Provérbios 7
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Provérbios 7
Cole says of temptation...Don’t flirt with it. Don’t stand there and pray about what to do. Don’t get near it. If it comes knocking, run for your life!...We usually associate the term (lusts) with sexual temptations, but as one older seminary professor told us, “Men, they aren’t just youthful!” You don’t outgrow sexual temptations. Where do you think we got the term, “dirty old man”? (2 Timothy 2:20-22 The Person God Uses) Here are some other passages on fleeing various tempting situations... 1Co 6:18-note Flee (present imperative = command to make it your habit, your lifestyle, enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit) immorality (porneia = gives us English "pornography"). Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Comment: Why must we continuously flee? Our flesh is irrepressibly wicked. It never improves! This fallen flesh nature inherited from Adam (Ro 5:12-note, 1Co 15:22) although made ineffective in believers by the Cross (Ro 6:6- note) still inhabits our mortal bodies (Gal 5:16-note; Gal 5:17-note) and can spring into action if by the power of the Spirit (Gal 5:16-note; Ro 8:13 - note) we do not mortify it's desires (Col 3:5-note), the devil is a roaring lion (1Pe 5:8 - note), and the world system cries out to satisfy your desire (witness the Nike commercial "Just Do It!") with the passing pleasures of sin (cp Heb 11:25-note). 1Co 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee (present imperative = command to make it your habit to do so) from idolatry (word study). Cole remarks "You may be thinking, “Well, at least that one isn’t a problem for me! I’m never tempted to set up an idol.” Really? You’re never tempted to set up anything in the place that rightfully belongs to God alone? You never allow watching TV or playing computer games to usurp the time that you should spend alone with God or serving Him? Run from anything that pulls you away from full devotion to God! (cp 2Co 11:3, Php 3:12, 13, 14 [notes] - The Person God Uses 1Ti 6:11-note But flee (present imperative = command to make it your habit to do so) from these things, you man of God; and pursue (present imperative = make it your habit to chase after) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Cole remarks that Paul in context issues a command to "to flee from the love of money. Are you tempted to gamble? Run! It’s the love of money that feeds gambling. Do you look at the rich and think, “I want to live that way”? Run! Are you tempted to steal or cheat on your taxes or be greedy rather than generous? Run! Cleansed people flee from sin. (The Person God Uses) Eccl 11:10 So, remove (command) vexation (anger) from your heart and put away (command) pain (evil) from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting. 1Peter 2:11 (see note) Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers (keep in mind as believers we are short timers and need to continually live in the light of eternity) to abstain (present tense = continually - see word study) from fleshly lusts (strong desires that originate from within, not without!), which wage war (present tense = continually. So don't fall asleep at the guard post of your eyes and/or your heart! Remember our enemies [world, flesh, devil] never take a furlough and don't go AWOL! cp Pr 4:23) against the soul. 1Thes 4:3 (see note) For this is the will of God, your sanctification (holiness - progressive sanctification = "present tense salvation" - see the Three Tenses of Salvation); that is, that you abstain (present tense = continually, implying it is a continual need! see word study) from sexual immorality immorality (porneia) Proverbs says "Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house... (Pr 5:8) FLEE FROM THE THREE "P's" (1). PLEASURE: the inordinate craving for the satisfaction of the physical appetites: the “lust” for food and drink, pleasure-madness, uncontrolled sexual desire (2). POWER: the ungoverned passion to shine or be dominant which results in envy, quarrelsomeness, etc. (3). POSSESSIONS: uncontrolled yearning for material possessions and for the glory that goes with them Why did the youth fail to make the wise choice to abstain and/or flee? Pr 7:7 explains that he was naive and lacking sense. In other words he was a fool. Rich Cathar illustrates this section of Proverbs 7 with "The Five Chapter Book"... Chapter One: A man was walking down the street. He fell into a hole. He groped his way in the darkness. After a long time, he made his way out of the hole. Chapter Two: A man was walking down the same street. He pretended not to see the hole. He fell in. After a long time, he made his way out of the hole. Chapter Three: A man was walking down the same street. He sees the hole. He falls in. He says it’s not his fault. After a long time, he made his way out of the hole. Chapter Four: A man walks down the same street. He sees the hole. He knows it’s there. He tries to walk around it. He falls in. He knows it’s his fault. He quickly gets out. Chapter Five: A man takes another street. Ed comment: There is one chapter left out - the chapter about the man who does not get out of the hole! That's the picture of the youth in this next section -- finally an arrow pierces through his liver! (Pr 7:23). Proverbs 7:9 In the twilight, in the evening *, In the middle of the night and in the darkness Ge 39:11; Job 24:13, 14, 15; Ro 13:12, 13, 14; Ep 5:11 Ex 12:6) Bridges - Under the cover of twilight he makes his way to the prostitute’s house. