Proverbs 7:21

21 She entangled him with many words, and drew him away with the flattery of her lips.

Proverbs 7:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 7:21

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield
Or, "to decline" from the right way: or, "inclined him" F4; his ear to listen to her, and his heart to go after her and along with her. This she did, by using a great many words, by her prolixity, and by some taking and striking expressions; lewd women are generally very talkative F5. It may be rendered, "by her much doctrine" F6, as the word is in ( Proverbs 4:2 ) ; so Jezebel calls herself a prophetess, and sets up for a teacher of men; and, by her false doctrine, deceives some that are called the servants of Christ to commit fornication, and eat things sacrificed to idols, ( Revelation 2:20 ) ; with the flattering of her lips she forced him;
to go along with her, not against his will, but with it: though at first there was some reluctance, conscience rose up and opposed; but her words, which were smoother than oil, found a way into his heart, and prevailed upon him to yield to her entreaties; he could no longer withstand her attacks, but surrendered to her; her charming voice, and flattering lips, had more effect upon him than her kisses; notwithstanding these he was reluctant, but could stand it out no longer against her alluring words and soothing language. With this compare the deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish through antichrist, ( 2 Thessalonians 2:10 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F4 (wtjh) "declinare facit eum", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Gejerus; "flexit", Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Mercerus, Michaelin; "inclinavit illum", Cocceius.
F5 "Verbosa gaudet Venus Ioquela", Catullus ad Camer. Ep. 53. v. 20.
F6 (hxql brb) "multitudine discipline suae", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "doctrinae suae", Michaelis.

Proverbs 7:21 In-Context

19 For my husband is not at home, he is gone a very long journey.
20 He took with him a bag of money: he will return home the day of the full moon.
21 She entangled him with many words, and drew him away with the flattery of her lips.
22 Immediately he followeth her as an ox led to be a victim, and as a lamb playing the wanton, and not knowing that he is drawn like a fool to bonds,
23 Till the arrow pierce his liver: as if a bird should make haste to the snare, and knoweth not that his life is in danger.
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