Proverbs 7:7
Proverbs 7:7 in Multiple Translations
I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment,
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, A young man void of understanding,
I saw among the young men one without sense,
and I saw among the immature young men one who had no sense at all.
And I sawe among the fooles, and considered among the children a yong man destitute of vnderstanding,
And I do see among the simple ones, I discern among the sons, A young man lacking understanding,
I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
And I see little ones, I behold a foolish young man,
I saw some young men who did not have good sense. Among them was a man who was very foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 7:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 7:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֵ֤רֶא
בַ/פְּתָאיִ֗ם
אָ֘בִ֤ינָה
בַ/בָּנִ֗ים
נַ֣עַר
חֲסַר
לֵֽב
וָ/אֵ֤רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
בַ/פְּתָאיִ֗ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
Prep | N-mp
אָ֘בִ֤ינָה
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-1cs
בַ/בָּנִ֗ים
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
נַ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Adj
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 7:7
וָ/אֵ֤רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בַ/פְּתָאיִ֗ם
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
אָ֘בִ֤ינָה
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-1cs
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
בַ/בָּנִ֗ים
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נַ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 7:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 7:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 7:7
Context — Warnings about the Adulteress
5that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.
6For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice.
7I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment,
8crossing the street near her corner, strolling down the road to her house, 9at twilight, as the day was fading into the dark of the night.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:32 | He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. |
| 2 | Proverbs 1:22 | “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:32 | For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:4 | To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, |
| 5 | Proverbs 9:16 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. |
| 6 | Proverbs 9:4 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. |
| 7 | Matthew 15:16 | “Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:130 | The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple. |
| 9 | Proverbs 10:13 | Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
Proverbs 7:7 Summary
This verse is talking about a young man who doesn't have good judgment and is making poor choices. The speaker is warning us about the dangers of being naive and impressionable, and how this can lead to trouble, as seen in Proverbs 7:7-9. We can learn from this verse by being more aware of our surroundings and the company we keep, and by seeking wisdom and discernment in our decision-making, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:5. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and temptation, and instead choose a path of wisdom and righteousness, as described in Proverbs 3:13-18 and Matthew 7:13-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'lacking judgment' in Proverbs 7:7?
To be lacking judgment means to be without discernment or wisdom, often leading to poor decision-making, as seen in the young man's actions in Proverbs 7:7-9, which is also warned against in Proverbs 28:26 and Ephesians 5:15-17.
Who are the 'simple' and 'youths' mentioned in this verse?
The 'simple' and 'youths' refer to those who are naive, inexperienced, and impressionable, as described in Proverbs 1:4 and 1 Timothy 4:12, making them more susceptible to temptation and bad influences.
What is the significance of the speaker's observation in this verse?
The speaker's observation highlights the vulnerability of the young and simple to the dangers of sin and temptation, serving as a warning to parents, leaders, and individuals to be mindful of their surroundings and the company they keep, as cautioned in Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of wisdom in Proverbs?
This verse illustrates the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating life's challenges, as emphasized throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly in Proverbs 1:7, 3:13-18, and 9:10, which emphasize the value of wisdom and the dangers of foolishness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be lacking judgment, and how can I seek wisdom and discernment?
- How can I, like the speaker, be more aware of my surroundings and the influences that may be shaping my thoughts and actions?
- In what ways can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 7:7 to my relationships and decision-making, especially in situations where I may be tempted or influenced by others?
- What role does humility and a willingness to learn play in developing good judgment and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:8-9?
- How can I balance the need for experience and exploration with the need for wisdom and caution, as illustrated in Proverbs 7:7-9 and Ephesians 5:15-17?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:7
And beheld among the simple ones,.... Such as are easily persuaded and drawn into sin; simple and foolish in things moral and spiritual, and not arrived to any ripeness of understanding in things
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:7
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding -
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
Whose strength and heat made him most subject to lustful impressions, and who wanted judgment and experience as well as grace to keep him from such courses.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
Proverbs 7:7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,Ver. 7. Among the simple ones.] The word signifieth such a one as may be soon persuaded, easily drawn any way by a twined thread with a wet finger; fatuellus, such as whom it is no hard matter to cozen and collude with. Cor eius in vitium flecti.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
(7) Among the simple ones.—He was not yet vicious, only empty-headed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
Verse 7. Among the simple ones] The inexperienced, inconsiderate young men. A young man void of understanding] חסר לב chasar leb, "destitute of a heart." He had not wisdom to discern the evil intended; nor courage to resist the flatteries of the seducer.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:7
7. simple] See Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:22, notes.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:7
Simple - In the bad sense of the word (Proverbs 1:22 note); “open” to all impressions of evil, empty-headed and empty-hearted; lounging near the house of ill-repute, not as yet deliberately purposing
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:7
7. And beheld — The Septuagint takes these verbs in the third person singular feminine; she looked, she beheld, etc. The idea is, that the wanton looked forth in order to observe.
Sermons on Proverbs 7:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriage: Removing Destructive Influences by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, addressing the need for restoration in marriages, radical life changes, and the repair of broken homes. It delves into |
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Homily 4 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of turning away from God, focusing on the depravity and dishonor that result from abandoning natural relationships an |
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Importance of Purity in Our Life by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the importance of purity in the sexual area as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. He emphasizes the need to possess our bodies in sanctifi |
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Moral Decline by Colin Peckham | Colin Peckham addresses the prevalent immorality in society, particularly focusing on the normalization of pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships, contrasting it with t |
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Susanna Teaches Circumspection by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome warns about the dangers of lust and adultery by recounting the story of Susanna and the elders who fell into sin due to their lustful desires. He emphasizes the imp |
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Homily 5 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome shares a story where he pretends to be involved in a love affair to expose the false teachings of Appion, who promotes adultery using mythologies of gods as example |
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Seventh River -- Adultery by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of adultery, warning against the treacherous path it leads to and the eternal consequences it carries. He emphasizes that God's c |