Study notes

Proverbs 7

Introducing ProverbsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

1:8–9:18 Section

In this section of the book of Proverbs, a father speaks to his son. The father and the mother have taught the son how to live well. They have taught him with their words and with the example of how they live. The father urges the son to live according to what they have taught him.

The advice from the parents is about many things. It’s about being humble and trusting God completely. It’s about the son guarding his heart. The son’s heart is where he makes decisions. The advice is about the son saying no when he is tempted to do evil. This includes stealing and getting rich in ways that aren’t honest. It includes refusing to share with others. It includes lying, being jealous and having sex with another man’s wife.

The advice is also about becoming wise. People begin to be wise when they respect God. Wisdom is something that God gives. He wants all human beings to have it. God gives wisdom freely to those who ask for it. This is made clear in the poems about wisdom and in James 1:5.

Wisdom is described as a woman who calls out to everyone in public. She invites everyone to come to her house and share in a feast. This means that people listen to wisdom and obey wise teachings. That is how people get wisdom. Obeying wise instructions leads to health, riches, success and honour. That is the pattern of life that the parents have noticed. That is the pattern they want their son’s life to follow.

Wisdom is also described as the first thing that God created. Wisdom was with God when he created the world. Wisdom was full of joy and delight as God created the world and all people. This shows that wisdom can also be learnt by studying creation.

The poems about wisdom talk about foolishness being the opposite of wisdom. Foolishness is described as a woman who knows nothing and is full of pride. She treats others badly. Like wisdom, foolishness also calls out to everyone and invites them to a feast. But obeying her instructions leads to danger, suffering, trouble, shame and death.

7:2

guard my teachings as the apple of your eye: Or, with great care.

7:3

  • The Old Testament uses the phrase "tie them to your fingers" as a reminder to remember important things, especially God's commands (Deuteronomy 6:8; 11:18).

  • The New Living Translation's "write them deep within your heart" reflects the Hebrew saying write them on the tablet of your heart (see also Proverbs 3:3). Only obedience that comes from the heart will endure.

7:5

Wisdom leaves no room for a woman who uses flattery to appeal to a young man's vanity.

7:6–7

Young men who are inexperienced and not set in their ways are open to learning. Each foolish act brings them closer to becoming fools.

7:6–23

The young man's father shares a story to explain his lesson about women with questionable morals.

7:10

The woman, dressed attractively, appears nice on the outside but has many problems inside.

7:12

Prostitutes often sought customers in public places like markets and on busy street corners (for example, Genesis 38:13–16).

7:14

The immoral woman follows religious rituals to appear good, but her actions show a corrupt heart.

7:24–27

The father emphasizes thr lesson: An adulteress may seem attractive, and a relationship with her is tempting, but it will lead to harm or even death.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources