Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29:1

Do Not Take Fire in Your Bosom

The first warning for the wicked, unknown woman concerns the heart of the young man (Proverbs 6:25), for from it [flow] the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). In the heart, temptation is born (James 1:14-15). He must not allow lust to take root in his heart because of that woman’s beauty. Immoral actions begin with a covetous look (2 Samuel 11:2; 2 Samuel 13:1-14).

As soon as such desire wants to rear its head, it must be judged immediately. Whoever harbors lust sins and commits the act of adultery (Matthew 5:28). Therefore, he should not look at her eyes, for they act like ropes by which he can be bound. For committing the sin of adultery a high price must be paid (Proverbs 6:26). It brings to the deepest poverty, “a loaf of bread”, and even to death: his “precious life” is hunted.

There are two kinds of wicked women here. There is “a woman who is a harlot”, that is someone who offers her depraved ‘services’ for the sake of money. Those who get involved with her are impoverished by it. There is also an “adulteress”. She is bored with her husband and seeks someone else for sexual satisfaction. Getting involved with her is even more dangerous than getting involved with a harlot, because whoever gets involved with her is no longer sure of his life. He is completely in her power. In addition, the jealous husband will hunt down his “precious life” to kill him. The woman will hand him over to her jealous husband with a brazen face (cf. Genesis 39:16-20).

The foreign woman is to be shunned like fire (Proverbs 6:27-28). The clothes of whoever does engage with her will catch fire (Proverbs 6:27). Applied, this means that the behavior of the fornicator and adulterer, his prestige and dignity, of which the clothes speak, becomes contemptible (Genesis 38:13-18). There is not only a ‘burning smell’ about him, which sometimes seems so for a moment, but his whole conduct and dignity are gone. He becomes despised.

A person will not be so foolish as to walk on hot coals and then think that his feet will not be scorched (Proverbs 6:28). ‘Walking’ indicates a repeated occurrence; it does not refer to something that happens incidentally. It refers to ongoing sexual contact, to someone who is a fornicator. It is impossible to do such a thing without damaging oneself. The father applies this to what happens when his son gets involved with the wife of another man. He must then bear the consequences. There is no escaping this. They are the “natural laws” of fornication. At the end, destruction awaits.

In Proverbs 6:29, the father gives the conclusion. Going to the wife of his neighbor has the meaning of having sexual intercourse with her. Touching her has the same meaning. One who is so intimate with another’s wife, one who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, will not go unpunished. The punishment for the adulterer is inevitable.

Proverbs 29:2

There Is No Ransom for Adultery

In Proverbs 6:30-31, the sin of adultery is compared to the sin of stealing. If a thief steals to satisfy his hunger, this is understood, although what he does is wrong (Proverbs 6:30). If they catch him, he must pay severely for his crime (Proverbs 6:31; Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8). It may cost him his entire property. But when he has paid his debt, he is a free man again.

For someone who commits adultery, it is totally different (Proverbs 6:32). There is understanding for someone who steals because he is hungry, but there is never understanding for someone who “steals” the wife of another. The young man, when “hungry”, could have gone to his wife. He is not without bread, but “without sense”, or as it literally says, he lacks heart, he is without heart. What he does looks like pleasure, but it is suicide. He “destroys himself”.

Adultery provides him with momentary ‘pleasure’, but what he finds is “wounds and disgrace” and a “reproach” that cannot be blotted out (Proverbs 6:33). It is impossible to go unpunished. Only vengeance remains. There is nothing that can remove that defamation. It is a hateful sin before God, and there are horrible consequences for those involved as well. So practical is the father, so practical is the Scripture.

The word translated “touches” in Proverbs 6:29 is translated “wounds” in this verse. We see here that the relationship between sin and punishment is shown by a Hebrew pun. Whoever affectionately touches an adulterous woman will be harshly touched by the wounds that will come upon him.

He will face a man inflamed in jealousy who is furious with him (Proverbs 6:34). The pity that may be there for a thief who steals from hunger is completely lacking for an adulterer with the man with whose wife he has committed adultery. On the day of revenge, that is, the day he discovers the adultery, revenge is the only thing in which he can find satisfaction. The man who has committed adultery with his wife must be judged.

Unlike the thief, the adulterer can make no recompense for his sin (Proverbs 6:35). The jealous husband does not accept any compensation. No matter how large the amount would be, this matter cannot be bought off with money. The adulterer can do nothing to make up for what he has done. He cannot reverse his sin. He has to live with that sin for the rest of his life, at least if he stays alive and is not killed by the jealous husband.

Proverbs 29:3

There Is No Ransom for Adultery

In Proverbs 6:30-31, the sin of adultery is compared to the sin of stealing. If a thief steals to satisfy his hunger, this is understood, although what he does is wrong (Proverbs 6:30). If they catch him, he must pay severely for his crime (Proverbs 6:31; Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8). It may cost him his entire property. But when he has paid his debt, he is a free man again.

For someone who commits adultery, it is totally different (Proverbs 6:32). There is understanding for someone who steals because he is hungry, but there is never understanding for someone who “steals” the wife of another. The young man, when “hungry”, could have gone to his wife. He is not without bread, but “without sense”, or as it literally says, he lacks heart, he is without heart. What he does looks like pleasure, but it is suicide. He “destroys himself”.

Adultery provides him with momentary ‘pleasure’, but what he finds is “wounds and disgrace” and a “reproach” that cannot be blotted out (Proverbs 6:33). It is impossible to go unpunished. Only vengeance remains. There is nothing that can remove that defamation. It is a hateful sin before God, and there are horrible consequences for those involved as well. So practical is the father, so practical is the Scripture.

The word translated “touches” in Proverbs 6:29 is translated “wounds” in this verse. We see here that the relationship between sin and punishment is shown by a Hebrew pun. Whoever affectionately touches an adulterous woman will be harshly touched by the wounds that will come upon him.

He will face a man inflamed in jealousy who is furious with him (Proverbs 6:34). The pity that may be there for a thief who steals from hunger is completely lacking for an adulterer with the man with whose wife he has committed adultery. On the day of revenge, that is, the day he discovers the adultery, revenge is the only thing in which he can find satisfaction. The man who has committed adultery with his wife must be judged.

Unlike the thief, the adulterer can make no recompense for his sin (Proverbs 6:35). The jealous husband does not accept any compensation. No matter how large the amount would be, this matter cannot be bought off with money. The adulterer can do nothing to make up for what he has done. He cannot reverse his sin. He has to live with that sin for the rest of his life, at least if he stays alive and is not killed by the jealous husband.

Proverbs 29:4

There Is No Ransom for Adultery

In Proverbs 6:30-31, the sin of adultery is compared to the sin of stealing. If a thief steals to satisfy his hunger, this is understood, although what he does is wrong (Proverbs 6:30). If they catch him, he must pay severely for his crime (Proverbs 6:31; Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8). It may cost him his entire property. But when he has paid his debt, he is a free man again.

For someone who commits adultery, it is totally different (Proverbs 6:32). There is understanding for someone who steals because he is hungry, but there is never understanding for someone who “steals” the wife of another. The young man, when “hungry”, could have gone to his wife. He is not without bread, but “without sense”, or as it literally says, he lacks heart, he is without heart. What he does looks like pleasure, but it is suicide. He “destroys himself”.

Adultery provides him with momentary ‘pleasure’, but what he finds is “wounds and disgrace” and a “reproach” that cannot be blotted out (Proverbs 6:33). It is impossible to go unpunished. Only vengeance remains. There is nothing that can remove that defamation. It is a hateful sin before God, and there are horrible consequences for those involved as well. So practical is the father, so practical is the Scripture.

The word translated “touches” in Proverbs 6:29 is translated “wounds” in this verse. We see here that the relationship between sin and punishment is shown by a Hebrew pun. Whoever affectionately touches an adulterous woman will be harshly touched by the wounds that will come upon him.

He will face a man inflamed in jealousy who is furious with him (Proverbs 6:34). The pity that may be there for a thief who steals from hunger is completely lacking for an adulterer with the man with whose wife he has committed adultery. On the day of revenge, that is, the day he discovers the adultery, revenge is the only thing in which he can find satisfaction. The man who has committed adultery with his wife must be judged.