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Middle of the night - literally, “in the center of night, even darkness”. As Robert L. Alden wrote - If you want to avoid the devil, stay away from his neighborhood. If you suspect you might be vulnerable to a particular sin, take steps to avoid it (cp "make no provision for the lust of the flesh" Ro13:14-note). In the darkness - The naive youth who lacked sense turned from the light of godly wisdom and understanding, and headed into the darkness. John illustrates this same principle in regard to mankind's response to the light of the World, the Lord Jesus, explaining that they hated the light and loved the darkness. And this is the judgment, that the light (Jn 1:4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 8:12, 9:39, 40, 41) is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." (John 3:19, 20, 21) Proverbs 7:10 And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart . Genesis 38:14,15; 2 Kings 9:22,30; Isaiah 3:16-24; 23:16; Jeremiah 4:30; 1 Timothy 2:9; Revelation 17:3-5 Genesis 3:1; 2 Corinthians 11:2,3 Bridges - There the woman comes out to meet him. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Solomon now gives a very careful description of the strange woman who lives “at fever temperature” Cunning of heart - Hebrew more literally reads "guarded of heart,” or "concealed of heart" and so speaks of one who is secretive or wily. This is an unfair contest between a simple young man, who lacks wisdom and truth, and a cunning woman, who knows her goal, but hides her true intentions. This woman is like the deadly female black widow spider, who watches at the window, ready to pounce on her young prey dressing like a prostitute so she could attract men searching for her services (cp Ge 38:14). Proverbs 7:11 She is boisterous and rebellious. Her feet do not remain at home ; ( Pr 9:13; 25:24; 27:14,15; 31:10-31 Ge 18:9; 1Ti 5:13,14; Titus 2:5) Bridges - Her dress, her intent, her loud and defiant voice, her feet at this late hour, not staying at home, all reveal who she is. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) In Proverbs 9 Solomon writes about the woman of folly telling us that... 13 The woman of folly is boisterous, She is naive, and knows nothing. 14 And she sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city, 15 Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight: 16 "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," And to him who lacks understanding she says, 17 "Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant." 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol. The adulteress had been in the streets, looking for victims (Pr 7:11, 12), but now one was coming right to her door! Proverbs 7:12 She is now in the streets, now in the squares, and lurks by every corner . Pr 9:14; 23:28; Je 2:20,33,36; 3:2; Ezek 16:24,25,31; Re 18:3,23 Bridges - Waiting for her prey. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Lurks by every corner - What a vivid picture of the adulteress who is on prowl looking for choice game to devour. Compare with God's warning to Cain of "sin crouching at the door" like a wild animal in Genesis 4:5-7. Proverbs 7:13 So she seizes him and kisses him and with a brazen face she says to him: Ge 39:7,12; Nu 25:1,6-8; 31:16; Ezek 16:33; Rev 2:20 Isa 50:7; Ezek 2:4,6; 3:7, 8, 9 Bridges - Her brazen face shows that she has the forehead of a prostitute (Jeremiah 3:3). (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Seizes...kisses - Notice who the aggressor is in this tale. She seized him (cp Ge 39:12), kissed him (cp Pr 5:3), and convinced him that it was an opportune time for him to visit her. Notice the spider's web being drawn tighter and tighter with enticing tactics of the adulteress -- kisses (Pr 7:13), flattery (Pr 7:15), sensuality (Pr 7:16, 17, 18), reassurance that no one will find out (Pr 7:19, 20). Brazen (05810) (azaz) is a verb which means to strong, and in this context speaks of one who is marked by contemptuous boldness (bold face). Her bold face was a manifestation of her insolence and bold disrespect (for God's law, for marriage, for her husband). Her face expressed the fact that she was shameless and impudent (lacking modesty, "saucy"). Proverbs 7:14 "I was due to offer peace offerings. Today I have paid my vows . Peace offerings - Pr 15:8; 17:1; 21:27; Leviticus 7:15; Deuteronomy 12:6,7 2Sa 15:7, 8, 9; 1Ki 21:9,10; Jn 18:28) Bridges - She allures her victim with the