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Proverbs 7:12
ESV now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait.
NIV now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)
NASB She is now in the streets, now in the public squares, And lurks by every corner.
CSB Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.
NLT She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.
KJV Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
NKJV At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner.

What does Proverbs 7:12 mean?

The seductive woman, possibly a prostitute (Proverbs 7:10), goes from street to market to every corner in a predatory search for clients. Solomon says, "she lies in wait." This expression characterizes her as a savage animal who lies in wait for unsuspecting prey to pounce on and devour. The foolish young man does not realize the danger which is about to engulf him. Like an unwary animal, he steps into the path of the savage attacker. The use of these various terms also implies that such temptations can be almost anywhere: they are not always found in obvious situations.

These sin-seeking actions echo those of the Devil himself. He travels around the earth in search of victims, those who will fall for his temptations. The apostle Peter warned believers to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). If the foolish young man were not roaming the streets, he would not have encountered the seductress woman. It has been said, "If you don't want to eat bitter fruit, stay out of the Devil's orchard."
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