Proverbs 7

7:1-27 This is the last of four sections in chs 1–9 that warn against the dangers of promiscuous women (see also 2:16-22; 5:1-23; 6:20-35).

7:2 as you guard your own eyes: That is, with great care.

7:3 The Old Testament uses the phrase tie . . . on your fingers as a reminder for something that needs to be remembered, most notably God’s commands (Deut 6:8; 11:18). • The NLT’s write them deep within your heart reflects the Hebrew idiom write them on the tablet of your heart (see also Prov 3:3). Only obedience that comes from the heart will last.

7:4 In Hebrew, sister is a term of endearment that expresses intimacy (see Song 4:9-10).

7:5 Loving wisdom will leave no room for a promiscuous woman, whose arsenal includes flattery that appeals to a young man’s vanity.

7:6-23 The young man’s father tells a story to illustrate his teaching about immoral women.7:6-7 Naive young men, not yet set in their ways, are still open to correction. With each foolish act, they move closer to becoming fools.

7:9 Foolish actions are often associated with darkness (see 4:18-19; Eccl 2:13-14).

7:10 The woman, seductively dressed, looks good on the outside but inside is full of trouble.

7:12 Prostitutes commonly solicited business in public areas such as markets and at every corner of busy streets (e.g., Gen 38:13-16).

7:14 The immoral woman’s observance of religious ritual makes her look good on the surface, but her immoral behavior reveals a corrupt heart.

7:16-17 Her emphasis on her bed and exotic perfumes (myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon) is explicitly sexual (cp. Song 4:13-14).

7:18 let’s drink our fill of love: cp. Song 5:1.

7:21-23 The naive young man’s foolish actions might cost him his life (see 5:11; 6:32-35).

7:24-27 The father reasserts the point of his lesson: While an adulteress might look good and a relationship with her is enticing, harm or even death will result.