garb of sanctity. She has just been engaged in special religious duties. “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.” (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Apparently she had gone to the temple, given peace offering (Lev 7:11-21), and now had some of the meat at home (see Ryrie's note below). Ryrie concurs explaining that peace offerings is "literally, sacrifices of peace offerings. Having offered sacrifices, she had a good supply of meat on hand and urged her victim to share it with her, since it had to be eaten right away. The peace offering could be brought (1) as an act of thanksgiving (Lev 7:12, 13, 14, 15) for deliverance, answers to prayer, healing, and so on, (2) in connection with a vow (votive offering) relative to a past or future favor (Lev 7:16, 17), or (3) purely as a freewill, voluntary act (Lev 7:16, 17). The thanksgiving peace offering had to be eaten the same day it was offered; the vow or voluntary offerings might be eaten that day and the day following, but not left till the third day. (The Ryrie Study Bible) Proverbs 7:15 "Therefore * I have come out to meet you, to seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you. To meet you, to seek your presence earnestly - She appeals to the naive young man’s ego flattering him and making him think he is special to her. In its very essence this is deception at its best (actually worst!). As Frederick W. Faber said "The fountains of self-deceit are four in number: the rarity of reliable self-knowledge, self's power to deceive self, self letting itself be deceived by others, and self deceived by Satan." Proverbs 7:16 "I have spread my couch with coverings, with colored linens of Egypt. Song 1:16; 3:7, 8, 9, 10; Re 2:22 1Ki 10:28; Is 19:9; Ezek 27:7 Here the adulteress appeals to the young man's imagination as she describes her beautiful, exotic couch covered with expensive spices. Proverbs 7:17 "I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Song 3:6; Is 57:7, 8, 9 Ps 45:8; Song 4:13,14 Sights and smells which the lust of the flesh uses to carry away and entice this naive youth (James 1:14). Proverbs 7:18 "Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with caresses. Bridges - They fill themselves with every indulgence. “Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!” (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Come let us drink - She is using a figure of speech that likens sexual relations to drinking from a fountain (cf. Pr 5:18; Song 4:12, 15). Brethren this water is "contaminated" and will make us spiritually ill (and may even cause death)! Adultery is not true love, but mere physical gratification. Love - Or what the fallen world and the depraved nature calls "love". David Watson said "Whereas the charge levelled at the Victorians was 'love without sex', today it is 'sex without love'. Drink our fill of love - This is the perverted description of love, that offered by the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is a selfish merely physically gratifying love in contrast to the Spirit borne selfless love. The former takes and takes and takes, while the latter gives and keeps on giving. Paul "defines" the love that is made possible by the indwelling Spirit of God in one who is surrendered to His sweet will... Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1Cor 13:4-7 - see notes beginning with verse 4) Proverbs 7:19 "For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a long * journey ; Mt 20:11; 24:43; Lk 12:39 Mt 24:48; Mark 13:34, 35, 36; Luke 12:45,46 For - Always pause and ponder this strategic term of explanation - Ask (and attempt to answer) at least one simple question - "What is the writer explaining?" Remember that when you find a "for" at the beginning of a verse, it is usually (not 100% - check the context = Keep Context King) a term of explanation. In Proverbs 5-7 there a several "for's" for you to pause and ponder. (Pr 5:3, 20, 21, Pr 6:23, 26, 34, Pr 7:6, 19, 26). As an aside there are over 9000 occurrences of for in the NASB, which should give you many opportunities to practice (and make "perfect") the discipline of interrogating the Biblical text (See interrogate with the 5W/H questions). My husband is not at home - This is the assurance that his sin won't be found out, but that's naive because Scripture clearly teaches that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed. In Numbers 32:23 Moses issues a clear, piercing (universally applicable) warning (specifically to tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh, exhorting them to fulfill their commitment to participate with the other tribes in the campaign in Canaan) testifying... But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD (Ed: Remember all sin, including all sexual sin, is first and foremost, against Jehovah! There is no sin that only injures the sinner and/or those he has wronged. - cp Joseph's awareness that undoubtedly helped him fend off the temptation to lie with Potiphar's wife - Ge 39:9), and be sure your sin will find you out. (!)
