Every Man's Bible - Proverbs - Flipbook - Page 14
Proverbs 8 | page 840
He followed her at once,
like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,*
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awaiting the arrow that would pierce
its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
little knowing it would cost him his life.
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+ + + Men, Women, & God
Safety against
Seduction
Proverbs 7
SOLOMON WAS A WISE MAN who knew more than
most people about wily women. He spent much
of Proverbs warning about immoral, adulterous
women and telling how to avoid their tricks.
In this chapter, he paints a memorable picture
of what happens when a young man “who lacked
common sense” (Proverbs 7:7) wanders into the
sights of a seductress who is hunting for a new
victim to exploit. The scene resembles a nature
film where the slow-moving ox is overtaken and
brought down by a faster, more aggressive lion.
Solomon even says the man fell for the woman
“like an ox going to the slaughter ” (7:22).
The fellow made a number of mistakes that
led to his downfall. For one thing, he walked
near the woman’s house as the light of day was
fading. People can sin in daylight or darkness,
but sexual temptations often seem more potent
under the cover of night.
The woman approached him and wrapped her
arms around him as she purred her invitation. It’s
a spiel she had practiced many times. But to the
ox-like man, her words seemed new and exciting.
“He was like a bird flying into a snare,” says
Solomon (7:23).
This is not to say that all women are so aggressive; nor is it a suggestion that all women
should be avoided. In fact, chapter 31 of Proverbs is devoted to a beautiful portrait of the
ultimate wife. But while God created our desire
for the opposite sex and meant it for good in
the context of marriage, that desire is powerful
and can be dangerous.
As this wise man tells us, it’s up to men to
figure out which woman would make the best
lifetime wife, lover, mother, and friend. Those
who don’t know how to distinguish one from
the other will be vulnerable to the wiles of
seduction.
So listen to me, my sons,
and pay attention to my words.
25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward
her.
Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26 For she has been the ruin of many;
many men have been her victims.
27 Her house is the road to the grave.*
Her bedroom is the den of death.
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Wisdom Calls for a Hearing
Listen as Wisdom calls out!
Hear as understanding raises her
voice!
On the hilltop along the road,
she takes her stand at the crossroads.
By the gates at the entrance to the town,
on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some
understanding.
Listen to me! For I have important things
to tell you.
Everything I say is right,
for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked
in it.
My words are plain to anyone with
understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than
rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare
with it.
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“I, Wisdom, live together with good
judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge
and discernment.
All who fear the LORD will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
7:22 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew reads
slaughter, as shackles are for the discipline of a fool.
7:27 Hebrew to Sheol.
