Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7
Verses 1-27
CHAPTER 7
Pr 7:1-27. The subject continued, by a delineation of the arts of strange women, as a caution to the unwary.
1-4. Similar calls (Pr 3:1-3; 4:10, &c.).
Verses 2
2. apple … eye—pupil of eye, a custody (Pr 4:23) of special value.
Verses 3
3. Bind … fingers—as inscriptions on rings.
Verses 4-5
5. The design of the teaching (compare Pr 2:16; 6:24).
Verses 6
6. For—or, "Since," introducing an example to illustrate the warning, which, whether a narrative or a parable, is equally pertinent.
window—or, "opening"
looked—literally, "watched earnestly" (Jud 5:28).
casement—or, "lattice."
Verses 7
7. simple—as in Pr 1:4.
void of, &c.—(Compare Pr 6:32).
Verses 8
8. her corner—where she was usually found.
went … house—implying, perhaps, confidence in himself by his manner, as denoted in the word
went—literally, "tread pompously."
Verses 9
9. The time, twilight, ending in darkness.
black … night—literally, "pupil," or, "eye," that is, middle of night.
Verses 10
10. attire—that of harlots was sometimes peculiar.
subtile—or, "wary," "cunning."
Verses 11
11, 12. loud—or, "noisy," "bustling."
stubborn—not submissive.
without … streets, … corner—(Compare 1Ti 5:13; Tit 2:5).
Verses 12-13
13-15. The preparations for a feast do not necessarily imply peculiar religious professions. The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast (Le 3:9, &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it.
Verses 14-16
16, 17. my bed—or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.
Verses 17
17. bed—a place for sleeping.
Verses 18
18-20. There is no fear of discovery.
Verses 19-20
20. the day appointed—perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Pr 7:19).
Verses 21
21. caused … yield—or, "inclines."
flattering—(Compare Pr 5:3).
forced him—by persuasion overcoming his scruples.
Verses 22
22. straightway—quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.
Verses 23
23. Till—He is now caught (Pr 6:26).
Verses 24
24. The inferential admonition is followed (Pr 7:26, 27), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice.
Verses 25-26
26, 27. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.