7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 7
Commentary on Proverbs 7 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 7
Pr 7:1-27. The subject continued, by a delineation of the arts of strange women, as a caution to the unwary.
1-4. Similar calls (Pr 3:1-3; 4:10, &c.).
2. apple … eye—pupil of eye, a custody (Pr 4:23) of special value.
3. Bind … fingers—as inscriptions on rings.
5. The design of the teaching (compare Pr 2:16; 6:24).
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" (Jud 5:28).
casement—or, "lattice."
7. simple—as in Pr 1:4.
void of, &c.—(Compare Pr 6:32).
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."
9. The time, twilight, ending in darkness.
black … night—literally, "pupil," or, "eye," that is, middle of night.
10. attire—that of harlots was sometimes peculiar.
subtile—or, "wary," "cunning."
11, 12. loud—or, "noisy," "bustling."
stubborn—not submissive.
without … streets, … corner—(Compare 1Ti 5:13; Tit 2:5).
13-15. The preparations for a feast do not necessarily imply peculiar religious professions. The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast (Le 3:9, &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it.
16, 17. my bed—or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.
17. bed—a place for sleeping.
18-20. There is no fear of discovery.
20. the day appointed—perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Pr 7:19).
21. caused … yield—or, "inclines."
flattering—(Compare Pr 5:3).
forced him—by persuasion overcoming his scruples.
22. straightway—quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.
23. Till—He is now caught (Pr 6:26).
24. The inferential admonition is followed (Pr 7:26, 27), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice.
26, 27. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.