Provérbios 7:1-27
Cole says of temptation...Don’t flirt with it. Don’t stand there and pray about what to do. Don’t get near it. If it comes knocking, run for your life!...We usually associate the term (lusts) with sexual temptations, but as one older seminary professor told us, “Men, they aren’t just youthful!” You don’t outgrow sexual temptations. Where do you think we got the term, “dirty old man”? (2 Timothy 2:20-22 The Person God Uses) Here are some other passages on fleeing various tempting situations... 1Co 6:18-note Flee (present imperative = command to make it your habit, your lifestyle, enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit) immorality (porneia = gives us English "pornography"). Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Comment: Why must we continuously flee? Our flesh is irrepressibly wicked. It never improves! This fallen flesh nature inherited from Adam (Ro 5:12-note, 1Co 15:22) although made ineffective in believers by the Cross (Ro 6:6- note) still inhabits our mortal bodies (Gal 5:16-note; Gal 5:17-note) and can spring into action if by the power of the Spirit (Gal 5:16-note; Ro 8:13 - note) we do not mortify it's desires (Col 3:5-note), the devil is a roaring lion (1Pe 5:8 - note), and the world system cries out to satisfy your desire (witness the Nike commercial "Just Do It!") with the passing pleasures of sin (cp Heb 11:25-note). 1Co 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee (present imperative = command to make it your habit to do so) from idolatry (word study). Cole remarks "You may be thinking, “Well, at least that one isn’t a problem for me! I’m never tempted to set up an idol.” Really? You’re never tempted to set up anything in the place that rightfully belongs to God alone? You never allow watching TV or playing computer games to usurp the time that you should spend alone with God or serving Him? Run from anything that pulls you away from full devotion to God! (cp 2Co 11:3, Php 3:12, 13, 14 [notes] - The Person God Uses 1Ti 6:11-note But flee (present imperative = command to make it your habit to do so) from these things, you man of God; and pursue (present imperative = make it your habit to chase after) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Cole remarks that Paul in context issues a command to "to flee from the love of money. Are you tempted to gamble? Run! It’s the love of money that feeds gambling. Do you look at the rich and think, “I want to live that way”? Run! Are you tempted to steal or cheat on your taxes or be greedy rather than generous? Run! Cleansed people flee from sin. (The Person God Uses) Eccl 11:10 So, remove (command) vexation (anger) from your heart and put away (command) pain (evil) from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting. 1Peter 2:11 (see note) Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers (keep in mind as believers we are short timers and need to continually live in the light of eternity) to abstain (present tense = continually - see word study) from fleshly lusts (strong desires that originate from within, not without!), which wage war (present tense = continually. So don't fall asleep at the guard post of your eyes and/or your heart! Remember our enemies [world, flesh, devil] never take a furlough and don't go AWOL! cp Pr 4:23) against the soul. 1Thes 4:3 (see note) For this is the will of God, your sanctification (holiness - progressive sanctification = "present tense salvation" - see the Three Tenses of Salvation); that is, that you abstain (present tense = continually, implying it is a continual need! see word study) from sexual immorality immorality (porneia) Proverbs says "Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house... (Pr 5:8) FLEE FROM THE THREE "P's" (1). PLEASURE: the inordinate craving for the satisfaction of the physical appetites: the “lust” for food and drink, pleasure-madness, uncontrolled sexual desire (2). POWER: the ungoverned passion to shine or be dominant which results in envy, quarrelsomeness, etc. (3). POSSESSIONS: uncontrolled yearning for material possessions and for the glory that goes with them Why did the youth fail to make the wise choice to abstain and/or flee? Pr 7:7 explains that he was naive and lacking sense. In other words he was a fool. Rich Cathar illustrates this section of Proverbs 7 with "The Five Chapter Book"... Chapter One: A man was walking down the street. He fell into a hole. He groped his way in the darkness. After a long time, he made his way out of the hole. Chapter Two: A man was walking down the same street. He pretended not to see the hole. He fell in. After a long time, he made his way out of the hole. Chapter Three: A man was walking down the same street. He sees the hole. He falls in. He says it’s not his fault. After a long time, he made his way out of the hole. Chapter Four: A man walks down the same street. He sees the hole. He knows it’s there. He tries to walk around it. He falls in. He knows it’s his fault. He quickly gets out. Chapter Five: A man takes another street. Ed comment: There is one chapter left out - the chapter about the man who does not get out of the hole! That's the picture of the youth in this next section -- finally an arrow pierces through his liver! (Pr 7:23). Proverbs 7:9 In the twilight, in the evening *, In the middle of the night and in the darkness Ge 39:11; Job 24:13, 14, 15; Ro 13:12, 13, 14; Ep 5:11 Ex 12:6) Bridges - Under the cover of twilight he makes his way to the prostitute’s house. