Proverbs 7

Proverbs 7:2

KEep my commandments, and five] Chap. 4. 4.

and my law as the apple of thine eye] By this diversity of words, he meaneth, That nothing ought to be so dear unto us, as the word of God; nor we look on any thing more, nor minde any thing so much.

apple of thine eye] Psalms 17:8.

eye] Heb. eyes.

Proverbs 7:3

Binde them upon thy figers, write them upon the table of thine heart] Deuteronomy 6:8. and Deuteronomy 11:18. Chap. 3. 3.

Proverbs 7:4

kinswoman] Heb. kinsman.

Proverbs 7:5

That they may keep thee from the strange woman] Chap. 5. 3. and 2. 16.

Proverbs 7:6

For at the window of my house I looked] I speak not without reason, for I have seen the folly of those that have suffered themselves to be abused by harlots.

Proverbs 7:7

the youths] Heb. the sons.

Proverbs 7:9

in the evening] Heb. in the evening of the day.

in the black and dark night] He sheweth, that there was almost none so impudent, but they were afraid to be seen; and also their own consciences did accuse them, which caused them to seek the night, to cover their filthinesse, Job 24:15. 1 Thessalonians 5:7.

Proverbs 7:10

subtill] Heb. reserved.

Proverbs 7:11

She is loud and stubborn] Chap. 9. 13. He describeth certain conditions, which are peculiar to harlots.

Proverbs 7:13

with an impudent face said] Heb. she strengthned her face, and said.

Proverbs 7:14

I have peace-offerings with me] Heb. peace-offerings are upon me] Because that in peace-offerings a poron returned to them that offered, she sheweth him that she hath meat at home to make good chear with: or else, she would use some cloke of holinesse, till she had gotten him in her snares, 1 Kings 21. 9.

this day have I payed my vows] Which declareth, that harlots outwardly will seem holy and religious, both because they may the better deceive others, and also flatter themselves; thinking, by observing of ceremonies and offerings, to make satisfaction for their sins.

Proverbs 7:15

to meet thee] As if her affection were to him onely, which was ready for the first comer.

Proverbs 7:18

our fll of love] Heb. be drunken with loves, chap. 5. 19.

untill the morning] Which shews her unsatiable lust.

Proverbs 7:20

He hath taken a bag of money] There is no fear of my husbands sudden return; for he hath taken money with him to supply the charge of a long journey.

with him] Heb. in his hand.

the day appointed] Or, the new moon.

Proverbs 7:21

With her much fair speech she caused him to yeeld] Fair words prevail more to draw men to loosnesse, then wanton gestures, chap. 5. 3.

with the flattering of her lips she forced him] When once they begin to yeeld, they go on, as it were, by force.

Proverbs 7:22

He goeth after her straightway] If he had taken time to consider of the sin, and punishment, he might have escaped.

straightway] Heb. suddenly.

as an ox goeth to the slaughter] Which, thinking he goeth to the pasture, goeth to the shambles.

or as a fool to the correction of the stocks] Who goeth cheerfully, not knowing that he shall be punished.

as a fool to the correction of the stocks] Heb. as the stocks are for the correction of the fool.

Proverbs 7:23

Till a dart strike thorow his liver] He shews the blockishnesse of the young-man, who never thinks of his dange till he have undone himself.

strike thorow his liver] Job 20:24-25.

snare] Chap. 1. 17. Ecclesiastes 9:12.

Proverbs 7:24

Hearken unto me now therefore] Being warned by this terrible example, hearken rather to my wholesom words, then to the alluring ones of harlots.

Proverbs 7:26

yea, many strong men have been slain by her] Heb. and all that are slain by her are strong men.

many strong men have been slain by her] Many stout men have been overcome by harlots; yea, the most of them that she destroys are stout men: so that the strength of a man is oft overcome by the sleight of a woman: none hath been so strong, but, being carelesse, they have been overcome by lust, Judges 16.

Proverbs 7:27

Her house is the way to hell] Chap. 2. 18. and 5. 5. Heb. the ways to hell are in her house: that is, there are many ways to hell in the harlots house.

way] Heb. wayes.