Provérbios 6
F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin
Provérbios 6
Meyer - Our Daily Homily - If the son addressed here is bidden to thus care for the words of his parents, how much more should we ponder those of God as given us in God’s blessed Book. When thou walkest, it shall lead thee. — There is a little circle of friends whom I know of who read this book of Proverbs through every month for practical direction on the path of life. A West-countryman said of this collection of wise words, “If any man shall maister the Book of Proverbs, no man shall maister he.” Take for instance the weighty counsels of the first five verses. How many lives would have been saved from bitter anguish and disappointment if only they had been ruled by them! Let every young man also ponder the closing verses. Let us all meditate more constantly on the Word of God. When thou sleepest, it shall watch thee. — The man who meditates on the Word of God by day will not be troubled by evil dreams at night. Whatever unholy spirits may prowl around his bed, they will be restrained from molesting him whose head is pillowed on some holy word of God. And on awakening, the Angel of Revelation will whisper words of encouragement and love. And when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. — The heart is accustomed to commune with itself about many things, but when the mind is full of God through his Word, it seems as though the monologue becomes a dialogue. To all our wonderings, fears, questionings, answers come back from the infinite glory in words of Scripture. Some wear amulets about their necks to preserve them; but the Word of God is both a safeguard and choice treasure. Proverbs 6:22 When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you. Pr 2:11; 3:23,24; Ps 17:4; 43:3; 119:9,11,24,54,97,148; Da 11:18, 19, 20, 21 Bridges - Let the law be the friend for all times and circumstances—a guide by day(Pr 3:22, 23, 4:12)—a solace by night(Pr 3:24, Ps 63:5)—yea—a friend for thy waking moments (Ps 139:17-18). Take care that nothing hinders thy early converse with this faithful counsellor—before the world comes in, as the best means of keeping the world out. ‘Happy is the mind, to which the word is an undivided companion.’ (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life Commandment - Ps 119:98, 99, 100, Is 8:20; 2Pe 1:19 Reproofs - Pr 5:12; 15:31; 29:15; Lev 19:17; Ps 141:5, Heb 12:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Pr 3:18; 4:4,13; 15:24; Je 21:8 Psalms 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Thy words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 2 Peter 1:19 (note) And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. For - Always pause and ponder this strategic term of explanation - Ask (and attempt to answer) at least one simple question - "What is the writer explaining?" Remember that when you find a "for" at the beginning of a verse, it is usually (not 100% - check the context = Keep Context King) a term of explanation. In Proverbs 5-7 there a several "for's" for you to pause and ponder. (Pr 5:3, 20, 21, Pr 6:23, 26, 34, Pr 7:6, 19, 26). As an aside there are over 9000 occurrences of for in the NASB, which should give you many opportunities to practice (and make "perfect") the discipline of interrogating the Biblical text (See interrogate with the 5W/H questions). Bridges - Such a lamp—so full of light—in this dark world (Ps 119:105) is an inestimable gift. Its reproofs of instruction—as the discipline of our wayward will—are to us as the way of life. (Ps 19:11, 2Ti 3:16-17, cp Mt 7:13-14) (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) In his excellent book (which I highly recommend) My Heart for Thy Cause, written especially to pastors, Brian Borgman writes these words regarding guarding against sexual impurity… as a preventive discipline, the man of God should load his conscience with the warnings of Scripture and the issues at stake. Owen also gives this advice, when he says, 'Load thy conscience with the guilt of it.' First, there is the holy Law of God. The seventh commandment forbids adultery (Ex 20:14). It is such a heinous