love, not lawful, but criminal; more properly lusts; denoting the abundance of it, and the pleasure promised in it, which is very short lived, and bitterness in the end.

Gill: Pro 7:19 - -- For the good man is not at home,.... Or, "for the man is not in his house" y. She does not say, "my man", or "my husband"; though the Septuagint. Syr...

For the good man is not at home,.... Or, "for the man is not in his house" y. She does not say, "my man", or "my husband"; though the Septuagint. Syriac, and Arabic versions so render it; lest this should throw some difficulty in the young man's way, or remind herself of her conjugal obligation; but "the man", by way of contempt, as disowning him for her husband, or, however, having no regard for him in comparison of others: and this she says to encourage the young man to go with her; since her husband was gone, and show as alone, and mistress of the house;

he is gone a long journey; or, "a way afar off" z; into a distant country, and therefore need not fears return of him that night; she was prepared to answer all objections. The good man of the house may be understood of Christ, who is gone into a far country, to heaven, to take a kingdom to himself, and return, Luk 19:12; and in the mean while the church of Rome, who professes herself the true church and spouse of Christ, is committing fornication with the kings of the earth; and has set up another in his room and stead, whom she calls Christ's vicar on earth; and flatters herself and her lovers with impunity, from his distance from her, and his vicar having a right to do as he pleases.

Gill: Pro 7:20 - -- He hath taken a bag of money with him,.... Or, "in his hand" a; either for merchandise, as Gersom; or for defraying: the charges of his journey; and b...

He hath taken a bag of money with him,.... Or, "in his hand" a; either for merchandise, as Gersom; or for defraying: the charges of his journey; and both suppose length of time: if for merchandise, it required time to purchase goods, and see them packed up and sent away; or if for his journey, since it was not a few pieces of money he put in his pocket to defray expenses, but a bag of it he carried in his hand, it shows that he should be out a considerable time;

and will come home at the day appointed; and not before: Aben Ezra interprets it, at the beginning of the month, at the new moon, when the moon is covered b, which Horace c calls "tricessima sabbata": but rather it is to be understood of the full moon, as Aquila and the Vulgate Latin version render it; when it is light all night, and so a proper time for travelling home again. Gersom takes it to mean the beginning of the year, when the holy blessed God, parabolically speaking, sits upon a throne to judge the world in righteousness: the Targum calls it the day of the congregation; some fixed festival day, when the congregation meets together; and at such a festival, or appointed time, this good man had fixed for his return, and when, and not before, he would. This she says to remove all fears from the young man of being surprised and caught by her husband. There is an appointed time for Christ's second coming, when he will certainly come, and not before; and which is supposed to be at a great distance of time: and therefore wicked men and seducers, and such as the apostate church of Rome make use of to encourage themselves in their wickedness, in hopes of impunity, put the evil day far away from them; but in the appointed time Christ will come, and call his servants to an account, good and bad.

Gill: Pro 7:21 - -- With her much fair speech she caused him to yield,.... Or, "to decline" from the right way: or, "inclined him" d; his ear to listen to her, and his he...

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield,.... Or, "to decline" from the right way: or, "inclined him" d; his ear to listen to her, and his heart to go after her and along with her. This she did, by using a great many words, by her prolixity, and by some taking and striking expressions; lewd women are generally very talkative e. It may be rendered, "by her much doctrine" f, as the word is in Pro 4:2; so Jezebel calls herself a prophetess, and sets up for a teacher of men; and, by her false doctrine, deceives some that are called the servants of Christ to commit fornication, and eat things sacrificed to idols, Rev 2:20;

with the flattering of her lips she forced him; to go along with her, not against his will, but with it: though at first there was some reluctance, conscience rose up and opposed; but her words, which were smoother than oil, found a way into his heart, and prevailed upon him to yield to her entreaties; he could no longer withstand her attacks, but surrendered to her; her charming voice, and flattering lips, had more effect upon him than her kisses; notwithstanding these he was reluctant, but could stand it out no longer against her alluring words and soothing language. With this compare the deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish through antichrist, 2Th 2:10.

Gill: Pro 7:22 - -- He goeth after her straightway,.... Or "suddenly" g; and inconsiderately, giving himself no time to think of what would be the sad consequences of it;...