Unlike the thief, the adulterer can make no recompense for his sin (Proverbs 6:35). The jealous husband does not accept any compensation. No matter how large the amount would be, this matter cannot be bought off with money. The adulterer can do nothing to make up for what he has done. He cannot reverse his sin. He has to live with that sin for the rest of his life, at least if he stays alive and is not killed by the jealous husband.

Proverbs 29:5

There Is No Ransom for Adultery

In Proverbs 6:30-31, the sin of adultery is compared to the sin of stealing. If a thief steals to satisfy his hunger, this is understood, although what he does is wrong (Proverbs 6:30). If they catch him, he must pay severely for his crime (Proverbs 6:31; Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8). It may cost him his entire property. But when he has paid his debt, he is a free man again.

For someone who commits adultery, it is totally different (Proverbs 6:32). There is understanding for someone who steals because he is hungry, but there is never understanding for someone who “steals” the wife of another. The young man, when “hungry”, could have gone to his wife. He is not without bread, but “without sense”, or as it literally says, he lacks heart, he is without heart. What he does looks like pleasure, but it is suicide. He “destroys himself”.

Adultery provides him with momentary ‘pleasure’, but what he finds is “wounds and disgrace” and a “reproach” that cannot be blotted out (Proverbs 6:33). It is impossible to go unpunished. Only vengeance remains. There is nothing that can remove that defamation. It is a hateful sin before God, and there are horrible consequences for those involved as well. So practical is the father, so practical is the Scripture.

The word translated “touches” in Proverbs 6:29 is translated “wounds” in this verse. We see here that the relationship between sin and punishment is shown by a Hebrew pun. Whoever affectionately touches an adulterous woman will be harshly touched by the wounds that will come upon him.

He will face a man inflamed in jealousy who is furious with him (Proverbs 6:34). The pity that may be there for a thief who steals from hunger is completely lacking for an adulterer with the man with whose wife he has committed adultery. On the day of revenge, that is, the day he discovers the adultery, revenge is the only thing in which he can find satisfaction. The man who has committed adultery with his wife must be judged.

Unlike the thief, the adulterer can make no recompense for his sin (Proverbs 6:35). The jealous husband does not accept any compensation. No matter how large the amount would be, this matter cannot be bought off with money. The adulterer can do nothing to make up for what he has done. He cannot reverse his sin. He has to live with that sin for the rest of his life, at least if he stays alive and is not killed by the jealous husband.

Proverbs 29:6

There Is No Ransom for Adultery

In Proverbs 6:30-31, the sin of adultery is compared to the sin of stealing. If a thief steals to satisfy his hunger, this is understood, although what he does is wrong (Proverbs 6:30). If they catch him, he must pay severely for his crime (Proverbs 6:31; Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8). It may cost him his entire property. But when he has paid his debt, he is a free man again.

For someone who commits adultery, it is totally different (Proverbs 6:32). There is understanding for someone who steals because he is hungry, but there is never understanding for someone who “steals” the wife of another. The young man, when “hungry”, could have gone to his wife. He is not without bread, but “without sense”, or as it literally says, he lacks heart, he is without heart. What he does looks like pleasure, but it is suicide. He “destroys himself”.

Adultery provides him with momentary ‘pleasure’, but what he finds is “wounds and disgrace” and a “reproach” that cannot be blotted out (Proverbs 6:33). It is impossible to go unpunished. Only vengeance remains. There is nothing that can remove that defamation. It is a hateful sin before God, and there are horrible consequences for those involved as well. So practical is the father, so practical is the Scripture.

The word translated “touches” in Proverbs 6:29 is translated “wounds” in this verse. We see here that the relationship between sin and punishment is shown by a Hebrew pun. Whoever affectionately touches an adulterous woman will be harshly touched by the wounds that will come upon him.

He will face a man inflamed in jealousy who is furious with him (Proverbs 6:34). The pity that may be there for a thief who steals from hunger is completely lacking for an adulterer with the man with whose wife he has committed adultery. On the day of revenge, that is, the day he discovers the adultery, revenge is the only thing in which he can find satisfaction. The man who has committed adultery with his wife must be judged.

Unlike the thief, the adulterer can make no recompense for his sin (Proverbs 6:35). The jealous husband does not accept any compensation. No matter how large the amount would be, this matter cannot be bought off with money. The adulterer can do nothing to make up for what he has done. He cannot reverse his sin. He has to live with that sin for the rest of his life, at least if he stays alive and is not killed by the jealous husband.

Proverbs 29:7

There Is No Ransom for Adultery

In Proverbs 6:30-31, the sin of adultery is compared to the sin of stealing. If a thief steals to satisfy his hunger, this is understood, although what he does is wrong (Proverbs 6:30). If they catch him, he must pay severely for his crime (Proverbs 6:31; Exodus 22:1; Luke 19:8). It may cost him his entire property. But when he has paid his debt, he is a free man again.

For someone who commits adultery, it is totally different (Proverbs 6:32). There is understanding for someone who steals because he is hungry, but there is never understanding for someone who “steals” the wife of another. The young man, when “hungry”, could have gone to his wife. He is not without bread, but “without sense”, or as it literally says, he lacks heart, he is without heart. What he does looks like pleasure, but it is suicide. He “destroys himself”.

Adultery provides him with momentary ‘pleasure’, but what he finds is “wounds and disgrace” and a “reproach” that cannot be blotted out (Proverbs 6:33). It is impossible to go unpunished. Only vengeance remains. There is nothing that can remove that defamation. It is a hateful sin before God, and there are horrible consequences for those involved as well. So practical is the father, so practical is the Scripture.

The word translated “touches” in Proverbs 6:29 is translated “wounds” in this verse. We see here that the relationship between sin and punishment is shown by a Hebrew pun. Whoever affectionately touches an adulterous woman will be harshly touched by the wounds that will come upon him.

He will face a man inflamed in jealousy who is furious with him (Proverbs 6:34). The pity that may be there for a thief who steals from hunger is completely lacking for an adulterer with the man with whose wife he has committed adultery. On the day of revenge, that is, the day he discovers the adultery, revenge is the only thing in which he can find satisfaction. The man who has committed adultery with his wife must be judged.

Unlike the thief, the adulterer can make no recompense for his sin (Proverbs 6:35). The jealous husband does not accept any compensation. No matter how large the amount would be, this matter cannot be bought off with money. The adulterer can do nothing to make up for what he has done. He cannot reverse his sin. He has to live with that sin for the rest of his life, at least if he stays alive and is not killed by the jealous husband.

Proverbs 29:9

Introduction

The need for sexual self-control, the need to say “no” to offers of bodily intimacy outside of marriage, is the dominant theme in the speeches of wisdom in Proverbs 1-9.

In this chapter, the father speaks again to his son about this (Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:20-35). He does so in the form of a story. It is a parenting story that the father tells to seriously warn the son about being tempted by the strange woman. In Proverbs 6 it is about a man who is so foolish that he does not have enough from his own source and goes to his neighbor’s wife. In Proverbs 7, it is about a young, inexperienced man who lets himself be tempted in his foolishness.

In Proverbs 7:1-5, the father first again holds up to his son as an introduction the value and beauty of the commandment. Then in Proverbs 7:6-23 he relates from his experience what he has seen. He describes a young man who does not accidentally approach the temptress, but seeks the danger zone. The boy, against an earlier warning (Proverbs 5:8), comes near her house. He did not mean to fornicate, but does it anyway. In Proverbs 7:24-27, the father holds up to his children the consequences if they deviate in their heart to the ways of the harlot.

Warning Against the Strange Woman

This section again begins with the father pointing out to his son his “words” to keep them and his “commandments” to treasure them within him (Proverbs 7:1). If he does so, he will live (Proverbs 7:2). This is contrasted with the death that results from not listening to it (Proverbs 7:24-27). Life in the true sense of the word is threatened if it is not listened to. It is a matter of life or death.

Therefore, the son must keep in mind his father’s teaching as his “apple of the eye”. This means that obedience to the teaching is vital to him, that he must keep it with the utmost care in order to keep the proper view of these things. There is no more sensitive part of the body than the apple of the eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Zechariah 2:8).