sin that God continually illustrates spiritual apostasy in terms of adultery. Next, bring the nature of the sin into the light of the gospel, thinking deeply upon the abundant mercy and grace God has shown in the gospel. Meditate upon His love and faithfulness. Ponder afresh the greatness of forgiveness and salvation. Owen's words are priceless, 'If this make it not sink in some measure and melt (i.e., bringing the lust to the gospel mercy of God) I fear thy case is dangerous.' Consider the threats against adulterers (1Co 6:9, 10; Gal. 5:19, 20, 21; Ep 5:3, 4, 5). Consider the danger of tasting that forbidden fruit and then being enslaved and hardened, entering the road to apostasy (Heb 3:12, 13, 14). Meditate upon the terrifying words, 'Depart from me you worker of iniquity!' Cling to God's promises to supply His people with grace to fight the good fight. The author heartily recommends John Piper's Future Grace (Sister, OR: Multnomah, 1995) especially chapter 27 on lust (Multnomah, 1995). Not only does the conscience need to be loaded with the warnings and promises of Scripture, but it also needs to be loaded with the issues at stake. Randy Alcorn gives a number of consequences to sexual impurity: (This list is an edited compilation of a seminary chapel session given by Randy Alcorn at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Or) Grieving the Lord who redeemed us, thus displeasing the One whose opinion matters most. Dragging Christ's precious name in the mud, giving the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme. Having to face the Lord Jesus at His judgment seat, being accountable for the sin and its consequences. Experiencing severe Divine discipline. Adding my name to the list of disgraced leaders, held in contempt by the church and world. Causing untold suffering to those around me, in the congregation and others, much like Achan. Loss of respect from my precious wife. Loss of trust from my life partner. Untold hurt to my precious children. Betrayal of my office, and total loss of credibility in ministry, nullifying all labor. Shame to my family (the cruel comments which would come to my wife and children). A bloodied conscience, and a sin which would ever be before me. Disqualified from the calling and ministry I love. Years of training, education, experience, all wasted for a moment of pleasure. Irretrievable damage to my witness, especially among loved ones. Being a stumbling block for the gospel to those in my community. Possible physical consequences (gonorrhea, herpes, AIDS, the infection of my spouse, etc.) The consequences are painful just to think about! If the mere thinking on these things brings pain, what would be the reality of it! A man who loses his moral integrity loses all respect and confidence. Make no mistake about it, falling into sexual immorality is to ruin one's life and ministry. Proverbs 6:24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Pr 2:16; 5:3; 7:5; Eccl 7:26 The evil woman is on the prowl and she knows how to say the words you want to hear! As Thomas Manton warned… All sins are rooted in love of pleasure. Therefore be watchful. Comment: And I would add that many of these sins are rooted in the pleasure of "love", albeit the vapid, empty, selfish, self-serving, narcissistic eros love that the world espouses. Look out! Don't be deceived. Sin is pleasurable but it neglects to tell you the price for what is only passing pleasure. See He 11:25-note) Bridges - Specially valuable is this lamp and light in sensual temptation (Pr 2:10-11, 16-19, 5:1-8, 7:1-5). Those who choose their own light and wisdom, are sure to fall into a flattering snare (Pr 2:16, 7:21). The neglect of parental warning will furnish in the end bitter matter for unavailing repentance. (Pr 5:11-13) Oh! let the Father’s instruction be heard betimes—"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Ps 119:9, cp Pr 5:11, 17:4)" (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Proverbs 6:25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart, Nor let her capture you with her eyelids. Lust - 2Sa 11:2, 3, 4, 5; Mt 5:28; James 1:14,15 2Ki 9:30; Song 4:9; Is 3:16 Bridges - Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. 27. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28. Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29. So is he that goeth in to his neighbor’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. Yet neither the present miseries of this wretched course, nor the certain horror of the end, can draw away the foot, that has dared to tread the forbidden path Solomon here gives our Lord’s own rule (Matt. 5:28. Comp. Jam. 1:14, 15, Job 31:1, Ps. 119:37.). Resist lust in its first rising in the heart. By vain beauty (Pr 31:30, Gen, 6:2, 39:6, 2 Sam. 11:2. Cp. Ecclus. 25:21) and wanton eyes (Ge. 39:7, 2 Kings 9:30; Marg. Isa. 3:16, 2 Peter 2:14. Comp. Paradise Lost, Book xi. l. 620), many a deluded victim has been brought to a piece of bread (Pr 5:10; 29:3, 1Sa 2:26, 36, Job 31:9, 12, Luke 15:13, 30. Cp. the difference between Solomon’s chaste and unholy age. 1Ki 10:21, 27 with 1Ki 12:4.). Nay—so insatiable is the seducer’s malice, that—like the huntsman, who never loses sight of his prey, till he has pursued it to death—she never ceases to solicit, till she has hunted for the precious life. (Gen. 39:14, Jdg 16:18–21. Cp. Eze. 13:18, 20, 21.) Yet neither the present miseries of this wretched course, nor the certain horror of the end, can draw away the foot, that has dared to tread the forbidden path. Self-confidence sees and fears no danger. ‘I can look to myself, I need not go too far, and I shall get no harm.’ Did the infatuated sinner but open his eyes, he would as soon expect to take fire into his bosom, and his clothes not be burned; or to go upon hot coals, and not be burned; as to go wilfully into sin, and to escape the punishment. (Ex. 20:14, 17, Lev. 20:10, 2Sa 12:9, Mal. 3:5. Even as a sin of ignorance it was liable to be visited. Ge 12:15–18; 20:1–6; 26:10. So strictly has the holy Lord fenced his own ordinance! See Mede’s Sermon on Pr 4:23.) Sin and punishment are linked together by a chain of adamant. ‘The fire of lust kindles the fire of hell.’(Henry in loco. Comp. Job 31:12, James 1:14, 15) He cannot afterwards plead the strength of the temptation. Why did he not avoid it? (1Co 10:13) Who that knows how much tinder he carries about him, would wilfully light up the sparks? Heedlessly to rush into temptation, is to provoke the corruption, which is too ready to stir of itself. Beware of suspicious familiarities on the borders of sin. (Ge 39:10, Ro 13:13, 1Th. 5:22) The temptation to criminality in this atmosphere is fearful.(2Sa 11:2–4) Whosoever toucheth shall not be innocent. (Ge 20:6, 39:9, 1Co 7:1.)(An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Desire - Lxx uses epithumia (word study) which in this context speaks of evil lusts (some lusts in Scripture are good - Lk 22:15). Compare other uses of epithumia in the context of evil desires = Ro 1:24 [note], Col 3:5 [note], 1Th 4:5 [note], 1Peter 2:11 [note]. Nor let her capture your eyelids - "The 'eyes' have it" -- Watch out for the eyes men! This is Solomon's advice. This advice is especially vital if you are in a situation where as a man you are giving counsel to a woman who is not your wife. In the first place this is probably (scratch "probably"!) not the best course of action but may be unavoidable. Whenever a woman begins to relate her trials or troubles to me and I sense she needs wise counsel, I send her to my wife who is a godly counselor. If as a man you must counsel a woman, number one, make sure your door is open and your window shades are open, so that you maintain visibility to others outside your office. (I read once that this apparently was Billy Graham's practice.) Never (ever) physically touch a woman in private, and any/all physical contact should be in full view of others and done with utmost discretion (as brothers and sister's in Christ - I personally would shy away from the "holy kiss" in our modern culture! Ro 16:16-note, 1Co 16:20, 2Co 13:12, 1Th 5:26-note) Pfeiffer commenting on the ancient custom of a holy kiss writes that… its character was completely divorced from the sensual. A pure display of the deep emotion of Christian love, this type of kiss remained a Christian custom until abuse and heathen misunderstanding caused the practice to be curtailed. (Pfeiffer, C F: Wycliffe Bible Commentary. 