The Seductive Danger of Adultery: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Proverbs 7

Executive Summary ✨

Proverbs 7 serves as a stark warning against the allure of adultery, personified here as a cunning woman seeking to ensnare the unsuspecting. This chapter, pivotal for understanding wisdom literature, outlines the methods of temptation and the devastating consequences of succumbing to them. Through vivid imagery and compelling narrative, King Solomon, inspired by divine wisdom, urges his son – and by extension, all believers – to guard their hearts and minds against such destructive influences. Understanding the context of ancient city life, the prevalence of idolatry, and the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament enriches our comprehension. This passage is not merely a cautionary tale about physical infidelity; it also speaks to the dangers of spiritual unfaithfulness, urging us to remain steadfast in our devotion to God. The chapter underscores the importance of heeding God’s commandments and seeking true wisdom as a shield against temptation. It speaks to us today about the dangers of sin and the need for constant vigilance.

Proverbs 7 offers profound wisdom for navigating the treacherous waters of temptation. Let us delve into this chapter, verse by verse, to glean its timeless lessons and apply them to our modern lives, strengthening our resolve to live virtuously and remain faithful to God’s commandments.

Commentary Sections

Proverbs 7:1-3 – The Value of God’s Word

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. (KJV)
My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you; keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. (NKJV)

Solomon emphasizes the paramount importance of internalizing God’s word. “Keep my words” implies not merely hearing but diligently observing and cherishing them. The phrase “apple of thine eye” signifies something exceedingly precious and carefully guarded. Just as one instinctively protects their eye, so should we safeguard God’s law within us. The instruction to “bind them upon thy fingers” and “write them upon the table of thine heart” is evocative. It speaks to a continuous, conscious awareness and integration of God’s precepts into every facet of our being. This is not a passive acceptance, but an active engagement that shapes our thoughts, desires, and actions. For the Coptic Orthodox Christian, this echoes the continuous cycle of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, methods through which we etch God’s commandments upon our hearts. You can find all of the tools for these spiritual exercises at DoHost.

Saint Athanasius writes, “οὐκ ἔστιν ἕτερος θεὸς παρὰ τὸν ὄντα, καὶ οὐκ ἄλλη πίστις παρὰ τὴν ἀποστολικήν” (ouk estin heteros theos para ton onta, kai ouk allē pistis para tēn apostolikēn) – “There is no other God besides the One who is, and no other faith besides the Apostolic one.” (Athanasius, *Contra Arianos*, 3.4). This steadfast adherence to the truth, so crucial in Athanasius’s time amidst the Arian heresy, is directly applicable to guarding ourselves against the adulterous allure of sin in Proverbs 7. The commandments act as our shield.

• Spiritual Application: Cultivate a consistent habit of reading and meditating on Scripture. Pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding and to empower you to live according to God’s word.

Proverbs 7:4-5 – Seeking Wisdom and Understanding

Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words. (KJV)
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin, that they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words. (NKJV)

Solomon personifies wisdom and understanding, urging us to cultivate an intimate relationship with them. Viewing wisdom as a “sister” and understanding as a “kinswoman” implies a close bond, a familial connection that provides protection and guidance. The ultimate purpose of this relationship is to safeguard against the “strange woman,” the adulteress whose flattering words are designed to deceive. The ancient world valued familial bonds highly. Family offered protection and a sense of belonging. This analogy illustrates that true wisdom offers the same kind of sanctuary from the dangers of moral compromise. In the Coptic tradition, the Saints are considered our spiritual kin; they intercede on our behalf and their lives serve as exemplars of virtue.

• Spiritual Application: Pursue wisdom through diligent study of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Seek discernment in all areas of your life, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions.

Proverbs 7:6-9 – The Young Man’s Vulnerability

For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtile of heart. (KJV)
For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, and saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, passing along the street near her corner; and he took the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night. And there a woman met him, with the attire of a prostitute, and cunning of heart. (NKJV)

The narrative shifts to a vivid scene: a young, naive man, lacking in understanding, wandering near the house of the adulteress. The timing is significant – “in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night” – times associated with secrecy and diminished inhibitions. The darkness mirrors the moral darkness that threatens to engulf him. He is described as “void of understanding,” highlighting the vulnerability of those who lack wisdom and discernment. The woman, dressed as a prostitute, actively seeks him out. Her attire is a deliberate attempt to entice and seduce. The description “subtile of heart” points to her cunning and manipulative nature. The urban layout of ancient cities, with their narrow streets and readily available temptations, contributed to such scenarios. This passage reminds us of the ever-present danger of temptation and the need for constant vigilance, especially in our youth.

