Proverbs 7:12

12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, And lurking at every corner.

Proverbs 7:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 7:12

Now [is she] without
The word for whore is sometimes rendered in the Targum F9 one that goes abroad, or without her house; sitting or standing at the door of it, in an idle posture, and in order to invite her lovers in; and if she can get none this way, or quickly, grows impatient: she is now in the streets;
takes her walks abroad in the streets of the city, to see who she can light of, to pick up and bring home; and lieth in wait at every corner;
of the street, where more ways meet, sometimes at one corner, and sometimes at another, that she may take all that comes; sometimes she is "without" in the fields, and in the country, to see what she can meet with there; and sometimes in the "streets" of the city, and in the populous places of it, in the markets, and courts, and in every private corner, trying all ways to gain lovers, and satisfy her lust F11: all which may represent the diligence and industry, art and cunning, of the Romish emissaries to gain proselytes to their idolatrous worship, who everywhere lie in wait to deceive.


FOOTNOTES:

F9 Targ. Onk. in Gen. xxxiv. 31.
F11 "Mille modi veneris", Ovid de Arte Amandi, l. 3. prope finem.

Proverbs 7:12 In-Context

10 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, And with crafty intent.
11 She is loud and defiant. Her feet don't stay in her house.
12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, And lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him:
14 "Sacrifices of peace-offerings are with me. This day I have paid my vows.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.