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Middle of the night - literally, “in the center of night, even darkness”. As Robert L. Alden wrote - If you want to avoid the devil, stay away from his neighborhood. If you suspect you might be vulnerable to a particular sin, take steps to avoid it (cp "make no provision for the lust of the flesh" Ro13:14-note). In the darkness - The naive youth who lacked sense turned from the light of godly wisdom and understanding, and headed into the darkness. John illustrates this same principle in regard to mankind's response to the light of the World, the Lord Jesus, explaining that they hated the light and loved the darkness. And this is the judgment, that the light (Jn 1:4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 8:12, 9:39, 40, 41) is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." (John 3:19, 20, 21) Proverbs 7:10 And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart . Genesis 38:14,15; 2 Kings 9:22,30; Isaiah 3:16-24; 23:16; Jeremiah 4:30; 1 Timothy 2:9; Revelation 17:3-5 Genesis 3:1; 2 Corinthians 11:2,3 Bridges - There the woman comes out to meet him. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Solomon now gives a very careful description of the strange woman who lives “at fever temperature” Cunning of heart - Hebrew more literally reads "guarded of heart,” or "concealed of heart" and so speaks of one who is secretive or wily. This is an unfair contest between a simple young man, who lacks wisdom and truth, and a cunning woman, who knows her goal, but hides her true intentions. This woman is like the deadly female black widow spider, who watches at the window, ready to pounce on her young prey dressing like a prostitute so she could attract men searching for her services (cp Ge 38:14). Proverbs 7:11 She is boisterous and rebellious. Her feet do not remain at home ; ( Pr 9:13; 25:24; 27:14,15; 31:10-31 Ge 18:9; 1Ti 5:13,14; Titus 2:5) Bridges - Her dress, her intent, her loud and defiant voice, her feet at this late hour, not staying at home, all reveal who she is. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) In Proverbs 9 Solomon writes about the woman of folly telling us that... 13 The woman of folly is boisterous, She is naive, and knows nothing. 14 And she sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city, 15 Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight: 16 "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," And to him who lacks understanding she says, 17 "Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant." 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol. The adulteress had been in the streets, looking for victims (Pr 7:11, 12), but now one was coming right to her door! Proverbs 7:12 She is now in the streets, now in the squares, and lurks by every corner . Pr 9:14; 23:28; Je 2:20,33,36; 3:2; Ezek 16:24,25,31; Re 18:3,23 Bridges - Waiting for her prey. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Lurks by every corner - What a vivid picture of the adulteress who is on prowl looking for choice game to devour. Compare with God's warning to Cain of "sin crouching at the door" like a wild animal in Genesis 4:5-7. Proverbs 7:13 So she seizes him and kisses him and with a brazen face she says to him: Ge 39:7,12; Nu 25:1,6-8; 31:16; Ezek 16:33; Rev 2:20 Isa 50:7; Ezek 2:4,6; 3:7, 8, 9 Bridges - Her brazen face shows that she has the forehead of a prostitute (Jeremiah 3:3). (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Seizes...kisses - Notice who the aggressor is in this tale. She seized him (cp Ge 39:12), kissed him (cp Pr 5:3), and convinced him that it was an opportune time for him to visit her. Notice the spider's web being drawn tighter and tighter with enticing tactics of the adulteress -- kisses (Pr 7:13), flattery (Pr 7:15), sensuality (Pr 7:16, 17, 18), reassurance that no one will find out (Pr 7:19, 20). Brazen (05810) (azaz) is a verb which means to strong, and in this context speaks of one who is marked by contemptuous boldness (bold face). Her bold face was a manifestation of her insolence and bold disrespect (for God's law, for marriage, for her husband). Her face expressed the fact that she was shameless and impudent (lacking modesty, "saucy"). Proverbs 7:14 "I was due to offer peace offerings. Today I have paid my vows . Peace offerings - Pr 15:8; 17:1; 21:27; Leviticus 7:15; Deuteronomy 12:6,7 2Sa 15:7, 8, 9; 1Ki 21:9,10; Jn 18:28) Bridges - She allures her victim with the garb of sanctity. She has just