In Proverbs 7:3, the commandments are linked to the fingers. Everything he does with his fingers must be directed by the commandments. He must also write them on “the tablet” of his heart. The heart is the center of the person. If the commandments are written there, everything he does, everywhere he goes and looks and everything he says and thinks will be controlled by the commandments.

“Wisdom” must be to him as his “sister” and “understanding” must be in his blood, as it were (Proverbs 7:4). In the Old Testament, the brother-sister relationship reflects a close bond of affection. “Sister” is also used for the wife or the beloved (Song of Solomon 4:9-10). If he embraces wisdom as his sister, the strange woman will have no chance to embrace him (Proverbs 7:13). Man must have an object about which he delights. If that is not wisdom, the void will be filled with wrong desires. Love for God’s Word will drive out the power of evil.

These instructions are all given in view of the strange woman (Proverbs 7:5). He will only stay out of the snare of temptation if he listens to this teaching from his father. Whoever keeps the words and commandments of the father, that is, whoever keeps the Word of God, is thereby preserved himself. In short, whoever keeps, is kept.

Proverbs 29:10

Introduction

The need for sexual self-control, the need to say “no” to offers of bodily intimacy outside of marriage, is the dominant theme in the speeches of wisdom in Proverbs 1-9.

In this chapter, the father speaks again to his son about this (Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:20-35). He does so in the form of a story. It is a parenting story that the father tells to seriously warn the son about being tempted by the strange woman. In Proverbs 6 it is about a man who is so foolish that he does not have enough from his own source and goes to his neighbor’s wife. In Proverbs 7, it is about a young, inexperienced man who lets himself be tempted in his foolishness.

In Proverbs 7:1-5, the father first again holds up to his son as an introduction the value and beauty of the commandment. Then in Proverbs 7:6-23 he relates from his experience what he has seen. He describes a young man who does not accidentally approach the temptress, but seeks the danger zone. The boy, against an earlier warning (Proverbs 5:8), comes near her house. He did not mean to fornicate, but does it anyway. In Proverbs 7:24-27, the father holds up to his children the consequences if they deviate in their heart to the ways of the harlot.

Warning Against the Strange Woman

This section again begins with the father pointing out to his son his “words” to keep them and his “commandments” to treasure them within him (Proverbs 7:1). If he does so, he will live (Proverbs 7:2). This is contrasted with the death that results from not listening to it (Proverbs 7:24-27). Life in the true sense of the word is threatened if it is not listened to. It is a matter of life or death.

Therefore, the son must keep in mind his father’s teaching as his “apple of the eye”. This means that obedience to the teaching is vital to him, that he must keep it with the utmost care in order to keep the proper view of these things. There is no more sensitive part of the body than the apple of the eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Zechariah 2:8).

In Proverbs 7:3, the commandments are linked to the fingers. Everything he does with his fingers must be directed by the commandments. He must also write them on “the tablet” of his heart. The heart is the center of the person. If the commandments are written there, everything he does, everywhere he goes and looks and everything he says and thinks will be controlled by the commandments.

“Wisdom” must be to him as his “sister” and “understanding” must be in his blood, as it were (Proverbs 7:4). In the Old Testament, the brother-sister relationship reflects a close bond of affection. “Sister” is also used for the wife or the beloved (Song of Solomon 4:9-10). If he embraces wisdom as his sister, the strange woman will have no chance to embrace him (Proverbs 7:13). Man must have an object about which he delights. If that is not wisdom, the void will be filled with wrong desires. Love for God’s Word will drive out the power of evil.

These instructions are all given in view of the strange woman (Proverbs 7:5). He will only stay out of the snare of temptation if he listens to this teaching from his father. Whoever keeps the words and commandments of the father, that is, whoever keeps the Word of God, is thereby preserved himself. In short, whoever keeps, is kept.

Proverbs 29:11

Introduction

The need for sexual self-control, the need to say “no” to offers of bodily intimacy outside of marriage, is the dominant theme in the speeches of wisdom in Proverbs 1-9.

In this chapter, the father speaks again to his son about this (Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:20-35). He does so in the form of a story. It is a parenting story that the father tells to seriously warn the son about being tempted by the strange woman. In Proverbs 6 it is about a man who is so foolish that he does not have enough from his own source and goes to his neighbor’s wife. In Proverbs 7, it is about a young, inexperienced man who lets himself be tempted in his foolishness.

In Proverbs 7:1-5, the father first again holds up to his son as an introduction the value and beauty of the commandment. Then in Proverbs 7:6-23 he relates from his experience what he has seen. He describes a young man who does not accidentally approach the temptress, but seeks the danger zone. The boy, against an earlier warning (Proverbs 5:8), comes near her house. He did not mean to fornicate, but does it anyway. In Proverbs 7:24-27, the father holds up to his children the consequences if they deviate in their heart to the ways of the harlot.

Warning Against the Strange Woman

This section again begins with the father pointing out to his son his “words” to keep them and his “commandments” to treasure them within him (Proverbs 7:1). If he does so, he will live (Proverbs 7:2). This is contrasted with the death that results from not listening to it (Proverbs 7:24-27). Life in the true sense of the word is threatened if it is not listened to. It is a matter of life or death.

Therefore, the son must keep in mind his father’s teaching as his “apple of the eye”. This means that obedience to the teaching is vital to him, that he must keep it with the utmost care in order to keep the proper view of these things. There is no more sensitive part of the body than the apple of the eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Zechariah 2:8).

In Proverbs 7:3, the commandments are linked to the fingers. Everything he does with his fingers must be directed by the commandments. He must also write them on “the tablet” of his heart. The heart is the center of the person. If the commandments are written there, everything he does, everywhere he goes and looks and everything he says and thinks will be controlled by the commandments.

“Wisdom” must be to him as his “sister” and “understanding” must be in his blood, as it were (Proverbs 7:4). In the Old Testament, the brother-sister relationship reflects a close bond of affection. “Sister” is also used for the wife or the beloved (Song of Solomon 4:9-10). If he embraces wisdom as his sister, the strange woman will have no chance to embrace him (Proverbs 7:13). Man must have an object about which he delights. If that is not wisdom, the void will be filled with wrong desires. Love for God’s Word will drive out the power of evil.

These instructions are all given in view of the strange woman (Proverbs 7:5). He will only stay out of the snare of temptation if he listens to this teaching from his father. Whoever keeps the words and commandments of the father, that is, whoever keeps the Word of God, is thereby preserved himself. In short, whoever keeps, is kept.

Proverbs 29:12

Introduction

The need for sexual self-control, the need to say “no” to offers of bodily intimacy outside of marriage, is the dominant theme in the speeches of wisdom in Proverbs 1-9.

In this chapter, the father speaks again to his son about this (Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:20-35). He does so in the form of a story. It is a parenting story that the father tells to seriously warn the son about being tempted by the strange woman. In Proverbs 6 it is about a man who is so foolish that he does not have enough from his own source and goes to his neighbor’s wife. In Proverbs 7, it is about a young, inexperienced man who lets himself be tempted in his foolishness.

In Proverbs 7:1-5, the father first again holds up to his son as an introduction the value and beauty of the commandment. Then in Proverbs 7:6-23 he relates from his experience what he has seen. He describes a young man who does not accidentally approach the temptress, but seeks the danger zone. The boy, against an earlier warning (Proverbs 5:8), comes near her house. He did not mean to fornicate, but does it anyway. In Proverbs 7:24-27, the father holds up to his children the consequences if they deviate in their heart to the ways of the harlot.

Warning Against the Strange Woman

This section again begins with the father pointing out to his son his “words” to keep them and his “commandments” to treasure them within him (Proverbs 7:1). If he does so, he will live (Proverbs 7:2). This is contrasted with the death that results from not listening to it (Proverbs 7:24-27). Life in the true sense of the word is threatened if it is not listened to. It is a matter of life or death.

Therefore, the son must keep in mind his father’s teaching as his “apple of the eye”. This means that obedience to the teaching is vital to him, that he must keep it with the utmost care in order to keep the proper view of these things. There is no more sensitive part of the body than the apple of the eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Zechariah 2:8).

In Proverbs 7:3, the commandments are linked to the fingers. Everything he does with his fingers must be directed by the commandments. He must also write them on “the tablet” of his heart. The heart is the center of the person. If the commandments are written there, everything he does, everywhere he goes and looks and everything he says and thinks will be controlled by the commandments.