1981. Moody or Logos) And to reiterate, as Solomon warns in this passage (and remember he had lots of women's eyes to look into over his life time 1Ki 11:3), beware of eye contact whether it is flirtatious or inquisitive. Remember, she has eye makeup on and you don't! Capture - This Hebrew verb laqah (03947) can convey the sense of to grasp or seize a person (e.g., see Ezek 8:3) As the Puritan writer William Gurnall well advised… Set a strong guard about thy outward senses. These are Satan's landing-place, especially the eye and ear. (cp Pr 4:23 - note) Proverbs 6:26 For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread, and an adulteress * hunts for the precious life. Pr 5:10; 29:3,8; Lk 15:13, 14, 15, 30 1Sa 2:36 Ge 39:14; Ezek 13:8 For - Always pause and ponder this strategic term of explanation - Ask (and attempt to answer) at least one simple question - "What is the writer explaining?" Remember that when you find a "for" at the beginning of a verse, it is usually (not 100% - check the context = Keep Context King) a term of explanation. In Proverbs 5-7 there a several "for's" for you to pause and ponder. (Pr 5:3, 20, 21, Pr 6:23, 26, 34, Pr 7:6, 19, 26). As an aside there are over 9000 occurrences of for in the NASB, which should give you many opportunities to practice (and make "perfect") the discipline of interrogating the Biblical text (See interrogate with the 5W/H questions). In this context Solomon explains the ultimate danger of making intimate eye contact. Bridges - By vain beauty, (Pr 31:30, Ge 6:2, 39:6, 2Sa 11:2) and wanton eyes (Ge 39:7, 2Ki 9:30, Isa 3:16, 2Pe 2:14. Comp "Paradise Lost, Book 9.50.620), many a deluded victim has been brought to a piece of bread. (Pr 5:10, 29:3, 1Sa 2:26, 36, Job 31:9, 12, Lk 15:13, 30. Comp. the difference between Solomon's chaste and unholy age. 1Ki 10:21, 27 with 1Ki 12:4) Nay—so insatiable is the seducer’s malice, that—like the huntsman, who never loses sight of his prey, till he has pursued it to death—she never ceases to solicit, till she has hunted for the precious life. (Ge 39:14, Jdg 16:18-21l Comp. Ezek 13:18, 20, 21) (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Harlot - Is the verb zanah (02181) which conveys the main idea of one who commits illicit sex, as when a woman prostitutes herself and is used 4 times with this meaning in Proverbs - Pr 6:26NLT; Pr 7:10; 23:27; 29:3. Note that many of the uses are figurative and describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God and her "whoring" with pagan nations (Isa 23:17, Ezek 23:30, Nah 3:4 and other so-called gods [vain idols] - Ex 34:15, 16, Dt 31:16, Ezek 6:9, Ho 9:1) Zanah - 83v in the OT in NAS - Gen. 34:31; 38:15, 24; Ex 34:15, 16; Lev. 17:7; 19:29; 20:5f; 21:7, 9, 14; Num. 15:39; 25:1; Deut. 22:21; 23:18; 31:16; Jos. 2:1; 6:17, 22, 25; Jdg. 2:17; 8:27, 33; 11:1; 16:1; 19:2; 1 Ki. 3:16; 22:38; 1 Chr. 5:25; 2 Chr. 21:11, 13; Ps. 73:27; 106:39; Pr 6:26; 7:10; 23:27; 29:3; Isa. 1:21; 23:15, 16, 17; 57:3; Jer. 2:20; 3:1, 3, 6, 8; 5:7; Ezek. 6:9; 16:15, 16, 17, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 41; 20:30; 23:3, 5, 19, 30, 43, 44; Hos. 1:2; 2:5; 3:3; 4:10, 12, 13,14, 18; 5:3; 9:1; Joel 3:3; Amos 7:17; Mic. 1:7; Nah. 3:4. All uses of Zanah in Proverbs… (Prov 6:26) For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread, And an adulteress hunts for the precious life. (Prov 7:10) And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart. (Prov 23:27) For a harlot is a deep pit And an adulterous woman is a narrow well. (Prov 29:3) A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. Zanah is rendered in the NAS as adulterous(1), become a harlot(1), commit adultery(1), commits flagrant harlotry(1), fall to harlotry(1), harlot(22), harlot*(3), harlot's*(2), harlot's(2), harlotry(3), harlots(5), making a harlot(1), play the harlot(18), play the harlot continually(1), played the harlot(24), playing the harlot(3), plays the harlot(1), prostitute(1), unfaithful (1).