He goeth after her straightway,.... Or "suddenly" g; and inconsiderately, giving himself no time to think of what would be the sad consequences of it;

as an ox goeth to the slaughter; as senseless and stupid as that; and as ignorant of the issue as that is, led by the butcher, as if it was going to a pasture, when it is going to the slaughter house. So such persons as are ensnared by harlots; they follow them in a view of pleasure, but it ends in ruin; if not in the loss of bodily life, by the revengeful husband or civil magistrate; yet in the destruction of their immortal souls;

or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; a drunken besotted fool, who, while he is leading to the stocks, is insensible whither he is going; but when he has been there awhile, and is come out of his drunken fit, then he is sensible of his punishment and his shame. Or, "as the stocks are for the correction of a fool" h: or, as a man goes to "the stocks, to the correction of a fool" i; so the young man went after the harlot: or, as "one fettered" k, goes thither, bound hand and foot; he cannot help himself, nor avoid the shame. It denotes both the power of sin, there is no withstanding its allurements and blandishments, when once given way to, and the shame that attends or follows it. The Targum is,

"as a dog to a chain;''

and so the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions.

Gill: Pro 7:23 - -- Till a dart strike through his liver,.... The fountain of blood, and so of life; which, being pierced through and poured out, is certain death, Lam 2:...

Till a dart strike through his liver,.... The fountain of blood, and so of life; which, being pierced through and poured out, is certain death, Lam 2:11; the meaning is, till he is slain either by the hand of God, or by the civil magistrate, or by the jealous husband; and be thrust through by him, as Zimri and Cozbi were by Phinehas. The "liver" may be particularly mentioned, not only for the reason before given, but because it is the seat of lust l; so he is stricken in the part where his lust begins, where he has been smitten by Cupid's darts: or this dart through the liver may denote some disease, infecting the blood through sinful lust. The Targum is,

"as an hart into whose liver an arrow flies;''

or is wounded by an arrow in the liver, as the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions: and so the meaning is, that this young man went as swiftly after the harlot as a hart does when it is wounded;

as a bird hasteth to the snare; it has its eye upon the bait, and flies swiftly to that, insensible of the snare that is laid for it;

and knoweth not that it is for his life; the bird knows not that the snare is set for its life, as Jarchi; or the fool knows not that it is for his soul; that it shall die, which hates correction, as Aben Ezra. The man that goes after the harlot knows not, or does not consider, that it is to the destruction of his precious and immortal soul; so the Targum,

"he knows not that it tends to the death of his soul;''

and to the same sense the Syriac and Arabic versions; the second death, which adulterers and idolaters shall have their part in, Rev 21:8. The souls of men, and the ruin of them, are what the whore of Rome deals in, Rev 18:13; she goes into perdition, into the bottomless pit, herself, and carries all her worshippers with her, Rev 17:8.

Gill: Pro 7:24 - -- Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children,.... The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions, read, in the singular number, "my son", in the s...

Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children,.... The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions, read, in the singular number, "my son", in the same manner as the chapter begins; but it is in the plural number in the Hebrew text; and so read the Targum and Syriac version, "children", the children of Solomon; not only those of his own body, but all such that put themselves under his instruction, or were willing to take his advice: it may be extended to all the children of men, for all are interested herein; especially such who profess to be the children of God and of Christ, the followers of wisdom. This is the epilogue, or application of the above story. Since this is the case, that young men are in danger of being ensnared and brought to ruin by this harlot, therefore take the advice of the wisest of men, even of Wisdom herself;

and attend to the words of my mouth; the doctrines of Christ; the best preservative from the allurements of the whore of Rome.

Gill: Pro 7:25 - -- Let not thine heart decline to her ways,.... Or turn not aside from the right way, the path of truth and holiness, to those of the whorish woman, that...

Let not thine heart decline to her ways,.... Or turn not aside from the right way, the path of truth and holiness, to those of the whorish woman, that lead to ruin and destruction; do not so much as think of going out of the one into the other; let there not be the least wandering thought, affection, or disposition of the mind thereunto; stop and check the first motion of the heart, which leads to a compliance with her, and seems to be directed to her ways, or to betray any love and liking of them;

go not astray in her paths; for whoever walks in her paths goes astray from God and his law; from Christ and his Gospel; and from the true church of God; and from the right paths of faith, duty and worship.

