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Fifteenth Address. Chap. Proverbs 7:1-27. The Evil Woman

The subject of the last section of the foregoing chapter (Proverbs 6:20-35) is continued throughout this chapter. An earnest call to obedient attention (Proverbs 7:1-4) is followed by a graphic description of the subtle tempter and her victim, as in a drama acted before the eyes (Proverbs 7:5-23), and by a solemn dissuasive based upon the ruinous consequences of yielding (Proverbs 7:24-27).

1. The LXX. add at the end of this verse,

“My son, fear the Lord and thou shalt be strong,

And beside him, fear none other.”

Proverbs 7:1-4] Compare the similar exhortations Proverbs 1:8-9, Proverbs 2:1-5, Proverbs 3:1; Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 3:21-22, Proverbs 4:20-21, Proverbs 6:20-23.

2. the apple] i.e. the pupil: “an emblem of that which is tenderest and dearest, and therefore guarded with the most jealous care,” Psalm 17:8, note in this Series. Comp. Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8.

3. upon thy fingers] like some precious, engraved ring, at once an ornament and a memento.

The reference to the phylactery “placed at the bend of the left arm,” the thong of which “was wound about the arm in a spiral line, which ended at the top of the middle finger” (Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Frontlets) is less probable; though the Pharisee might no doubt read into such a passage as this a sanction of his broad phylactery.

4. kinswoman] Lit. known, i.e. acquaintance, or intimate friend, γνώριμος, LXX.; amica, Vulg. In the only two other places, however, in which the word occurs (Ruth 2:1; Ruth 3:2) it is used in the sense of kinsman. Comp. Job 17:14.

5. strange woman … stranger] See Proverbs 2:16, note.

flattereth with] “Heb. maketh smooth her words,” R.V. marg.

6. casement] Or, lattice, R.V., as the same Heb. word is translated in A.V. in Jdg 5:28, the only other place in which it occurs.

Proverbs 7:7-9. A few graphic strokes draw the picture of the victim. He is not yet positively vicious; but his feeble moral character (Proverbs 7:7), his thoughtless running into danger (Proverbs 7:8), and the perilous hour he chooses (Proverbs 7:9), conspire to render him an easy prey.

7. simple] See Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:22, notes.