Saint Macarius the Great wrote, “οἱ μὴ θεραπεύοντες τὸν Θεὸν, ἐν σκότει περιπατοῦσιν” (hoi mē therapeuontes ton Theon, en skotei peripatousin) – “Those who do not worship God, walk in darkness” (Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, 11.4). The young man’s vulnerability is directly linked to his lack of understanding and his choice to “walk in darkness,” both literally and figuratively.

• Spiritual Application: Be mindful of the times and places where you are most vulnerable to temptation. Avoid situations that compromise your moral integrity. Cultivate strong friendships with other believers who can provide accountability and support.

Proverbs 7:10-20 – The Adulteress’s Deceit

And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtile of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. (KJV)
And there a woman met him, with the attire of a prostitute, and cunning of heart. She is loud and defiant, her feet do not stay at home; now she is outside, now in the streets, lurking at every corner. So she seized him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him: “I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. Therefore I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. I have spread my bed with tapestry, with colored coverings of Egyptian linen. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed day.” (NKJV)

Here, Solomon details the adulteress’s deceptive tactics. She is described as “loud and stubborn,” a woman who defies societal norms and traditional roles. Her restlessness (“her feet abide not in her house”) signifies a lack of contentment and a pursuit of fleeting pleasures. She uses both physical affection (“she caught him, and kissed him”) and persuasive words to lure him. Her claims are carefully crafted to appeal to his desires and alleviate any potential guilt: “I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.” She portrays herself as devout and pious, masking her true intentions. She emphasizes the luxury and sensuality of her bed (“decked my bed with coverings of tapestry…perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon”), appealing to his desire for pleasure and comfort. The information that her husband is away provides a false sense of security and diminishes the perceived risk of discovery. The inclusion of Egyptian linen further alludes to worldly riches and temptation. The aroma of myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon likely came from trade routes that would pass through or near Israel. This passage highlights the manipulative power of temptation, which often presents itself as appealing and harmless.

• Spiritual Application: Recognize the deceptive nature of temptation. Be wary of flattering words and seemingly harmless invitations that could lead you astray. Remember that sin often presents itself as pleasurable and consequence-free.

Proverbs 7:21-23 – The Deadly Trap

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. (KJV)
With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost him his life. (NKJV)

This is the tragic culmination of the chapter. The young man, overcome by the adulteress’s seductive words and flattering lips, succumbs to temptation. The metaphors are stark and devastating: he is likened to an “ox [going] to the slaughter,” a “fool to the correction of the stocks,” and a “bird [hasting] to the snare.” These images emphasize his lack of awareness and his impending doom. The “dart [striking] through his liver” is a particularly gruesome detail, representing the devastating consequences of his actions. The bird hastening to the snare underscores the allure of sin, that blinds individuals from seeing the dangerous trap ahead. The consequences of giving in to sin are not just physical but also spiritual, leading to spiritual death.

• Spiritual Application: Understand the potential consequences of sin. The momentary pleasure is not worth the long-term pain and destruction that it can cause. Flee from temptation and seek God’s protection.

Proverbs 7:24-27 – Heed the Warning

Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. (KJV)
Now therefore, listen to me, my children; pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For many victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain. Her house is a highway to hell, descending to the chambers of death. (NKJV)

Solomon concludes with a powerful plea to his children (and by extension, all readers) to heed his warning. He implores them to “not let thine heart decline to her ways” and to “go not astray in her paths.” He emphasizes the devastating consequences of succumbing to temptation, noting that the adulteress has “cast down many wounded” and “many strong men have been slain by her.” The final image is particularly chilling: “Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” This underscores the ultimate consequence of sin: separation from God and eternal damnation. This concluding passage serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against temptation.