“Wisdom” must be to him as his “sister” and “understanding” must be in his blood, as it were (Proverbs 7:4). In the Old Testament, the brother-sister relationship reflects a close bond of affection. “Sister” is also used for the wife or the beloved (Song of Solomon 4:9-10). If he embraces wisdom as his sister, the strange woman will have no chance to embrace him (Proverbs 7:13). Man must have an object about which he delights. If that is not wisdom, the void will be filled with wrong desires. Love for God’s Word will drive out the power of evil.

These instructions are all given in view of the strange woman (Proverbs 7:5). He will only stay out of the snare of temptation if he listens to this teaching from his father. Whoever keeps the words and commandments of the father, that is, whoever keeps the Word of God, is thereby preserved himself. In short, whoever keeps, is kept.

Proverbs 29:13

Introduction

The need for sexual self-control, the need to say “no” to offers of bodily intimacy outside of marriage, is the dominant theme in the speeches of wisdom in Proverbs 1-9.

In this chapter, the father speaks again to his son about this (Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:20-35). He does so in the form of a story. It is a parenting story that the father tells to seriously warn the son about being tempted by the strange woman. In Proverbs 6 it is about a man who is so foolish that he does not have enough from his own source and goes to his neighbor’s wife. In Proverbs 7, it is about a young, inexperienced man who lets himself be tempted in his foolishness.

In Proverbs 7:1-5, the father first again holds up to his son as an introduction the value and beauty of the commandment. Then in Proverbs 7:6-23 he relates from his experience what he has seen. He describes a young man who does not accidentally approach the temptress, but seeks the danger zone. The boy, against an earlier warning (Proverbs 5:8), comes near her house. He did not mean to fornicate, but does it anyway. In Proverbs 7:24-27, the father holds up to his children the consequences if they deviate in their heart to the ways of the harlot.

Warning Against the Strange Woman

This section again begins with the father pointing out to his son his “words” to keep them and his “commandments” to treasure them within him (Proverbs 7:1). If he does so, he will live (Proverbs 7:2). This is contrasted with the death that results from not listening to it (Proverbs 7:24-27). Life in the true sense of the word is threatened if it is not listened to. It is a matter of life or death.

Therefore, the son must keep in mind his father’s teaching as his “apple of the eye”. This means that obedience to the teaching is vital to him, that he must keep it with the utmost care in order to keep the proper view of these things. There is no more sensitive part of the body than the apple of the eye (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalms 17:8; Zechariah 2:8).

In Proverbs 7:3, the commandments are linked to the fingers. Everything he does with his fingers must be directed by the commandments. He must also write them on “the tablet” of his heart. The heart is the center of the person. If the commandments are written there, everything he does, everywhere he goes and looks and everything he says and thinks will be controlled by the commandments.

“Wisdom” must be to him as his “sister” and “understanding” must be in his blood, as it were (Proverbs 7:4). In the Old Testament, the brother-sister relationship reflects a close bond of affection. “Sister” is also used for the wife or the beloved (Song of Solomon 4:9-10). If he embraces wisdom as his sister, the strange woman will have no chance to embrace him (Proverbs 7:13). Man must have an object about which he delights. If that is not wisdom, the void will be filled with wrong desires. Love for God’s Word will drive out the power of evil.

These instructions are all given in view of the strange woman (Proverbs 7:5). He will only stay out of the snare of temptation if he listens to this teaching from his father. Whoever keeps the words and commandments of the father, that is, whoever keeps the Word of God, is thereby preserved himself. In short, whoever keeps, is kept.

Proverbs 29:14

The Victim

In Proverbs 7:6-23, the father gives one of the most vivid descriptions of the temptation to sin we have in Scripture. He gives an eyewitness account, not as a peeping tom, but as a teacher. His account does not present sin as attractive, but contains a serious warning to avoid and flee from sin.

We find in it the elements for which he has previously warned: 1. wrong company (Proverbs 1:10-19), 2. aimless hanging around (Proverbs 6:6-10), 3. places where temptation lurks (Proverbs 5:8), and 4. especially not listening to the words and commands of the parents (Proverbs 4:1; 10; Proverbs 5:1; 7; Proverbs 6:20-22).

The scenario of disaster, as so often, is a combination of the wrong company in the wrong place at the wrong time. This combination applies only to those who do not let themselves be warned by the Wisdom.

In the eyewitness account we find 1. the victim in Proverbs 7:5-9, 2. the temptress in Proverbs 7:10-12, 3. the temptation in Proverbs 7:13-20 and 4. the capitulation of the victim in Proverbs 7:21-23.

The father begins his story by saying that he was at home looking out through his lattice (Proverbs 7:6). He then goes on to describe what he saw when he looked down. He saw a group of “naive”, a group of unsuspecting, inexperienced young people, strolling along the road (Proverbs 7:7). Among those youths, his attention fell on “a young man lacking sense”, literally “a young man without heart” or “a young man who lacks common sense”, an airhead, a dunce.

While strolling, this boy purposefully crossed the street “near her corner” and slowly took “the way to her house” (Proverbs 7:8). It is an action that takes place under cover of darkness (Proverbs 7:9). No less than four different words are used to describe the darkness. It is in the twilight, in the evening of the day, after sunset, which makes it seem in the middle of the night in the east very quickly, given the immediately falling darkness.

Both his aimlessness and the darkness deprive him of the spiritual insight to see the danger he is exposing himself to. Therefore, he is unable to do what Joseph did, and that is to flee harlotry (Genesis 39:7; 10-12; 1 Corinthians 6:18). It is not possible, for anyone, to stand firm in such a situation. The only option is to flee.

Proverbs 29:15

The Victim

In Proverbs 7:6-23, the father gives one of the most vivid descriptions of the temptation to sin we have in Scripture. He gives an eyewitness account, not as a peeping tom, but as a teacher. His account does not present sin as attractive, but contains a serious warning to avoid and flee from sin.

We find in it the elements for which he has previously warned: 1. wrong company (Proverbs 1:10-19), 2. aimless hanging around (Proverbs 6:6-10), 3. places where temptation lurks (Proverbs 5:8), and 4. especially not listening to the words and commands of the parents (Proverbs 4:1; 10; Proverbs 5:1; 7; Proverbs 6:20-22).

The scenario of disaster, as so often, is a combination of the wrong company in the wrong place at the wrong time. This combination applies only to those who do not let themselves be warned by the Wisdom.

In the eyewitness account we find 1. the victim in Proverbs 7:5-9, 2. the temptress in Proverbs 7:10-12, 3. the temptation in Proverbs 7:13-20 and 4. the capitulation of the victim in Proverbs 7:21-23.

The father begins his story by saying that he was at home looking out through his lattice (Proverbs 7:6). He then goes on to describe what he saw when he looked down. He saw a group of “naive”, a group of unsuspecting, inexperienced young people, strolling along the road (Proverbs 7:7). Among those youths, his attention fell on “a young man lacking sense”, literally “a young man without heart” or “a young man who lacks common sense”, an airhead, a dunce.

While strolling, this boy purposefully crossed the street “near her corner” and slowly took “the way to her house” (Proverbs 7:8). It is an action that takes place under cover of darkness (Proverbs 7:9). No less than four different words are used to describe the darkness. It is in the twilight, in the evening of the day, after sunset, which makes it seem in the middle of the night in the east very quickly, given the immediately falling darkness.

Both his aimlessness and the darkness deprive him of the spiritual insight to see the danger he is exposing himself to. Therefore, he is unable to do what Joseph did, and that is to flee harlotry (Genesis 39:7; 10-12; 1 Corinthians 6:18). It is not possible, for anyone, to stand firm in such a situation. The only option is to flee.

Proverbs 29:16

The Victim

In Proverbs 7:6-23, the father gives one of the most vivid descriptions of the temptation to sin we have in Scripture. He gives an eyewitness account, not as a peeping tom, but as a teacher. His account does not present sin as attractive, but contains a serious warning to avoid and flee from sin.

We find in it the elements for which he has previously warned: 1. wrong company (Proverbs 1:10-19), 2. aimless hanging around (Proverbs 6:6-10), 3. places where temptation lurks (Proverbs 5:8), and 4. especially not listening to the words and commands of the parents (Proverbs 4:1; 10; Proverbs 5:1; 7; Proverbs 6:20-22).

