Proverbs 7:12 - Printer Friendly

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.

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."

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.