PROVERBS (7)

0. Introduction

a) The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, passes on his practical advice in the form of proverbs. A proverbs is a short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth.

b) Proverbs covers a wide range of topics, including youth and discipline, family life, self-control and resisting temptation, business matters, words and the tongue, knowing God, marriage, seeking the truth, wealth and property, immorality, and, of course, wisdom. Although they are not meant to teach doctrine, a person who follows their advice will walk closely with God.

c) As you read Proverbs, understand that knowing God is the key to wisdom. Listen to the thoughts and lessons from the world's wisest man, and apply these truths to your life. Don't just read these proverbs; act on them!

1. Proverbs 7

a) The Crafty Harlot (Proverbs 6-27)

i) ⁶ For at the window of my house
I looked through my lattice,
⁷ And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
⁸ Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house
⁹ In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night. 

¹⁰ And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
¹¹ She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.
¹² At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.
¹³ So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
¹⁴ “I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
¹⁵ So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.
¹⁶ I have spread my bed with tapestry,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.
¹⁷ I have perfumed my bed
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
¹⁸ Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.
¹⁹ For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a long journey;
²⁰ He has taken a bag of money with him,
And will come home on the appointed day.”

²¹ With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.
²² Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
²³ Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life. 

²⁴ Now therefore, listen to me, my children;
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:
²⁵ Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;
²⁶ For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.
²⁷ Her house is the way to hell,
Descending to the chambers of death. (Proverbs 7:6-27 NKJV)