The scenario of disaster, as so often, is a combination of the wrong company in the wrong place at the wrong time. This combination applies only to those who do not let themselves be warned by the Wisdom.

In the eyewitness account we find 1. the victim in Proverbs 7:5-9, 2. the temptress in Proverbs 7:10-12, 3. the temptation in Proverbs 7:13-20 and 4. the capitulation of the victim in Proverbs 7:21-23.

The father begins his story by saying that he was at home looking out through his lattice (Proverbs 7:6). He then goes on to describe what he saw when he looked down. He saw a group of “naive”, a group of unsuspecting, inexperienced young people, strolling along the road (Proverbs 7:7). Among those youths, his attention fell on “a young man lacking sense”, literally “a young man without heart” or “a young man who lacks common sense”, an airhead, a dunce.

While strolling, this boy purposefully crossed the street “near her corner” and slowly took “the way to her house” (Proverbs 7:8). It is an action that takes place under cover of darkness (Proverbs 7:9). No less than four different words are used to describe the darkness. It is in the twilight, in the evening of the day, after sunset, which makes it seem in the middle of the night in the east very quickly, given the immediately falling darkness.

Both his aimlessness and the darkness deprive him of the spiritual insight to see the danger he is exposing himself to. Therefore, he is unable to do what Joseph did, and that is to flee harlotry (Genesis 39:7; 10-12; 1 Corinthians 6:18). It is not possible, for anyone, to stand firm in such a situation. The only option is to flee.

Proverbs 29:17

The Victim

In Proverbs 7:6-23, the father gives one of the most vivid descriptions of the temptation to sin we have in Scripture. He gives an eyewitness account, not as a peeping tom, but as a teacher. His account does not present sin as attractive, but contains a serious warning to avoid and flee from sin.

We find in it the elements for which he has previously warned: 1. wrong company (Proverbs 1:10-19), 2. aimless hanging around (Proverbs 6:6-10), 3. places where temptation lurks (Proverbs 5:8), and 4. especially not listening to the words and commands of the parents (Proverbs 4:1; 10; Proverbs 5:1; 7; Proverbs 6:20-22).

The scenario of disaster, as so often, is a combination of the wrong company in the wrong place at the wrong time. This combination applies only to those who do not let themselves be warned by the Wisdom.

In the eyewitness account we find 1. the victim in Proverbs 7:5-9, 2. the temptress in Proverbs 7:10-12, 3. the temptation in Proverbs 7:13-20 and 4. the capitulation of the victim in Proverbs 7:21-23.

The father begins his story by saying that he was at home looking out through his lattice (Proverbs 7:6). He then goes on to describe what he saw when he looked down. He saw a group of “naive”, a group of unsuspecting, inexperienced young people, strolling along the road (Proverbs 7:7). Among those youths, his attention fell on “a young man lacking sense”, literally “a young man without heart” or “a young man who lacks common sense”, an airhead, a dunce.

While strolling, this boy purposefully crossed the street “near her corner” and slowly took “the way to her house” (Proverbs 7:8). It is an action that takes place under cover of darkness (Proverbs 7:9). No less than four different words are used to describe the darkness. It is in the twilight, in the evening of the day, after sunset, which makes it seem in the middle of the night in the east very quickly, given the immediately falling darkness.

Both his aimlessness and the darkness deprive him of the spiritual insight to see the danger he is exposing himself to. Therefore, he is unable to do what Joseph did, and that is to flee harlotry (Genesis 39:7; 10-12; 1 Corinthians 6:18). It is not possible, for anyone, to stand firm in such a situation. The only option is to flee.

Proverbs 29:18

The Temptress

In Proverbs 7:10, the temptress appears on the scene. She comes out of her house and walks toward the young man. There can be no uncertainty about what she wants. She shows this in her clothing. She is “dressed as a harlot” (cf. Genesis 38:14-15). The young man knows who he is before him. She is a cunning, crafty woman. She is “cunning of heart”, indicating her profound insincerity, determined to seduce the boy. What she pretends to feel for the boy is totally lacking.

This woman is “boisterous” (Proverbs 7:11). She is full of restlessness, loud and excited. She is also “rebellious” regarding God’s purpose with marriage. For her, marriage is an oppressive and constraining yoke that she throws off. At home, she cannot stand it. Her impure lusts chase her out onto the streets. Restlessly she wanders outside the house (Proverbs 7:12). She lurks like an enemy, ambushed, to tempt an unsuspecting young man who crosses her path to commit the sin of adultery.

Proverbs 29:19

The Temptress

In Proverbs 7:10, the temptress appears on the scene. She comes out of her house and walks toward the young man. There can be no uncertainty about what she wants. She shows this in her clothing. She is “dressed as a harlot” (cf. Genesis 38:14-15). The young man knows who he is before him. She is a cunning, crafty woman. She is “cunning of heart”, indicating her profound insincerity, determined to seduce the boy. What she pretends to feel for the boy is totally lacking.

This woman is “boisterous” (Proverbs 7:11). She is full of restlessness, loud and excited. She is also “rebellious” regarding God’s purpose with marriage. For her, marriage is an oppressive and constraining yoke that she throws off. At home, she cannot stand it. Her impure lusts chase her out onto the streets. Restlessly she wanders outside the house (Proverbs 7:12). She lurks like an enemy, ambushed, to tempt an unsuspecting young man who crosses her path to commit the sin of adultery.

Proverbs 29:20

The Temptress

In Proverbs 7:10, the temptress appears on the scene. She comes out of her house and walks toward the young man. There can be no uncertainty about what she wants. She shows this in her clothing. She is “dressed as a harlot” (cf. Genesis 38:14-15). The young man knows who he is before him. She is a cunning, crafty woman. She is “cunning of heart”, indicating her profound insincerity, determined to seduce the boy. What she pretends to feel for the boy is totally lacking.

This woman is “boisterous” (Proverbs 7:11). She is full of restlessness, loud and excited. She is also “rebellious” regarding God’s purpose with marriage. For her, marriage is an oppressive and constraining yoke that she throws off. At home, she cannot stand it. Her impure lusts chase her out onto the streets. Restlessly she wanders outside the house (Proverbs 7:12). She lurks like an enemy, ambushed, to tempt an unsuspecting young man who crosses her path to commit the sin of adultery.

Proverbs 29:21

The Temptation

The stages in the seduction are carefully prepared by her. She knows exactly what to do when and what to say when. When the young man is close to her, she overwhelms him (Proverbs 7:13). She seizes him and kisses him. She has him in her power. Without moving a muscle, with a brazen face, she begins to entrap him further, breaking down even the last bit of inner resistance in the young man.

The first thing she says has to do with the service to God (Proverbs 7:14). From this we can see that we are dealing with a woman from the people of God. This perverted woman does not shy away from pouring a religious sauce over her reprehensible intention, giving the impression that God is on her side. She had promised God, she says, that she would offer Him peace offerings. These she had brought Him, she claims. The peace offering is a meal offering (Leviticus 7:11-21). The idea is that she has the meat of the peace offering with her that the offeror may eat. Now she is looking for someone to eat it with her. This must be done quickly though, today, or it will spoil.

Now, anyway, this young man comes her way. He is exactly the boy for whom she has come out to meet him (Proverbs 7:15). How hard she tried her best to look for him. And look, now she has found him. If that is not guidance from God … She acts as if she has thought only of him, that he and he alone is her only love. Thus she makes him feel that he is very special to her.

But what a world full of lies and deceit she represents. This is how an adulterer always proceeds, with lies and deceit. To her there is nothing special about her prey. In an adulterous relationship you are not loved, you are not special. On the contrary, you are deceived, used, raped. The path of death is not pleasant, but causes endless torment.

The act of adultery is completely impersonal. A person who has intercourse with a harlot is one body with her and not one flesh. In marriage, husband and wife are one flesh, which is a total unity of spirit, soul and body. In harlotry it is only about the body. The body is a toy, you yourself are nothing, nothing more than an impersonal plaything.

From the dining room, where she invites him to eat there together, she suddenly shifts attention to her bedroom. She describes the bedding and the scent she has applied (Proverbs 7:16-17). Thus she visualizes her sinful undertaking and excites his desire. There and in that atmosphere love must be ‘practiced’. This is really ecstasy; there is nothing to compare with it. She has prepared everything carefully and ‘tastefully’.

