Bible Version: New International Version (NIV)

Application Notes: Life Application Study Bible (NIV)

PROVERBS 7

Warning Against the Adulterous Woman

1 My son, keep my words

and store up my commands within you.

2 Keep my commands and you will live;

guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

3 Bind them on your fingers;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

and to insight, “You are my relative.”

5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman,

from the wayward woman with her seductive words.

6 At the window of my house

I looked down through the lattice.

7 I saw among the simple,

I noticed among the young men,

a youth who had no sense.

8 He was going down the street near her corner,

walking along in the direction of her house

9 at twilight, as the day was fading,

as the dark of night set in.

10 Then out came a woman to meet him,

dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

11 (She is unruly and defiant,

her feet never stay at home;

12 now in the street, now in the squares,

at every corner she lurks.)

13 She took hold of him and kissed him

and with a brazen face she said:

14 “Today I fulfilled my vows,

and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.

15 So I came out to meet you;

I looked for you and have found you!

16 I have covered my bed

with colored linens from Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed

with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

18Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;

let’s enjoy ourselves with love!

19 My husband is not at home;

he has gone on a long journey.

20 He took his purse filled with money

and will not be home till full moon.”

21 With persuasive words she led him astray;

she seduced him with her smooth talk.

22 All at once he followed her

like an ox going to the slaughter,

like a deer stepping into a noose

23 till an arrow pierces his liver,

like a bird darting into a snare,

little knowing it will cost him his life.

24 Now then, my sons, listen to me;

pay attention to what I say.

25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways

or stray into her paths.

26 Many are the victims she has brought down;

her slain are a mighty throng.

27 Her house is a highway to the grave,

leading down to the chambers of death.

Application Notes

7:6-23 Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well. The person who has no purpose in life is naive and simple-minded (7:7). Having no purpose or direction leaves a person empty and unstable, vulnerable to many temptations that promise fulfillment and satisfaction. Even though the young man in this passage doesn't know where he is going, the adulteress knows exactly where she wants him. Notice her clever strategies: She is dressed to allure him (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 flatters and persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23). To combat and temptation, and acknowledge your own vulnerability to it, stay close to God his Word, and cultivate a life of accountability (7:4). Recognize strategies and power of temptation, and run from them—fast.

7:25-27 You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins. (1) Guard your mind. Don't read racy books or magazines, look at pornographic videos or websites, or daydream about fantasies that stimulate sinful desires. (2)     Keep away from settings, friends, and activities that tempt you to sin. (3) Think beyond the moment's pleasure and focus on the future. Today's thrill may lead to tomorrow's ruin.

Taken from Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition - (NIV)