Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Proverbs 7

The Book of Proverbs

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

CHAPTER 7

      1-4. Similar calls ( Pro 3:1-3 4:10, &c.).

      2. apple. . . eye--pupil of eye, a custody ( Pro 4:23 ) of special value.

      3. Bind. . . fingers--as inscriptions on rings.

      5. The design of the teaching (compare Pro 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" ( Jdg 5:28 ).
      casement--or, "lattice."

      7. simple--as in Pro 1:4.
      void of, &c.--(Compare Pro 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 Tts 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 ( Lev 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 Pro 7:19 ).

      21. caused. . . yield--or, "inclines."
      flattering--(Compare Pro 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 ( Pro 6:26 ).

      24. The inferential admonition is followed ( Pro 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.