Bible Commentaries

Solomon again persuadeth to keep his laws, and delight in wisdom, Proverbs 7:1-5. A young man void of understanding is insnared by a harlot, Proverbs 7:6-9. A description of a harlot, Proverbs 7:10,11, from her practice, Proverbs 7:12,13. Of her subtlety, Proverbs 7:14-20; by which she gained compliance to her desire, Proverbs 7:21,22. The danger of it, set forth under the similitude of a bird, Proverbs 7:23. He craveth their attention, Proverbs 7:24; and dehorteth from uncleanness, Proverbs 7:25-27.

No text from Poole on this verse.

And live, i.e. thou shalt live. A promise in the form of a command, as Proverbs 3:25.

As the apple of thine eye; with all possible care and diligence, as men guard that part from all dangers, yea, even from the least mote. The eye is a most noble and necessary, and therefore highly esteemed and beloved, part of the body, and the apple thereof is the most honourable, and beautiful, and useful part of that part, and it is a most tender part, easily hurt, or destroyed, and therefore needs to be diligently watched.

Bind them upon thy fingers; as a ring which is put upon them, and is continually in a man’s eye. Constantly remember them, and meditate upon them.

Write them upon the table of thine heart; fix them in thy mind and affection. See Poole "Proverbs 3:3".

When other foolish young men seek wanton mistresses, whom they frequently call

sisters or

kinswomen, let wisdom be thy mistress; acquaint and delight thyself with her, and let her have the command of thy heart, and the conduct of thy life.

This privilege Solomon doth so oft inculcate, either because he found in himself the great power and besotting nature of lustful inclinations: or because he observed these vices to abound more in his time, in which peace and prosperity made way for luxury and uncleanness.

This is either an historical relation, or rather a parabolical representation of that which frequently happened.

Whose strength and heat made him most subject to lustful impressions, and who wanted judgment and experience as well as grace to keep him from such courses.

Passing through the street; idle and careless.

Near her corner; near the corner of the street in which her house stood; such places being most convenient for that wicked purpose, as giving opportunity either for the discovery of passengers in several streets, or for the escape of such as might be in danger of being taken in her house. Compare Proverbs 7:12.

He went the way to her house; not with intention to act gross filthiness with her, as may be gathered from the following passages, but to gratify his curiosity, and to understand the manner of such persons, and to please himself with the sight of her, or discourse of her.