7 I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,
He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul.
"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, And fools hate knowledge?
For those who are such don't serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent. For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.
"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
For my people are foolish, they don't know me; they are foolish children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
I went by the field of the sluggard, By the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; Nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.
The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, But he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, But a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.
For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will 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.