been engaged in special religious duties. “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.” (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Apparently she had gone to the temple, given peace offering (Lev 7:11-21), and now had some of the meat at home (see Ryrie's note below). Ryrie concurs explaining that peace offerings is "literally, sacrifices of peace offerings. Having offered sacrifices, she had a good supply of meat on hand and urged her victim to share it with her, since it had to be eaten right away. The peace offering could be brought (1) as an act of thanksgiving (Lev 7:12, 13, 14, 15) for deliverance, answers to prayer, healing, and so on, (2) in connection with a vow (votive offering) relative to a past or future favor (Lev 7:16, 17), or (3) purely as a freewill, voluntary act (Lev 7:16, 17). The thanksgiving peace offering had to be eaten the same day it was offered; the vow or voluntary offerings might be eaten that day and the day following, but not left till the third day. (The Ryrie Study Bible) Proverbs 7:15 "Therefore * I have come out to meet you, to seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you. To meet you, to seek your presence earnestly - She appeals to the naive young man’s ego flattering him and making him think he is special to her. In its very essence this is deception at its best (actually worst!). As Frederick W. Faber said "The fountains of self-deceit are four in number: the rarity of reliable self-knowledge, self's power to deceive self, self letting itself be deceived by others, and self deceived by Satan." Proverbs 7:16 "I have spread my couch with coverings, with colored linens of Egypt. Song 1:16; 3:7, 8, 9, 10; Re 2:22 1Ki 10:28; Is 19:9; Ezek 27:7 Here the adulteress appeals to the young man's imagination as she describes her beautiful, exotic couch covered with expensive spices. Proverbs 7:17 "I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Song 3:6; Is 57:7, 8, 9 Ps 45:8; Song 4:13,14 Sights and smells which the lust of the flesh uses to carry away and entice this naive youth (James 1:14). Proverbs 7:18 "Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with caresses. Bridges - They fill themselves with every indulgence. “Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!” (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Come let us drink - She is using a figure of speech that likens sexual relations to drinking from a fountain (cf. Pr 5:18; Song 4:12, 15). Brethren this water is "contaminated" and will make us spiritually ill (and may even cause death)! Adultery is not true love, but mere physical gratification. Love - Or what the fallen world and the depraved nature calls "love". David Watson said "Whereas the charge levelled at the Victorians was 'love without sex', today it is 'sex without love'. Drink our fill of love - This is the perverted description of love, that offered by the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is a selfish merely physically gratifying love in contrast to the Spirit borne selfless love. The former takes and takes and takes, while the latter gives and keeps on giving. Paul "defines" the love that is made possible by the indwelling Spirit of God in one who is surrendered to His sweet will... Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1Cor 13:4-7 - see notes beginning with verse 4) Proverbs 7:19 "For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a long * journey ; Mt 20:11; 24:43; Lk 12:39 Mt 24:48; Mark 13:34, 35, 36; Luke 12:45,46 For - Always pause and ponder this strategic term of explanation - Ask (and attempt to answer) at least one simple question - "What is the writer explaining?" Remember that when you find a "for" at the beginning of a verse, it is usually (not 100% - check the context = Keep Context King) a term of explanation. In Proverbs 5-7 there a several "for's" for you to pause and ponder. (Pr 5:3, 20, 21, Pr 6:23, 26, 34, Pr 7:6, 19, 26). As an aside there are over 9000 occurrences of for in the NASB, which should give you many opportunities to practice (and make "perfect") the discipline of interrogating the Biblical text (See interrogate with the 5W/H questions). My husband is not at home - This is the assurance that his sin won't be found out, but that's naive because Scripture clearly teaches that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed. In Numbers 32:23 Moses issues a clear, piercing (universally applicable) warning (specifically to tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh, exhorting them to fulfill their commitment to participate with the other tribes in the campaign in Canaan) testifying... But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD (Ed: Remember all sin, including all sexual sin, is first and foremost, against Jehovah! There is no sin that only injures the sinner and/or those he has wronged. - cp Joseph's awareness that undoubtedly helped him fend off the temptation to lie with Potiphar's wife - Ge 39:9), and be sure your sin will find you out. (!)