For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits. For her houseThe phrase "for her house" refers to the dwelling or domain of the adulterous or immoral woman, as described in the preceding verses. In Hebrew, "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) often symbolizes not just a physical structure but also a household or a way of life. In the context of Proverbs, it represents the seductive allure of sin and the false security it promises. Historically, a house was a place of refuge and safety, but here it is ironically depicted as a place leading to destruction. sinks down to death
The imagery of "sinks down to death" is vivid and foreboding. The Hebrew word for "sinks" (שָׁחָה, shachah) conveys a sense of being brought low or humbled. This phrase warns of the inevitable consequence of following the path of immorality, which is spiritual and sometimes physical death. In the biblical context, death is not just the cessation of life but a separation from God, the source of life. The wisdom literature often contrasts the way of life with the way of death, urging the reader to choose life by adhering to God's commandments. and her tracks
The term "tracks" (מַעְגְּלוֹת, ma'agalot) refers to the paths or ways one follows. In ancient times, paths were well-trodden routes that guided travelers to their destinations. Here, it symbolizes the habitual actions and decisions that lead one away from righteousness. The use of "tracks" suggests a deliberate and repeated choice to follow a certain way, emphasizing the importance of the paths we choose in life. to the departed spirits
The phrase "to the departed spirits" (רְפָאִים, rephaim) refers to the shades or spirits of the dead, often associated with Sheol, the abode of the dead in Hebrew thought. This term evokes a sense of finality and hopelessness, as the rephaim are depicted as powerless and cut off from the living. In the broader scriptural context, this serves as a stark warning about the spiritual consequences of sin, which leads to a state of separation from God and the community of the living. The imagery underscores the gravity of moral choices and the ultimate destiny of those who reject wisdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Adulterous WomanIn the context of Proverbs, she symbolizes temptation and the allure of sin, leading individuals away from wisdom and righteousness. 2. HouseRepresents the dwelling or domain of the adulterous woman, metaphorically indicating a place of spiritual and moral decay. 3. DeathNot just physical death, but spiritual death, separation from God, and the ultimate consequence of living a life contrary to His wisdom. 4. Departed Spirits (Sheol)In Hebrew, "Sheol" refers to the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living and from God. Teaching Points The Danger of TemptationRecognize that temptation often appears attractive but leads to spiritual death and separation from God. The Importance of WisdomPursue wisdom and discernment to avoid the paths that lead to destruction. Guarding the HeartBe vigilant in guarding your heart against influences that draw you away from God's truth and righteousness. Consequences of SinUnderstand that sin has real and severe consequences, not just in this life but in the life to come. Seeking God's PathCommit to seeking God's path, which leads to life, rather than the deceptive paths that lead to death. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a house sinking down to death help us understand the consequences of following the path of sin? 2. In what ways can we guard our hearts against the allure of temptation as described in Proverbs 2:18? 3. How does the concept of Sheol in this verse deepen our understanding of spiritual death and separation from God? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are walking on the path of wisdom rather than the path that leads to destruction? 5. How do the warnings in Proverbs 2:18 relate to Jesus' teachings about the narrow and broad paths in Matthew 7:13-14? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 5:5This verse also warns about the path of the adulterous woman leading to death and Sheol, reinforcing the consequences of following her. Proverbs 7:27Describes her house as a highway to Sheol, emphasizing the danger and inevitability of destruction for those who follow her. Matthew 7:13-14Jesus speaks of the broad road leading to destruction, which parallels the path of folly and sin described in Proverbs. James 1:14-15Discusses how desire, when conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, brings forth death, aligning with the warning in Proverbs. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Dead, Death, Footsteps, Inclined, Inclineth, Lead, Leads, Paths, Rephaim, Shades, Sinketh, Sinks, Spirits, TracksDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 2:18 4195 spirits Proverbs 2:16-19 6188 immorality, sexual Proverbs 2:18-19 9110 after-life Library The Beginning and End of Wisdom
PROVERBS ii. 2, 3, 5. If thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. We shall see something curious in the last of these verses, when we compare it with one in the chapter before. The chapter before says, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That if we wish to be wise at all, we must BEGIN by …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of GodThe Red Lamp.
Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead. That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way. The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white. Some of those who read this paper are living in sin. To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Notes on the Fourth Century
Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 2:18 NIVProverbs 2:18 NLTProverbs 2:18 ESVProverbs 2:18 NASBProverbs 2:18 KJV
Proverbs 2:18 Commentaries
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