What characteristics define the "adulteress" mentioned in Proverbs 7:5? Setting the Scene in Proverbs 7 Proverbs 7 is Solomon’s urgent plea for his son to treasure God’s wisdom so “that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words” (Proverbs 7:5). Verse 5 introduces her; the rest of the chapter paints her full portrait. Core Descriptors in Verse 5 • Adulteress – literally “another man’s wife,” one who breaks the marriage covenant. • Stranger – outside the bounds of God-ordained relationships; spiritually foreign. • Seductive words – her primary weapon is persuasive, flattering speech. Expanded Characteristics from the Chapter (vv. 7-23) • Visibly enticing – “A woman came to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and cunning of heart” (v. 10). • Cunning and calculating – Her heart is “cunning” (v. 10); she has laid out her plan long in advance (vv. 16-18). • Rebellious and restless – “She is loud and defiant; her feet do not stay at home” (v. 11). – Always on the move—streets, squares, every corner (v. 12). • Aggressively forward – She seizes, kisses, and shamelessly flatters (v. 13). • Religiously superficial – Claims spiritual respectability: “I have fulfilled my vows” (v. 14). • Sensual and pleasure-oriented – Offers perfumed, luxurious bedding and a night of delights (vv. 16-18). • Deceptively reassuring – “My husband is not at home” (v. 19); she minimizes consequences. • Persuasive and overpowering – “With enticing speech she persuades him; with flattering lips she compels him” (v. 21). • Ultimately destructive – Leads her victim “like an ox going to the slaughter… till an arrow pierces his liver” (vv. 22-23). Supporting Scriptural Echoes • Proverbs 2:16 – Wisdom “will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words.” • Proverbs 5:3-5 – “The lips of the adulteress drip honey… but her feet go down to death.” • Proverbs 6:24-26 – Wisdom “will protect you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.” • James 1:14-15 – Desire conceived gives birth to sin, and sin to death—exactly the path outlined here. Take-Home Insights • Sin often appears as an attractive outsider who speaks persuasive half-truths. • Flattery and religious talk can mask rebellion. • God’s wisdom is the sure guard; memorized truth (vv. 1-3) braces the heart against seductive lies. |
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