Then comes an unreserved invitation to join her (Proverbs 7:18). She offers him a whole night of bodily pleasure. Come to me and let’s get drunk with love all night long. This is the great enjoyment, this is just love! This is pure enjoyment, the real, complete and deep saturation of love.

About her husband the boy need not worry (Proverbs 7:19). Literally it does not say “my” husband, but “the” husband. By speaking of him in this way, she shows that she has abandoned him as her husband. Also, speaking of “my husband” might still discourage the young man from going with her. She assures him that he need not fear that “the man” will suddenly come home. He is not at home and will not come home for the time being because “he has gone on a long journey”.

She underlines that lie by saying that he has taken a lot of money for his living expenses (Proverbs 7:20). That he will not come home until the day of the full moon is an additional argument for reassurance. When it is a full moon, it cannot be pitch black. Now it is not a full moon, but pitch black and they can just have their way (Proverbs 7:9).

Her whole story comes down to the fact that God is pleased, the man is out of the picture and all the young man has to do is follow her. All the lies she uses have been repeated over and over again and throughout the ages: 1. Adultery is a “sanctified” action. 2. The seductress pretends that the other person means a great deal to her; she pretends that she loves him alone. 3. What can be enjoyed is the epitome of love and the other person is made for that. 4. The one who is seduced need not be afraid because it is kept secret.

Most of these lies are used in every adulterous relationship. They crop up in a wide range of sexual sins, including “private sins”, such as self-gratification and watching pornography. But it is clear that whoever commits adultery is a liar, someone who cannot be trusted at all. Anyone who breaks the most intimate bond of trust, the promise of faithfulness, cannot be trusted in any other relationship. How would anyone be faithful to any promise if he is not faithful to the promise of faithfulness to his wife?

Proverbs 29:22

The Temptation

The stages in the seduction are carefully prepared by her. She knows exactly what to do when and what to say when. When the young man is close to her, she overwhelms him (Proverbs 7:13). She seizes him and kisses him. She has him in her power. Without moving a muscle, with a brazen face, she begins to entrap him further, breaking down even the last bit of inner resistance in the young man.

The first thing she says has to do with the service to God (Proverbs 7:14). From this we can see that we are dealing with a woman from the people of God. This perverted woman does not shy away from pouring a religious sauce over her reprehensible intention, giving the impression that God is on her side. She had promised God, she says, that she would offer Him peace offerings. These she had brought Him, she claims. The peace offering is a meal offering (Leviticus 7:11-21). The idea is that she has the meat of the peace offering with her that the offeror may eat. Now she is looking for someone to eat it with her. This must be done quickly though, today, or it will spoil.

Now, anyway, this young man comes her way. He is exactly the boy for whom she has come out to meet him (Proverbs 7:15). How hard she tried her best to look for him. And look, now she has found him. If that is not guidance from God … She acts as if she has thought only of him, that he and he alone is her only love. Thus she makes him feel that he is very special to her.

But what a world full of lies and deceit she represents. This is how an adulterer always proceeds, with lies and deceit. To her there is nothing special about her prey. In an adulterous relationship you are not loved, you are not special. On the contrary, you are deceived, used, raped. The path of death is not pleasant, but causes endless torment.

The act of adultery is completely impersonal. A person who has intercourse with a harlot is one body with her and not one flesh. In marriage, husband and wife are one flesh, which is a total unity of spirit, soul and body. In harlotry it is only about the body. The body is a toy, you yourself are nothing, nothing more than an impersonal plaything.

From the dining room, where she invites him to eat there together, she suddenly shifts attention to her bedroom. She describes the bedding and the scent she has applied (Proverbs 7:16-17). Thus she visualizes her sinful undertaking and excites his desire. There and in that atmosphere love must be ‘practiced’. This is really ecstasy; there is nothing to compare with it. She has prepared everything carefully and ‘tastefully’.

Then comes an unreserved invitation to join her (Proverbs 7:18). She offers him a whole night of bodily pleasure. Come to me and let’s get drunk with love all night long. This is the great enjoyment, this is just love! This is pure enjoyment, the real, complete and deep saturation of love.

About her husband the boy need not worry (Proverbs 7:19). Literally it does not say “my” husband, but “the” husband. By speaking of him in this way, she shows that she has abandoned him as her husband. Also, speaking of “my husband” might still discourage the young man from going with her. She assures him that he need not fear that “the man” will suddenly come home. He is not at home and will not come home for the time being because “he has gone on a long journey”.

She underlines that lie by saying that he has taken a lot of money for his living expenses (Proverbs 7:20). That he will not come home until the day of the full moon is an additional argument for reassurance. When it is a full moon, it cannot be pitch black. Now it is not a full moon, but pitch black and they can just have their way (Proverbs 7:9).

Her whole story comes down to the fact that God is pleased, the man is out of the picture and all the young man has to do is follow her. All the lies she uses have been repeated over and over again and throughout the ages: 1. Adultery is a “sanctified” action. 2. The seductress pretends that the other person means a great deal to her; she pretends that she loves him alone. 3. What can be enjoyed is the epitome of love and the other person is made for that. 4. The one who is seduced need not be afraid because it is kept secret.

Most of these lies are used in every adulterous relationship. They crop up in a wide range of sexual sins, including “private sins”, such as self-gratification and watching pornography. But it is clear that whoever commits adultery is a liar, someone who cannot be trusted at all. Anyone who breaks the most intimate bond of trust, the promise of faithfulness, cannot be trusted in any other relationship. How would anyone be faithful to any promise if he is not faithful to the promise of faithfulness to his wife?

Proverbs 29:23

The Temptation

The stages in the seduction are carefully prepared by her. She knows exactly what to do when and what to say when. When the young man is close to her, she overwhelms him (Proverbs 7:13). She seizes him and kisses him. She has him in her power. Without moving a muscle, with a brazen face, she begins to entrap him further, breaking down even the last bit of inner resistance in the young man.

The first thing she says has to do with the service to God (Proverbs 7:14). From this we can see that we are dealing with a woman from the people of God. This perverted woman does not shy away from pouring a religious sauce over her reprehensible intention, giving the impression that God is on her side. She had promised God, she says, that she would offer Him peace offerings. These she had brought Him, she claims. The peace offering is a meal offering (Leviticus 7:11-21). The idea is that she has the meat of the peace offering with her that the offeror may eat. Now she is looking for someone to eat it with her. This must be done quickly though, today, or it will spoil.

Now, anyway, this young man comes her way. He is exactly the boy for whom she has come out to meet him (Proverbs 7:15). How hard she tried her best to look for him. And look, now she has found him. If that is not guidance from God … She acts as if she has thought only of him, that he and he alone is her only love. Thus she makes him feel that he is very special to her.

But what a world full of lies and deceit she represents. This is how an adulterer always proceeds, with lies and deceit. To her there is nothing special about her prey. In an adulterous relationship you are not loved, you are not special. On the contrary, you are deceived, used, raped. The path of death is not pleasant, but causes endless torment.

The act of adultery is completely impersonal. A person who has intercourse with a harlot is one body with her and not one flesh. In marriage, husband and wife are one flesh, which is a total unity of spirit, soul and body. In harlotry it is only about the body. The body is a toy, you yourself are nothing, nothing more than an impersonal plaything.

From the dining room, where she invites him to eat there together, she suddenly shifts attention to her bedroom. She describes the bedding and the scent she has applied (Proverbs 7:16-17). Thus she visualizes her sinful undertaking and excites his desire. There and in that atmosphere love must be ‘practiced’. This is really ecstasy; there is nothing to compare with it. She has prepared everything carefully and ‘tastefully’.

Then comes an unreserved invitation to join her (Proverbs 7:18). She offers him a whole night of bodily pleasure. Come to me and let’s get drunk with love all night long. This is the great enjoyment, this is just love! This is pure enjoyment, the real, complete and deep saturation of love.

About her husband the boy need not worry (Proverbs 7:19). Literally it does not say “my” husband, but “the” husband. By speaking of him in this way, she shows that she has abandoned him as her husband. Also, speaking of “my husband” might still discourage the young man from going with her. She assures him that he need not fear that “the man” will suddenly come home. He is not at home and will not come home for the time being because “he has gone on a long journey”.

