Proverbs 6:25 Study Bible: Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.

◄ Proverbs 6:25 ►

Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.

Do not lust
The Hebrew word for "lust" is "חָמַד" (chamad), which means to covet or desire intensely. In the context of Proverbs, this is a warning against allowing one's desires to be controlled by physical attraction. The Bible consistently teaches that lust is a sin that begins in the heart and can lead to destructive actions. Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:28, emphasizing that even looking at someone with lustful intent is akin to committing adultery in one's heart. This phrase serves as a call to guard one's heart and mind, aligning desires with God's will.

in your heart
The heart, or "לֵב" (lev) in Hebrew, is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing emotions, thoughts, and will. In biblical terms, the heart is the seat of moral and spiritual life. Proverbs frequently addresses the heart, urging believers to keep it pure and aligned with wisdom. This phrase underscores the importance of internal purity, as actions are often a reflection of the heart's condition. It is a reminder that true righteousness begins internally, not just in outward behavior.

after her beauty
The Hebrew word for "beauty" is "יֹפִי" (yofi), which refers to physical attractiveness. While beauty itself is not condemned in Scripture, the undue focus on external appearance can lead to misplaced priorities and sin. The Bible encourages believers to value inner beauty and character over outward appearance, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4. This phrase warns against allowing physical beauty to overshadow spiritual discernment and moral integrity.

or let her captivate you
The word "captivate" comes from the Hebrew "לָקַח" (laqach), meaning to take, seize, or capture. This suggests being ensnared or entrapped by something alluring. In the context of Proverbs, it is a caution against being led astray by seductive influences. The imagery of captivity highlights the danger of losing one's freedom and moral clarity when succumbing to temptation. It serves as a call to remain vigilant and steadfast in one's commitment to God's standards.

with her eyes
Eyes, or "עֵינַיִם" (einaim) in Hebrew, are often symbolic of perception and desire. In biblical literature, eyes can represent both physical sight and spiritual insight. This phrase warns against the seductive power of a glance, which can lead to temptation and sin. The eyes are frequently mentioned in Scripture as gateways to the heart, emphasizing the need for self-control and discernment. It is a reminder to focus on what is pure and righteous, as echoed in Philippians 4:8.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. The Adulterous Woman
While not a specific person, she represents the temptation and allure of sin, particularly sexual immorality, which Solomon warns against.

3. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, where adherence to God's law was central to community life.

Teaching Points

Guard Your Heart
The heart is the wellspring of life. Protect it from desires that lead away from God's will.

Inner Beauty vs. Outer Beauty
Focus on cultivating inner beauty and character rather than being swayed by external appearances.

The Power of the Eyes
Be mindful of what you allow your eyes to see, as they can lead your heart astray.

Accountability and Community
Surround yourself with a community that encourages purity and holds you accountable.

Renewing the Mind
Regularly renew your mind with Scripture to combat lustful thoughts and desires.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the cultural context of ancient Israel help us interpret Proverbs 6:25?

2. In what ways can we guard our hearts against lust in today's society?

3. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:28 deepen our understanding of Proverbs 6:25?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our eyes do not lead us into temptation?

5. How can we support one another in a community to live out the principles found in Proverbs 6:25?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:28
Jesus expands on the concept of lust, teaching that even looking at someone with lustful intent is akin to committing adultery in the heart.

James 1:14-15
James describes how desire leads to sin, and sin, when fully grown, leads to death, echoing the warning against being captivated by lust.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Paul advises believers to flee from sexual immorality, emphasizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Sermons

Sin and Safety	W. Clarkson	Proverbs 6:20-35
Warning Against Adultery	E. Johnson	Proverbs 6:25-35

People

Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Beauty, Body, Captivate, Capture, Desire, Eyelashes, Eyelids, Fair, Heart, Heart's, Lust, Prisoner

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Proverbs 6:25

5792 appetite
6250 temptation, sources

8299 love, in relationships

Proverbs 6:25-26

4040 beauty
5804 charm

Proverbs 6:25-27

6239 prostitution

Proverbs 6:25-29

6242 adultery
8777 lust

Library

The Talking Book
A Sermon (No. 1017) Delivered on Lord's Day Morning, October 22nd, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."--Proverbs 6:22. It is a very happy circumstance when the commandment of our father and the law of our mother are also the commandment of God and the law of the Lord. Happy are they who have a double force to draw them to the right--the bonds of nature, and the cords of grace. They sin with a vengeance who sin both against …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
A sermon (No. 2406) intended for reading on Lord's Day, March 31st, 1895, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Lord's Day evening, March 27th, 1887. "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Talking Book
In order that we may be persuaded so to do, Solomon gives us three telling reasons. He says that God's law, by which I understand the whole run of Scripture, and, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be a guide to us:--"When thou goest, it shall lead thee." It will be a guardian to us: "When thou sleepest"--when thou art defenceless and off thy guard--"it shall keep thee." And it shall also be a dear companion to us: "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee." Any one of these three arguments …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 24.) Differently to be admonished are sowers of strifes and peacemakers. For sowers of strifes are to be admonished to perceive whose followers they are. For of the apostate angel it is written, when tares had been sown among the good crop, An enemy hath done this (Matth. xiii. 28). Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh with his finger, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Jealous God
I. Reverently, let us remember that THE LORD IS EXCEEDINGLY JEALOUS OF HIS DEITY. Our text is coupled with the command--"Thou shalt worship no other God." When the law was thundered from Sinai, the second commandment received force from the divine jealousy--"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863

How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 5.) Differently to be admonished are subjects and prelates: the former that subjection crush them not, the latter that superior place elate them not: the former that they fail not to fulfil what is commanded them, the latter that they command not more to be fulfilled than is just: the former that they submit humbly, the latter that they preside temperately. For this, which may be understood also figuratively, is said to the former, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: but to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

"Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"And watch unto prayer." "Watch." A Christian should watch. A Christian is a watchman by office. This duty of watchfulness is frequently commanded and commended in scripture, Matt. xxiv. 42, Mark xiii. 33, 1 Cor. xvi. 13, Eph. vi. 18, 1 Pet. v. 8, Col. iv. 2; Luke xii. 37. David did wait as they that did watch for the morning light. The ministers of the gospel are styled watchmen in scripture and every Christian should be to himself as a minister is to his flock, he should watch over …
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

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