Proverbs 7:11

She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home.

Study Bible

She is loud
The Hebrew word for "loud" is "hāmâ," which can also mean to be boisterous or tumultuous. This word paints a picture of someone who is not only vocally assertive but also disruptive in nature. In the context of Proverbs, this loudness is not a virtue but a vice, indicating a lack of the quiet and gentle spirit that is often praised in Scripture (1 Peter 3:4). The loudness here is symbolic of a heart that is not at peace, a life that is not aligned with God's wisdom, and a spirit that is restless and rebellious.

and defiant
The term "defiant" is translated from the Hebrew word "sārār," which means to be stubborn or rebellious. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe Israel's rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). In this context, it characterizes a woman who is not only resistant to authority but also to the moral and spiritual order established by God. Her defiance is a rejection of the wisdom and instruction that Proverbs seeks to impart, highlighting the dangers of a life lived outside the boundaries of divine guidance.

her feet do not remain at home
The phrase "her feet do not remain at home" suggests a restlessness and a lack of contentment with the domestic sphere. In ancient Israelite culture, the home was considered the center of a woman's life and responsibilities. The Hebrew word "bāyith" for "home" signifies not just a physical dwelling but also a place of safety, order, and familial relationships. Her wandering feet symbolize a departure from her God-given role and responsibilities, leading her into paths of temptation and sin. This imagery serves as a warning against the dangers of abandoning one's God-ordained place and purpose, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and contentment in one's calling.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Adulterous Woman
This verse is part of a larger passage warning against the seduction of an adulterous woman. She is portrayed as a personification of temptation and folly, leading others away from wisdom and righteousness.

2. Solomon
The author of Proverbs, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, who is imparting wisdom to his son and, by extension, to all readers. His teachings often contrast wisdom with folly.

3. The Streets
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Proverbs 7 describes the woman as being in the streets, symbolizing a place of danger and temptation away from the safety of home.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Defiance
Defiance against God's wisdom leads to spiritual and moral peril. We must guard our hearts against influences that encourage rebellion against God's commands.

The Importance of Home
The home is a place of safety and godly instruction. We should strive to cultivate a home environment that reflects God's love and wisdom, avoiding the temptations that lure us away.

The Call to Modesty and Self-Control
As believers, we are called to live lives marked by modesty and self-control, reflecting the character of Christ rather than the world.

Guarding Against Temptation
We must be vigilant in recognizing and avoiding situations and relationships that could lead us away from God's path.

The Role of Wisdom in Relationships
Wisdom should guide our interactions and relationships, helping us to discern and avoid those that could lead us into sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the woman in Proverbs 7:11 challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of defiance against God's wisdom?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our homes are places of safety and godly instruction, as opposed to environments that encourage wandering into temptation?

3. How do the teachings in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Titus 2:3-5 provide a contrast to the behavior described in Proverbs 7:11, and how can we apply these teachings in our daily lives?

4. What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts and minds against the temptations that are prevalent in today's society?

5. How can we use the wisdom found in Proverbs to guide our relationships and interactions with others, ensuring they align with God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 5:3-6
This passage also warns about the dangers of succumbing to the allure of an adulterous woman, emphasizing the destructive path she leads one down.

1 Timothy 2:9-10
These verses discuss the importance of modesty and self-control, contrasting with the loud and defiant nature described in Proverbs 7:11.

Titus 2:3-5
This passage encourages women to be reverent and self-controlled, which stands in opposition to the behavior of the woman in Proverbs 7:11.