She underlines that lie by saying that he has taken a lot of money for his living expenses (Proverbs 7:20). That he will not come home until the day of the full moon is an additional argument for reassurance. When it is a full moon, it cannot be pitch black. Now it is not a full moon, but pitch black and they can just have their way (Proverbs 7:9).

Her whole story comes down to the fact that God is pleased, the man is out of the picture and all the young man has to do is follow her. All the lies she uses have been repeated over and over again and throughout the ages: 1. Adultery is a “sanctified” action. 2. The seductress pretends that the other person means a great deal to her; she pretends that she loves him alone. 3. What can be enjoyed is the epitome of love and the other person is made for that. 4. The one who is seduced need not be afraid because it is kept secret.

Most of these lies are used in every adulterous relationship. They crop up in a wide range of sexual sins, including “private sins”, such as self-gratification and watching pornography. But it is clear that whoever commits adultery is a liar, someone who cannot be trusted at all. Anyone who breaks the most intimate bond of trust, the promise of faithfulness, cannot be trusted in any other relationship. How would anyone be faithful to any promise if he is not faithful to the promise of faithfulness to his wife?

Proverbs 29:24

The Temptation

The stages in the seduction are carefully prepared by her. She knows exactly what to do when and what to say when. When the young man is close to her, she overwhelms him (Proverbs 7:13). She seizes him and kisses him. She has him in her power. Without moving a muscle, with a brazen face, she begins to entrap him further, breaking down even the last bit of inner resistance in the young man.

The first thing she says has to do with the service to God (Proverbs 7:14). From this we can see that we are dealing with a woman from the people of God. This perverted woman does not shy away from pouring a religious sauce over her reprehensible intention, giving the impression that God is on her side. She had promised God, she says, that she would offer Him peace offerings. These she had brought Him, she claims. The peace offering is a meal offering (Leviticus 7:11-21). The idea is that she has the meat of the peace offering with her that the offeror may eat. Now she is looking for someone to eat it with her. This must be done quickly though, today, or it will spoil.

Now, anyway, this young man comes her way. He is exactly the boy for whom she has come out to meet him (Proverbs 7:15). How hard she tried her best to look for him. And look, now she has found him. If that is not guidance from God … She acts as if she has thought only of him, that he and he alone is her only love. Thus she makes him feel that he is very special to her.

But what a world full of lies and deceit she represents. This is how an adulterer always proceeds, with lies and deceit. To her there is nothing special about her prey. In an adulterous relationship you are not loved, you are not special. On the contrary, you are deceived, used, raped. The path of death is not pleasant, but causes endless torment.

The act of adultery is completely impersonal. A person who has intercourse with a harlot is one body with her and not one flesh. In marriage, husband and wife are one flesh, which is a total unity of spirit, soul and body. In harlotry it is only about the body. The body is a toy, you yourself are nothing, nothing more than an impersonal plaything.

From the dining room, where she invites him to eat there together, she suddenly shifts attention to her bedroom. She describes the bedding and the scent she has applied (Proverbs 7:16-17). Thus she visualizes her sinful undertaking and excites his desire. There and in that atmosphere love must be ‘practiced’. This is really ecstasy; there is nothing to compare with it. She has prepared everything carefully and ‘tastefully’.

Then comes an unreserved invitation to join her (Proverbs 7:18). She offers him a whole night of bodily pleasure. Come to me and let’s get drunk with love all night long. This is the great enjoyment, this is just love! This is pure enjoyment, the real, complete and deep saturation of love.

About her husband the boy need not worry (Proverbs 7:19). Literally it does not say “my” husband, but “the” husband. By speaking of him in this way, she shows that she has abandoned him as her husband. Also, speaking of “my husband” might still discourage the young man from going with her. She assures him that he need not fear that “the man” will suddenly come home. He is not at home and will not come home for the time being because “he has gone on a long journey”.

She underlines that lie by saying that he has taken a lot of money for his living expenses (Proverbs 7:20). That he will not come home until the day of the full moon is an additional argument for reassurance. When it is a full moon, it cannot be pitch black. Now it is not a full moon, but pitch black and they can just have their way (Proverbs 7:9).

Her whole story comes down to the fact that God is pleased, the man is out of the picture and all the young man has to do is follow her. All the lies she uses have been repeated over and over again and throughout the ages: 1. Adultery is a “sanctified” action. 2. The seductress pretends that the other person means a great deal to her; she pretends that she loves him alone. 3. What can be enjoyed is the epitome of love and the other person is made for that. 4. The one who is seduced need not be afraid because it is kept secret.

Most of these lies are used in every adulterous relationship. They crop up in a wide range of sexual sins, including “private sins”, such as self-gratification and watching pornography. But it is clear that whoever commits adultery is a liar, someone who cannot be trusted at all. Anyone who breaks the most intimate bond of trust, the promise of faithfulness, cannot be trusted in any other relationship. How would anyone be faithful to any promise if he is not faithful to the promise of faithfulness to his wife?

Proverbs 29:25

The Temptation

The stages in the seduction are carefully prepared by her. She knows exactly what to do when and what to say when. When the young man is close to her, she overwhelms him (Proverbs 7:13). She seizes him and kisses him. She has him in her power. Without moving a muscle, with a brazen face, she begins to entrap him further, breaking down even the last bit of inner resistance in the young man.

The first thing she says has to do with the service to God (Proverbs 7:14). From this we can see that we are dealing with a woman from the people of God. This perverted woman does not shy away from pouring a religious sauce over her reprehensible intention, giving the impression that God is on her side. She had promised God, she says, that she would offer Him peace offerings. These she had brought Him, she claims. The peace offering is a meal offering (Leviticus 7:11-21). The idea is that she has the meat of the peace offering with her that the offeror may eat. Now she is looking for someone to eat it with her. This must be done quickly though, today, or it will spoil.

Now, anyway, this young man comes her way. He is exactly the boy for whom she has come out to meet him (Proverbs 7:15). How hard she tried her best to look for him. And look, now she has found him. If that is not guidance from God … She acts as if she has thought only of him, that he and he alone is her only love. Thus she makes him feel that he is very special to her.

But what a world full of lies and deceit she represents. This is how an adulterer always proceeds, with lies and deceit. To her there is nothing special about her prey. In an adulterous relationship you are not loved, you are not special. On the contrary, you are deceived, used, raped. The path of death is not pleasant, but causes endless torment.

The act of adultery is completely impersonal. A person who has intercourse with a harlot is one body with her and not one flesh. In marriage, husband and wife are one flesh, which is a total unity of spirit, soul and body. In harlotry it is only about the body. The body is a toy, you yourself are nothing, nothing more than an impersonal plaything.

From the dining room, where she invites him to eat there together, she suddenly shifts attention to her bedroom. She describes the bedding and the scent she has applied (Proverbs 7:16-17). Thus she visualizes her sinful undertaking and excites his desire. There and in that atmosphere love must be ‘practiced’. This is really ecstasy; there is nothing to compare with it. She has prepared everything carefully and ‘tastefully’.

Then comes an unreserved invitation to join her (Proverbs 7:18). She offers him a whole night of bodily pleasure. Come to me and let’s get drunk with love all night long. This is the great enjoyment, this is just love! This is pure enjoyment, the real, complete and deep saturation of love.

About her husband the boy need not worry (Proverbs 7:19). Literally it does not say “my” husband, but “the” husband. By speaking of him in this way, she shows that she has abandoned him as her husband. Also, speaking of “my husband” might still discourage the young man from going with her. She assures him that he need not fear that “the man” will suddenly come home. He is not at home and will not come home for the time being because “he has gone on a long journey”.

She underlines that lie by saying that he has taken a lot of money for his living expenses (Proverbs 7:20). That he will not come home until the day of the full moon is an additional argument for reassurance. When it is a full moon, it cannot be pitch black. Now it is not a full moon, but pitch black and they can just have their way (Proverbs 7:9).