Gill: Pro 7:26 - -- For she hath cast down many wounded,.... Wounded in their name, character, and reputation; in their bodies by diseases; and in their souls by guilt, s...

For she hath cast down many wounded,.... Wounded in their name, character, and reputation; in their bodies by diseases; and in their souls by guilt, shame, and horror, through a compliance with her sinful lusts: these she "cast down" from the honours they were possessed of, from the health they enjoyed, and from the peace and tranquillity of mind they formerly felt within them. And not a single person, as the young man instanced in, or a few only, but "many"; great multitudes, hundreds and thousands, and those not weak, and foolish, and inconstant, as he might be thought to be; but such as were "great" m and mighty, as the word also signifies; men of great riches, and wisdom, and courage; as soldiers n, mighty men of war, such as wound and kill others; which seems the true sense of the word here used: and therefore none ought to trust in themselves, nor trust themselves in her company, nor in the least decline to her ways; and especially such as are weak and unskilful, and ignorant of her devices, as the "children" here addressed;

yea, many strong men have been slain by her; men famous for martial exploits, as Samson and others, have been overcome by her: some of great fortitude of mind have not been able to withstand her, she has prevailed over them; and others of robust constitutions have been weakened by diseases, contracted through incontinency with her; and some have suffered death by her means, either from her husband, or her gallants, or the civil magistrate: and of these there have been "innumerable" instances; so the word o for "strong men" sometimes signifies; and so it is here rendered in the Septuagint and Arabic versions, "and innumerable are they whom she has slain". All the world have wondered after the whore of Rome; kings of the earth and mighty men have committed fornication with her; high and low, rich and poor, have been ruined by her; thousands have gone to hell by her means; and some of the sycophants of Rome have even said, that if the pope of Rome should send thousands to hell, of which they seem themselves to be conscious, no one should say to him, What dost thou?

Gill: Pro 7:27 - -- Her house is the way to hell,.... Or "ways" p; the broad highway to it; either to the grave, as "sheol" often signifies; or to hell itself, the place ...

Her house is the way to hell,.... Or "ways" p; the broad highway to it; either to the grave, as "sheol" often signifies; or to hell itself, the place of the damned: to go into her house, and commit wickedness with her, is to take a step to destruction, a large stride towards hell; and, if grace prevent not, will bring a man thither. Who would go into such a house, and much less dwell there, which is the very suburbs of hell?

going down to the chambers of death; to enter her chamber, to step into her bed, howsoever decked and adorned, entertaining and inviting it is, not only leads to the chambers of the grave, as the Targum; but to the lowest and innermost parts of hell; the apartments of the second death, the lot of all unclean and idolatrous persons, without repentance and faith. The Phoenicians called Pluto, the god of hell, by the name of Moth q, a word similar to this used here; and so those chambers are no other than the chambers of hell. Plautus r also calls the gate of a whore's house the gate of hell; which agrees with the first clause of the verse.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Pro 7:18 Heb “with love.”

NET Notes: Pro 7:19 Heb “in his house.”

NET Notes: Pro 7:20 Heb “new moon.” Judging from the fact that the husband took a purse of money and was staying away until the next full moon, the woman impl...

NET Notes: Pro 7:21 The verb means “to impel; to thrust; to banish,” but in this stem in this context “to compel; to force” into some action. The ...

NET Notes: Pro 7:22 The present translation follows R. B. Y. Scott (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes [AB], 64). This third colon of the verse would usually be rendered, “fett...

NET Notes: Pro 7:23 The expression that it is “for/about/over his life” means that it could cost him his life (e.g., Num 16:38). Alternatively, the line could...

NET Notes: Pro 7:24 Heb “the words of my mouth.”

NET Notes: Pro 7:26 Heb “numerous” (so NAB, NASB, NRSV, NLT) or “countless.”

NET Notes: Pro 7:27 “Chambers” is a hypocatastasis, comparing the place of death or the grave with a bedroom in the house. It plays on the subtlety of the tem...

Geneva Bible: Pro 7:22 He goeth after her quickly, as an ( g ) ox goeth to the slaughter, or ( h ) as a fool to the correction of the stocks; ( g ) Which thinking he goes t...

Geneva Bible: Pro 7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many ( i ) strong [men] have been slain by her. ( i ) Neither wit nor strength can deliver them who fall in...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Pro 7:1-27 - --1 Solomon persuades to a sincere and kind familiarity with wisdom.6 In an example of his own experience, he shews,10 the cunning of a harlot;22 and th...