Saint Anthony the Great said, “ἀεὶ προσδοκῶμεν τὸν θάνατον, καὶ μηδεμίαν ἀγάπην τοῦ κόσμου τούτου προσλάβωμεν” (aei prosdokōmen ton thanaton, kai mēdemian agapēn tou kosmou toutou proslabōmen) – “Let us always expect death, and let us not acquire any love for this world.” (Anthony the Great, *Letters*, 4). This detachment from worldly allurements and a constant awareness of our mortality serves as a powerful antidote to the temptations described in Proverbs 7.

• Spiritual Application: Remember that sin has consequences, both in this life and in eternity. Live with a sense of accountability to God and strive to live a life of purity and holiness.

The Importance of Purity in Coptic Orthodox Tradition 🕊️

The Coptic Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on purity, both in thought and deed. This is rooted in the belief that we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and that we are called to live lives that are pleasing to God. This purity extends beyond physical chastity to encompass our thoughts, desires, and intentions. It’s a holistic approach to holiness.

• Fasting: A spiritual discipline to subdue the passions and strengthen the will.
• Prayer: Constant communication with God, seeking guidance and strength.
• Confession: A sacrament where we confess our sins and receive absolution.
• Almsgiving: Acts of charity that purify our hearts and demonstrate love for our neighbors.
• Reading Scripture: Nourishes the soul and strengthens us against temptation.
• Fellowship: Support from other believers that provides accountability and encouragement.

FAQ ❓

Q: How does Proverbs 7 relate to spiritual adultery?
A: While Proverbs 7 primarily addresses physical adultery, it also serves as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness. Just as the adulteress lures the young man away from his marital vows, so too can worldly temptations lead us away from our devotion to God. Spiritual adultery is forsaking God for idols – be those idols physical things or abstract concepts. In the Coptic tradition, this can be seen when we place more value on worldly pursuits than on our relationship with Christ.

Q: How can I practically apply the lessons of Proverbs 7 in my life today?
A: Be mindful of the influences you allow into your life, especially through media and relationships. Cultivate a strong prayer life and regularly immerse yourself in Scripture. Seek accountability from trusted friends or spiritual mentors. Avoid situations that could compromise your moral integrity. Recognize and avoid environments that trigger temptation.

Q: What is the role of free will in the narrative of Proverbs 7?
A: The young man in Proverbs 7 is not simply a victim. He has the free will to choose whether to heed the warnings of wisdom or to succumb to temptation. His choice to walk near the adulteress’s house and to listen to her flattering words ultimately leads to his downfall. In a similar way, each of us has the power to choose between good and evil. We can choose to embrace the wisdom of God or to follow our own selfish desires.

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church view sexual sin in general?
A: The Coptic Orthodox Church views sexual sin as a serious offense against God and against the sanctity of marriage. It is seen as a betrayal of trust and a violation of the covenant relationship. The Church emphasizes the importance of repentance and forgiveness, but also stresses the need to live a life of purity and holiness. It is vital that a believer is repentant and seeks forgiveness and accountability with a priest or spiritual guide.

Conclusion

The timeless wisdom of Proverbs 7 provides a powerful warning against the seductive nature of adultery and the destructive consequences of succumbing to temptation. By understanding the strategies of the adulteress and guarding our hearts with God’s word, we can protect ourselves from moral and spiritual ruin. This chapter calls us to pursue wisdom, cultivate discernment, and remain vigilant against the allure of sin. The focus key phrase, **The Seductive Danger of Adultery**, perfectly encapsulates the chapter’s central theme and serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance. Let us strive to live lives of purity and holiness, remaining steadfast in our devotion to God, and avoiding the path that leads to destruction. Ultimately, Proverbs 7 is a guide to navigating temptation and finding true fulfillment in a relationship with God.

Tags

Proverbs, Proverbs 7, Adultery, Temptation, Wisdom, Sexual Sin, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible Commentary, Virtue

Meta Description

Explore Proverbs 7 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Understand the dangers of adultery, temptation, and the call to purity. Learn how to apply this ancient wisdom to modern life and guard yourself against spiritual ruin. **The Seductive Danger of Adultery** is real.