Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

apple . . . eye--pupil of eye, a custody (Pro 4:23) of special value.

Bind . . . fingers--as inscriptions on rings.

The design of the teaching (compare Pro 2:16; Pro 6:24).

For--or, "Since," introducing an example to illustrate the warning, which, whether a narrative or a parable, is equally pertinent. window--or, "opening" looked--literally, "watched earnestly" (Jdg 5:28). casement--or, "lattice."

simple--as in Pro 1:4. void of, &c.--(Compare Pro 6:32).

her corner--where she was usually found. went . . . house--implying, perhaps, confidence in himself by his manner, as denoted in the word went--literally, "tread pompously."

The time, twilight, ending in darkness. black . . . night--literally, "pupil," or, "eye," that is, middle of night.

attire--that of harlots was sometimes peculiar. subtile--or, "wary," "cunning."

loud--or, "noisy," "bustling." stubborn--not submissive. without . . . streets, . . . corner--(Compare Ti1 5:13; Tit 2:5).

The preparations for a feast do not necessarily imply peculiar religious professions. The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast (Lev 3:9, &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it.

my bed--or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.

bed--a place for sleeping.

There is no fear of discovery.

the day appointed--perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Pro 7:19).

caused . . . yield--or, "inclines." flattering--(Compare Pro 5:3). forced him--by persuasion overcoming his scruples.

straightway--quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.

Till--He is now caught (Pro 6:26).

The inferential admonition is followed (Pro 7:26-27), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice.

Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements. Next: Proverbs Chapter 8