Brandon Nguyen

Observations

King Solomon instructs his son to keep his words and commandments. If the commandments are kept, the son will live. Therefore, we can presume that if the commandments are not kept, death will surely follow. Obedience leads to life and disobedience leads to death. (Proverbs 7:1–2)

Solomon tells his son to keep his words and commandments with him at all times, whether on his fingers or written on his heart. (Proverbs 7:3)

Wisdom is to be treated like a sister, and insight as an intimate friend. The Greek word for wisdom is σοφία (sophia). (Proverbs 7:4) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Insight refers to the discernment of truth. (Proverbs 9:10)

The forbidden woman in this passage represents sin and temptation. Her words are described as smooth; sin is alluring and enticing. However, if we keep wisdom as our sister and insight as our close companion, we will be protected from her influence. (Proverbs 7:5)

Solomon then paints a vivid scene. He describes a young man lacking sense, walking near the house of a prostitute at night, a time when sin is easily concealed from human sight, though never from God. (Proverbs 7:6–9)

The man encounters the prostitute, who is loud and wayward. The Greek word for "wayward" is ἀλλότριος (allotrios), often used to describe someone or something foreign or alien. This same word appears in John 10:5. (Proverbs 7:10–11)

Sin is always nearby, waiting to seize us when we are unguarded. (Proverbs 7:12)

The woman speaks of her religious acts, offering sacrifices and fulfilling vows, but all of it is a deceptive front. (Proverbs 7:14-15)

Myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon are often used in worship. However, in this passage, they are corrupted here and used in the service of sin. (Proverbs 7:17)

Once we give in to sin, it becomes difficult to escape its grip. Solomon compares the man who follows the forbidden woman to an ox going to the slaughter, a stag caught in a trap, or a bird rushing into a snare. In other words, giving in to temptation leads to a soul’s destruction. (Proverbs 7:22–23)

Finally, Solomon brings us back to the main lesson. We must listen closely to his words and refuse to follow the forbidden woman, for her path leads to death and eventually hell. (Proverbs 7:24–27)

Application

• Do I guard my walk? Do I direct my steps away from the forbidden woman? (Proverbs 4:26–27)
• Do I recognize that the allure and enticement of the forbidden woman is all a deception, and will eventually lead me to death? (Proverbs 5:3–5)
• Keep the Word at the forefront of my mind at all times. (Psalm 119:11)

Prayer

Lord, I thank You that You have given us Your Word to grant us wisdom and insight so that we may guard ourselves from the forbidden woman. Do not let us be mastered by our heart’s desires, but help us to submit ourselves to You, O Lord. Humble us, that we may be reliant on Your Word. In Your Son's name I pray, Amen.