Proverbs 7:6-27

Proverbs 7:6-27

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Crafty Harlot

6 For at the window of my house

I looked through my lattice,

7 And saw among the simple,

I perceived among the youths,

A young man devoid of understanding,

8 Passing along the street near her corner;

And he took the path to her house

9 In the twilight, in the evening,

In the black and dark night.

10 And there a woman met him,

With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

11 She was loud and rebellious,

Her feet would not stay at home.

12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,

Lurking at every corner.

13 So she caught him and kissed him;

With an impudent face she said to him:

14“ I have peace offerings with me;

Today I have paid my vows.

15 So I came out to meet you,

Diligently to seek your face,

And I have found you.

16 I have spread my bed with tapestry,

Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.

17 I have perfumed my bed

With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;

Let us delight ourselves with love.

19 For my husband is not at home;

He has gone on a long journey;

20 He has taken a bag of money with him,

And will come home on the appointed day.”

21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,

With her flattering lips she seduced him.

22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,

Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

23 Till an arrow struck his liver.

As a bird hastens to the snare,

He did not know it would cost his life.

24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children;

Pay attention to the words of my mouth:

25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,

Do not stray into her paths;

26 For she has cast down many wounded,

And all who were slain by her were strong men.

27 Her house is the way to hell,

Descending to the chambers of death.

My Thoughts:

1. So let’s start with (v. 13) we read “So she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him:”
   1. Satan will by this means destroy many and he employs the same agents now as he employed three thousand years ago. By worldly friendships, by the charms of beauty, by pleasure seeking and the wine cup, he tempts to the violation of the seventh commandment.
2. In (v. 17) we read “I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon”
   1. Solomon also refers to these three fragrances in his garden, in a context of speaking just before consummation of marriage (Song 4:14)
3. And we will finish today with (v.26) “For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men”
   1. Sensual indulgence weakens the mind and the soul. Satan could not overcome the Israelites by the arms, but they fell prey to the harlots. Such is the power that woman, enlisted in the service of Satan, has exerted to entrap and destroy souls. Just look at that the children of Seth they were seduced from their integrity, and the holy seed became corrupt. Samson betrayed his strength, and the defense of Israel. David stumbled, and Solomon, the wisest all kings had three times been called the beloved of his God, became a slave of passion, and sacrificed his integrity to the same bewitching power.

“The wisdom of babes”

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Out of the mouth of babes?” Certainly you have. It comes from the simple truth that sometimes it takes a child to reveal lasting wisdom. It seems foolish but it isn’t!

Patrick, age 10, said, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.”

Michael, 14, said, “When your dad is mad and asks you, “Do I look stupid?” don’t answer him.”

Michael, wise man that he was also said, “Never tell your mom her diet’s not working.”

Randy, 9 years of age said, “Stay away from prunes.” One wonders how he discovered that bit of wisdom.

Kyoyo, age 9, said, “Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time.”

Naomi, 15 said, “If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.”

Lauren, age 9 said, “Felt markers are not good to use as lipstick.”

Joel, 10 years old, said, “Don’t pick on your sister when she’s holding a baseball bat.” and

Eileen, age 8 said, “Never try to baptize a cat.”delights of human love, but have found in Jesus the complement of their need, the satisfaction of their hunger and thirst. In Him, for them, was restored the vision of the sweet mother of early childhood; of the angel sister who went to be with God; of the early love that was never destined to be realized.

Take hold of wisdom wherever you find it.

Personal Reflection and Discussion

1. What do you think (v. 7) are saying?
2. What other things do you see in the text?

Prayer Activities

1. Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
2. Continue to have a prayer list and continue to praying for them.
3. Pray with them and ask for the following;
   1. For God to give us strength to hold on to our values in times of trouble.
   2. For God to help us write His commandments on our hearts.
   3. For the individuals on your pray list.
4. Let’s use (Hab. 2:1-3) for today’s prayer verse.