Proverbs 7:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home;

NIV: (She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home;

NASB: She is boisterous and rebellious, Her feet do not remain at home;

CSB: She is loud and defiant; her feet do not stay at home.

NLT: She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home.

KJV: She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

NKJV: She was loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home.

Solomon further describes the sin-seeking woman who preys on a foolish young man as "loud." In this context, this is more than simply a reference to her voice, or her personality. This is a commentary on her willingness to celebrate her sin, rather than being ashamed of it. This is extremely different from the woman the apostle Peter commends. He calls that woman "respectful" and having "pure conduct" (1 Peter 3:2). Instead of dressing like a prostitute (Proverbs 7:10), the commendable woman's adorning is "the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4).

As with similar lessons in the book of Proverbs, the imagery presented depicts a woman seducing a man, but the principles apply equally to both sexes. Many of the principles also apply more broadly to the seductive nature of sin of any kind, not just to adultery.

The prostitute Solomon describes is anything but a devoted wife. Proverbs 31 extols the virtue of a wife who is industrious and attentive to the needs of her household. The prostitute prefers the streets and night life. "Her feet do not stay at home," Solomon says. Paul warned Timothy about younger widows, whose "passions draw them away from Christ" (1 Timothy 5:11). They become "idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not" (1 Timothy 5:13). Although Paul doesn't accuse them of prostitution, it is clear that rejection of one's family life or personal responsibilities can lead to trouble.

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.

In Proverbs 5 and 6 Solomon warns his son against adultery. He describes the evil woman, the adulteress, as deceptive and dangerous. While this is valid in a literal sense, it also serves as a general warning about the seductive nature of sin. In this chapter he continues his counsel about adultery, stressing the tactics used in temptation and how falling to them leads to death. The following chapter will return to the personification of wisdom as a woman, begging to be honored.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.