Chapter 7
Think about those moments when you, or someone you may have known ignored every single warning sign; like driving through a flooded road with giant barricades and flashing lights, because “it didn’t look that deep.” Or investing in a “guaranteed” get-rich-quick scheme that your grandma, your dog, and your bank account all told you was sketchy. Or entering a relationship that even strangers on the internet could see was a train wreck waiting to happen. The dangers were obvious, but somehow, desire or pride cranked the volume so high that wisdom got drowned out.
Proverbs 7 tells a vivid and honestly, dramatic, story of a young person walking straight into a trap. It’s not just a cautionary tale about physical temptation or one foolish night. It’s a parable about how any kind of temptation: lust, greed, compromise, pride, can hijack our judgment if we let it stroke our ego or play to our blind spots. I will admit, sadly I have traveled this road in my life.
Yes, there’s a seductive woman in the story, and yes, she’s bold and persuasive. But let’s be honest, the real spotlight is on the foolish young man who walks into the situation like he’s strolling into a concert, unaware he’s the opening act for disaster. Many people read this and focus on “the woman,” but this is not a battle of the sexes. This is not “men vs. women.” This is a warning for everyone — male or female — because temptation is an equal-opportunity destroyer.
We live in a world that markets temptation like it’s on clearance: lust, greed, status, shortcuts, all wrapped in glitter and totally hiding the fine print. It’s not just that sin looks attractive; it looks exciting, fulfilling, even logical in the moment. That’s what makes it so dangerous. Proverbs 7 doesn’t just say, “Run away.” It says, “Wake up before you walk in.”
That’s why the Solomon urges us to keep wisdom close — like, write-it-on-your-heart close. Not in a “maybe I’ll remember it later” kind of way, but in a “tattoo it on your soul” kind of way. When wisdom is that close, you’ll see through the smooth talk, the emotional bait, and the illusion of harmless fun.
Jesus offers more than just good advice. He gives the power to walk away, the clarity to see what’s really happening, and the grace to start again if we’ve already fallen for the trap. Staying close to Him is the surest way to avoid becoming another story that ends with, “…and then everything fell apart.”
So yes, Proverbs 7 is a warning. But it’s also a life-saving dose of reality, wrapped in storytelling that feels all too familiar. Listen, and learn, because if we’re honest, we’ve all played the fool at some point. I know I have. But wisdom is still calling… and she’s way better for your future than whatever’s waiting in the shadows.
Warning Against the Adulterous Woman
1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” 5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.
6 At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11 (She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:
14 “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.”
21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.