Her whole story comes down to the fact that God is pleased, the man is out of the picture and all the young man has to do is follow her. All the lies she uses have been repeated over and over again and throughout the ages: 1. Adultery is a “sanctified” action. 2. The seductress pretends that the other person means a great deal to her; she pretends that she loves him alone. 3. What can be enjoyed is the epitome of love and the other person is made for that. 4. The one who is seduced need not be afraid because it is kept secret.

Most of these lies are used in every adulterous relationship. They crop up in a wide range of sexual sins, including “private sins”, such as self-gratification and watching pornography. But it is clear that whoever commits adultery is a liar, someone who cannot be trusted at all. Anyone who breaks the most intimate bond of trust, the promise of faithfulness, cannot be trusted in any other relationship. How would anyone be faithful to any promise if he is not faithful to the promise of faithfulness to his wife?

Proverbs 29:26

The Temptation

The stages in the seduction are carefully prepared by her. She knows exactly what to do when and what to say when. When the young man is close to her, she overwhelms him (Proverbs 7:13). She seizes him and kisses him. She has him in her power. Without moving a muscle, with a brazen face, she begins to entrap him further, breaking down even the last bit of inner resistance in the young man.

The first thing she says has to do with the service to God (Proverbs 7:14). From this we can see that we are dealing with a woman from the people of God. This perverted woman does not shy away from pouring a religious sauce over her reprehensible intention, giving the impression that God is on her side. She had promised God, she says, that she would offer Him peace offerings. These she had brought Him, she claims. The peace offering is a meal offering (Leviticus 7:11-21). The idea is that she has the meat of the peace offering with her that the offeror may eat. Now she is looking for someone to eat it with her. This must be done quickly though, today, or it will spoil.

Now, anyway, this young man comes her way. He is exactly the boy for whom she has come out to meet him (Proverbs 7:15). How hard she tried her best to look for him. And look, now she has found him. If that is not guidance from God … She acts as if she has thought only of him, that he and he alone is her only love. Thus she makes him feel that he is very special to her.

But what a world full of lies and deceit she represents. This is how an adulterer always proceeds, with lies and deceit. To her there is nothing special about her prey. In an adulterous relationship you are not loved, you are not special. On the contrary, you are deceived, used, raped. The path of death is not pleasant, but causes endless torment.

The act of adultery is completely impersonal. A person who has intercourse with a harlot is one body with her and not one flesh. In marriage, husband and wife are one flesh, which is a total unity of spirit, soul and body. In harlotry it is only about the body. The body is a toy, you yourself are nothing, nothing more than an impersonal plaything.

From the dining room, where she invites him to eat there together, she suddenly shifts attention to her bedroom. She describes the bedding and the scent she has applied (Proverbs 7:16-17). Thus she visualizes her sinful undertaking and excites his desire. There and in that atmosphere love must be ‘practiced’. This is really ecstasy; there is nothing to compare with it. She has prepared everything carefully and ‘tastefully’.

Then comes an unreserved invitation to join her (Proverbs 7:18). She offers him a whole night of bodily pleasure. Come to me and let’s get drunk with love all night long. This is the great enjoyment, this is just love! This is pure enjoyment, the real, complete and deep saturation of love.

About her husband the boy need not worry (Proverbs 7:19). Literally it does not say “my” husband, but “the” husband. By speaking of him in this way, she shows that she has abandoned him as her husband. Also, speaking of “my husband” might still discourage the young man from going with her. She assures him that he need not fear that “the man” will suddenly come home. He is not at home and will not come home for the time being because “he has gone on a long journey”.

She underlines that lie by saying that he has taken a lot of money for his living expenses (Proverbs 7:20). That he will not come home until the day of the full moon is an additional argument for reassurance. When it is a full moon, it cannot be pitch black. Now it is not a full moon, but pitch black and they can just have their way (Proverbs 7:9).

Her whole story comes down to the fact that God is pleased, the man is out of the picture and all the young man has to do is follow her. All the lies she uses have been repeated over and over again and throughout the ages: 1. Adultery is a “sanctified” action. 2. The seductress pretends that the other person means a great deal to her; she pretends that she loves him alone. 3. What can be enjoyed is the epitome of love and the other person is made for that. 4. The one who is seduced need not be afraid because it is kept secret.

Most of these lies are used in every adulterous relationship. They crop up in a wide range of sexual sins, including “private sins”, such as self-gratification and watching pornography. But it is clear that whoever commits adultery is a liar, someone who cannot be trusted at all. Anyone who breaks the most intimate bond of trust, the promise of faithfulness, cannot be trusted in any other relationship. How would anyone be faithful to any promise if he is not faithful to the promise of faithfulness to his wife?

Proverbs 29:27

The Temptation

The stages in the seduction are carefully prepared by her. She knows exactly what to do when and what to say when. When the young man is close to her, she overwhelms him (Proverbs 7:13). She seizes him and kisses him. She has him in her power. Without moving a muscle, with a brazen face, she begins to entrap him further, breaking down even the last bit of inner resistance in the young man.

The first thing she says has to do with the service to God (Proverbs 7:14). From this we can see that we are dealing with a woman from the people of God. This perverted woman does not shy away from pouring a religious sauce over her reprehensible intention, giving the impression that God is on her side. She had promised God, she says, that she would offer Him peace offerings. These she had brought Him, she claims. The peace offering is a meal offering (Leviticus 7:11-21). The idea is that she has the meat of the peace offering with her that the offeror may eat. Now she is looking for someone to eat it with her. This must be done quickly though, today, or it will spoil.

Now, anyway, this young man comes her way. He is exactly the boy for whom she has come out to meet him (Proverbs 7:15). How hard she tried her best to look for him. And look, now she has found him. If that is not guidance from God … She acts as if she has thought only of him, that he and he alone is her only love. Thus she makes him feel that he is very special to her.

But what a world full of lies and deceit she represents. This is how an adulterer always proceeds, with lies and deceit. To her there is nothing special about her prey. In an adulterous relationship you are not loved, you are not special. On the contrary, you are deceived, used, raped. The path of death is not pleasant, but causes endless torment.

The act of adultery is completely impersonal. A person who has intercourse with a harlot is one body with her and not one flesh. In marriage, husband and wife are one flesh, which is a total unity of spirit, soul and body. In harlotry it is only about the body. The body is a toy, you yourself are nothing, nothing more than an impersonal plaything.

From the dining room, where she invites him to eat there together, she suddenly shifts attention to her bedroom. She describes the bedding and the scent she has applied (Proverbs 7:16-17). Thus she visualizes her sinful undertaking and excites his desire. There and in that atmosphere love must be ‘practiced’. This is really ecstasy; there is nothing to compare with it. She has prepared everything carefully and ‘tastefully’.

Then comes an unreserved invitation to join her (Proverbs 7:18). She offers him a whole night of bodily pleasure. Come to me and let’s get drunk with love all night long. This is the great enjoyment, this is just love! This is pure enjoyment, the real, complete and deep saturation of love.

About her husband the boy need not worry (Proverbs 7:19). Literally it does not say “my” husband, but “the” husband. By speaking of him in this way, she shows that she has abandoned him as her husband. Also, speaking of “my husband” might still discourage the young man from going with her. She assures him that he need not fear that “the man” will suddenly come home. He is not at home and will not come home for the time being because “he has gone on a long journey”.

She underlines that lie by saying that he has taken a lot of money for his living expenses (Proverbs 7:20). That he will not come home until the day of the full moon is an additional argument for reassurance. When it is a full moon, it cannot be pitch black. Now it is not a full moon, but pitch black and they can just have their way (Proverbs 7:9).

Her whole story comes down to the fact that God is pleased, the man is out of the picture and all the young man has to do is follow her. All the lies she uses have been repeated over and over again and throughout the ages: 1. Adultery is a “sanctified” action. 2. The seductress pretends that the other person means a great deal to her; she pretends that she loves him alone. 3. What can be enjoyed is the epitome of love and the other person is made for that. 4. The one who is seduced need not be afraid because it is kept secret.

Most of these lies are used in every adulterous relationship. They crop up in a wide range of sexual sins, including “private sins”, such as self-gratification and watching pornography. But it is clear that whoever commits adultery is a liar, someone who cannot be trusted at all. Anyone who breaks the most intimate bond of trust, the promise of faithfulness, cannot be trusted in any other relationship. How would anyone be faithful to any promise if he is not faithful to the promise of faithfulness to his wife?