What does Proverbs 7:16 mean?
As part of a scheme to seduce a careless young man (Proverbs 7:9–15), the predatory woman begins to describe her bedroom in alluring terms. Though what she describes is luxurious and attractive (Proverbs 7:17), it presents nothing but death and ruin for those who fall for the trap (Proverbs 6:25–26).It is typical of the Devil and his followers to depict something evil and offensive to God as attractive and inviting. Although Joshua told the Israelites that Jericho and its contents were devoted to the Lord for destruction and they were to keep themselves from the things devoted to destruction (Joshua 6:17–18), Achan disobeyed. He confessed, "Truly I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them" (Joshua 7:20–21). What Achan saw as highly desirable cost him his life (Joshua 7:22–26), and what the foolish young man perceived as desirable would cost him dearly, even costing his life (Proverbs 7:22–23).
Proverbs 7:10–23 describes an adulteress as aggressive and seductive. Though speaking to his son, Solomon's lessons here are meant for all people. This passage is part of Solomon's teaching about the dangers of sin and temptation. The prior passage spoke of a reckless youth (Proverbs 7:6–9), who now suffers the consequences of his own choices. The woman in this story takes advantage of the young man's lust and carelessness. Solomon compares the trap she springs to those used to capture ox, a deer, and a bird.
Repeating a theme common to the early chapters of Proverbs, Solomon once again presents a dire warning about the dangers of adultery. This comes in the form of a story about a foolish young man being seduced by a predatory woman. Solomon says this is something he has seen—meaning this is likely a summary of many such examples he has witnessed in his life. The result of these reckless sins is misery and death, for both men and women alike.