MHCC: Pro 7:6-27 - --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 ...

Matthew Henry: Pro 7:6-23 - -- Solomon here, to enforce the caution he had given against the sin of whoredom, tells a story of a young man that was ruined to all intents and purpo...

Matthew Henry: Pro 7:24-27 - -- We have here the application of the foregoing story: " Hearken to me therefore, and not to such seducers (Pro 7:24); give ear to a father, and not ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 7:16-18 - -- Thus she found him, and described to him the enjoyment which awaited him in eating and drinking, then in the pleasures of love. 16 "My bed have I s...

Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 7:19-20 - -- The adulteress now deprives the youth of all fear; the circumstances under which her invitation is given are as favourable as possible. 19 "For the...

Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 7:21 - -- The result: - 21 She beguiled him by the fulness of her talking, By the smoothness of her lips she drew him away. Here is a climax. First she br...

Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 7:22-23 - -- What followed: - 22 So he goes after her at once As an ox which goeth to the slaughter-house, And as one bereft of reason to the restraint of fe...

Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 7:24-25 - -- With ועתּה , as at Pro 5:7, the author now brings his narrative to a close, adding the exhortation deduced from it: 24 And now, ye children, g...

Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 7:26-27 - -- The admonition, having its motive in that which goes before, is now founded on the emphatic finale: 26 For many are the slain whom she hath caused ...

Constable: Pro 1:1--9:18 - --I. DISCOURSES ON WISDOM chs. 1--9 Verse one introduces both the book as a whole and chapters 1-9 in particular. ...

Constable: Pro 1:8--8:1 - --B. Instruction for Young People 1:8-7:27 The two ways (paths) introduced in 1:7 stretch out before the r...

Constable: Pro 6:20--8:1 - --7. Further warnings against adultery 6:20-7:27 This extended warning against one of life's most ...

Constable: Pro 7:1-27 - --The lure of adultery ch. 7 This chapter dramatizes the arguments Solomon advanced in the...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Proverbs (Book Introduction) THE NATURE AND USE OF PROVERBS.--A proverb is a pithy sentence, concisely expressing some well-established truth susceptible of various illustrations ...

TSK: Proverbs (Book Introduction) The wisdom of all ages, from the highest antiquity, has chosen to compress and communicate its lessons in short, compendious sentences, and in poetic ...

TSK: Proverbs 7 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Pro 7:1, Solomon persuades to a sincere and kind familiarity with wisdom; Pro 7:6, In an example of his own experience, he shews, Pro 7:1...

Poole: Proverbs 7 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 7 Solomon again persuadeth to keep his laws, and delight in wisdom, Pro 7:1-5 . A young man void of understanding is insnared by a harlot, ...

MHCC: Proverbs (Book Introduction) The subject of this book may be thus stated by an enlargement on the opening verses. 1. The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. 2. ...

MHCC: Proverbs 7 (Chapter Introduction) (Pro 7:1-5) Invitations to learn wisdom. (v. 6-27) The arts of seducers, with warnings against them.

Matthew Henry: Proverbs (Book Introduction) An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Proverbs We have now before us, I. A new author, or penman rather, or pen (if you will) made use o...

Matthew Henry: Proverbs 7 (Chapter Introduction) The scope of this chapter is, as of several before, to warn young men against the lusts of the flesh. Solomon remembered of what ill consequence it...

Constable: Proverbs (Book Introduction) Introduction Title The title of this book in the Hebrew Bible is "The Proverbs of Solo...

Constable: Proverbs (Outline) Outline I. Discourses on wisdom chs. 1-9 A. Introduction to the book 1:1-7 ...

Constable: Proverbs Proverbs Bibliography Aitken, Kenneth T. Proverbs. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1986. Alden...

Haydock: Proverbs (Book Introduction) THE BOOK OF PROVERBS. INTRODUCTION. This book is so called, because it consists of wise and weighty sentences, regulating the morals of men; and...

Gill: Proverbs (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS This book is called, in some printed Hebrew copies, "Sepher Mishle", the Book of Proverbs; the title of it in the Vulgate ...

Gill: Proverbs 7 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 7 The sum of this chapter is to exhort men to attend to the doctrines and precepts of Wisdom, in order to avoid the adulte...

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