For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in numberFor she has brought many down to death This phrase begins with a warning about the consequences of succumbing to the temptations of the adulterous woman, a recurring theme in Proverbs. The Hebrew word for "brought down" is "הִפִּילָה" (hippilah), which implies a forceful action, suggesting that the fall into sin is not merely a passive slip but a deliberate act that leads to spiritual and sometimes physical demise. The "death" here is not only physical but also spiritual, symbolizing separation from God. Historically, the wisdom literature of the Bible often uses vivid imagery to convey the dangers of moral and spiritual failure, emphasizing the severe consequences of straying from God's path. her slain are many in number Persons / Places / Events 1. The SeductressThis figure represents the personification of temptation and sin, often depicted as a wayward woman leading others astray. In the context of Proverbs, she symbolizes the dangers of succumbing to immoral desires. 2. The Victims These are the individuals who have fallen prey to the seductress's allure. They represent those who have been led away from wisdom and righteousness, resulting in spiritual and sometimes physical ruin. 3. Solomon Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon is known for his wisdom. He uses this passage to warn against the dangers of immorality and the importance of adhering to wisdom. 4. The Path to Death This is a metaphorical place representing the consequences of following the seductress. It signifies spiritual death and separation from God. 5. The House of the Seductress Symbolically, this is the place where temptation resides. It is a setting of danger and destruction for those who enter. Teaching Points The Deceptive Nature of SinSin often appears attractive and harmless at first, but its end is destruction. We must be vigilant and discerning to avoid being led astray. The Importance of Wisdom Proverbs consistently emphasizes the value of wisdom. By seeking God's wisdom, we can recognize and resist the allure of temptation. Guarding the Heart We must protect our hearts and minds from influences that lead us away from God. This involves being mindful of what we consume and the company we keep. The Consequences of Immorality Engaging in immoral behavior has serious consequences, both spiritually and physically. Understanding this can motivate us to pursue righteousness. Accountability and Community Surrounding ourselves with a community of believers can provide support and accountability, helping us to stay on the path of righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the portrayal of the seductress in Proverbs 7:26 serve as a warning for us today in our daily lives?2. In what ways can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs to guard against modern-day temptations? 3. How do the consequences described in Proverbs 7:26 compare to the warnings found in James 1:14-15? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are seeking and applying God's wisdom in our decision-making? 5. How can being part of a Christian community help us resist the temptations that lead to spiritual death? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 5:3-5This passage also warns about the dangers of the adulterous woman, describing her lips as sweet but her end as bitter as wormwood, leading to death. James 1:14-15 James speaks about how desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. This aligns with the warning in Proverbs 7:26 about the deadly consequences of succumbing to temptation. Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus speaks about the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction, which parallels the path of the seductress leading many to death.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Army, Cast, Caused, Death, Ecclesiastes, Fall, Host, Laid, Low, Mighty, Numerous, Ones, Slain, Strong, Throng, Thrown, Victim, Victims, Wounded, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 7:6-27Library Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law. Text: 2 Corinthians 3, 4-11. 4 And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Blessed are the Poor in Spirit The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Dogmatic. On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. ' A Believer's Privilege at Death Proverbs Links Proverbs 7:26 NIVProverbs 7:26 NLT Proverbs 7:26 ESV Proverbs 7:26 NASB Proverbs 7:26 KJV Proverbs 7:26 Commentaries Bible Hub |