Proverbs 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.