ch 7
Overview: (NET) The chapter begins with the important teaching of the father (1–5), then it focuses on the seduction: first of the victim (6–9), then the temptress (10–12), then the seduction (13–20), and the capitulation (21–23); the chapter concludes with the deadly results of consorting (24–27).
Ob and In:
v.1-5
5 so that they may keep you from the adulterous woman,
from the loose woman who has flattered you with her words.
The function of wisdom is to actively preserve (BDB) us against sin and away the tempted words of sin. Therefore, before we confront with temptation, store up wisdom in the heart v.1.
v.6-9 Seduction, victim
he is naive, young, and lacked sense v.7
he was passing by, but also making his way to her house. He might be unintentaionally pass by at first, and then changed his mind and go intentionally to her house v.8
(NET) It suggests that the youth was intentionally making his way to her house. The verb is the imperfect tense; it stresses continual action parallel to the active participle that began the verse, but within a context that is past time.
he chose a time when no one or few people is around v.9
(BKC) “If you want to avoid the devil, stay away from his neighborhood. If you suspect you might be vulnerable to a particular sin, take steps to avoid it”
v.10-12 Seduction, the woman
v.10b she tempted him with her prostitute-like dress which appealed to his eyes, and she has a secret intent hiding from him which enticed him as well
(NET) Heb “kept secret of heart”; cf. ASV, NRSV “wily of heart.” The verbal form is the passive participle from נָצַר (natsar) in construct. C. H. Toy lists the suggestions of the commentators: false, malicious, secret, subtle, excited, hypocritical (Proverbs [ICC], 149). The LXX has “causes the hearts of the young men to fly away.” The verb means “to guard; to watch; to keep”; to be guarded of heart means to be wily, to have secret intent—she has locked up her plans and gives nothing away (e.g., Isaiah 48:6 as well). Interestingly enough, this contrasts with her attire which gives everything away.
v.11 she herself was a loud, rebellious, busy body, and waiting for her chance to grab her victim.
v.13-20 seduction
(BKC) Surprising him, she suddenly embraced and kissed him and then boldly (with a brazen face) spoke to him. By referring to her peace offerings at home and vows she probably was referring to a sacrifice she made (hypocritically, of course) with meat left over (Lev. 7:16–17). Portions of the sacrificial animal were taken home by the offerer. Without refrigeration the meat needed to be consumed; so a feast usually accompanied the sacrifice...Building his ego up by flattery (v. 15), she then sought to lure him by describing the sensuous nature of her bedroom....The woman sought to assure the young man that they would not be caught by her husband
Summary and reflection: 2 voices are competing with each other, the voice of the father to keep wisdom or the voice of the loud woman who seduce the young man.
The wisdom will keep us from the woman as long as we are willing to obey. However, the voice of the woman has several partners: (1) our lack of experience, and sense; (2) our own lust; (3) our reluctant to stay away from sins; (4) our eyes; (5) sin's false, malicious, secret, subtle, excited, hypocritical intent (6) our love for surprise and (7) our love for food; (8) our ego; (9) our senses (10) our false sense of security from punishment.
Those this is a dangerous battle, because we will easily lose. The method for sure win is given. However, do I want to obey? Or I want to indulge in my lust and senses? Do I see the deceptive element in the seduction? Do I see the failure of relying on myself?
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