Provérbios 6:20-35
Meyer - Our Daily Homily - If the son addressed here is bidden to thus care for the words of his parents, how much more should we ponder those of God as given us in God’s blessed Book. When thou walkest, it shall lead thee. — There is a little circle of friends whom I know of who read this book of Proverbs through every month for practical direction on the path of life. A West-countryman said of this collection of wise words, “If any man shall maister the Book of Proverbs, no man shall maister he.” Take for instance the weighty counsels of the first five verses. How many lives would have been saved from bitter anguish and disappointment if only they had been ruled by them! Let every young man also ponder the closing verses. Let us all meditate more constantly on the Word of God. When thou sleepest, it shall watch thee. — The man who meditates on the Word of God by day will not be troubled by evil dreams at night. Whatever unholy spirits may prowl around his bed, they will be restrained from molesting him whose head is pillowed on some holy word of God. And on awakening, the Angel of Revelation will whisper words of encouragement and love. And when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. — The heart is accustomed to commune with itself about many things, but when the mind is full of God through his Word, it seems as though the monologue becomes a dialogue. To all our wonderings, fears, questionings, answers come back from the infinite glory in words of Scripture. Some wear amulets about their necks to preserve them; but the Word of God is both a safeguard and choice treasure. Proverbs 6:22 When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you. Pr 2:11; 3:23,24; Ps 17:4; 43:3; 119:9,11,24,54,97,148; Da 11:18, 19, 20, 21 Bridges - Let the law be the friend for all times and circumstances—a guide by day(Pr 3:22, 23, 4:12)—a solace by night(Pr 3:24, Ps 63:5)—yea—a friend for thy waking moments (Ps 139:17-18). Take care that nothing hinders thy early converse with this faithful counsellor—before the world comes in, as the best means of keeping the world out. ‘Happy is the mind, to which the word is an undivided companion.’ (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life Commandment - Ps 119:98, 99, 100, Is 8:20; 2Pe 1:19 Reproofs - Pr 5:12; 15:31; 29:15; Lev 19:17; Ps 141:5, Heb 12:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Pr 3:18; 4:4,13; 15:24; Je 21:8 Psalms 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Thy words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 2 Peter 1:19 (note) And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. For - Always pause and ponder this strategic term of explanation - Ask (and attempt to answer) at least one simple question - "What is the writer explaining?" Remember that when you find a "for" at the beginning of a verse, it is usually (not 100% - check the context = Keep Context King) a term of explanation. In Proverbs 5-7 there a several "for's" for you to pause and ponder. (Pr 5:3, 20, 21, Pr 6:23, 26, 34, Pr 7:6, 19, 26). As an aside there are over 9000 occurrences of for in the NASB, which should give you many opportunities to practice (and make "perfect") the discipline of interrogating the Biblical text (See interrogate with the 5W/H questions). Bridges - Such a lamp—so full of light—in this dark world (Ps 119:105) is an inestimable gift. Its reproofs of instruction—as the discipline of our wayward will—are to us as the way of life. (Ps 19:11, 2Ti 3:16-17, cp Mt 7:13-14) (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) In his excellent book (which I highly recommend) My Heart for Thy Cause, written especially to pastors, Brian Borgman writes these words regarding guarding against sexual impurity… as a preventive discipline, the man of God should load his conscience with the warnings of Scripture and the issues at stake. Owen also gives this advice, when he says, 'Load thy conscience with the guilt of it.' First, there is the holy Law of God. The seventh commandment forbids adultery (Ex 20:14). It is such a heinous sin that God continually illustrates spiritual apostasy in terms of adultery. Next, bring the nature of the sin into the light of the gospel, thinking deeply upon the abundant mercy and grace God has shown in the gospel. Meditate upon His love and faithfulness. Ponder afresh the greatness of forgiveness and salvation. Owen's words are priceless, 'If this make it not sink in some measure and melt (i.e., bringing the lust to the gospel mercy of God) I fear thy case is dangerous.' Consider the threats against adulterers (1Co 6:9, 10; Gal. 5:19, 20, 21; Ep 5:3, 4, 5). Consider the danger of tasting that forbidden fruit and then being enslaved and hardened, entering the road to apostasy (Heb 3:12, 13, 14). Meditate upon the terrifying words, 'Depart from me you worker of iniquity!' Cling to God's promises to supply His people with grace to fight the good fight. The author heartily recommends John Piper's Future Grace (Sister, OR: Multnomah, 1995) especially chapter 27 on lust (Multnomah, 1995). Not only does the conscience need to be loaded with the warnings and promises of Scripture, but it also needs to be loaded with the issues at stake. Randy Alcorn gives a number of consequences to sexual impurity: (This list is an edited compilation of a seminary chapel session given by Randy Alcorn at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Or) Grieving the Lord who redeemed us, thus displeasing the One whose opinion matters most. Dragging Christ's precious name in the mud, giving the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme. Having to face the Lord Jesus at His judgment seat, being accountable for the sin and its consequences. Experiencing severe Divine discipline. Adding my name to the list of disgraced leaders, held in contempt by the church and world. Causing untold suffering to those around me, in the congregation and others, much like Achan. Loss of respect from my precious wife. Loss of trust from my life partner. Untold hurt to my precious children. Betrayal of my office, and total loss of credibility in ministry, nullifying all labor. Shame to my family (the cruel comments which would come to my wife and children). A bloodied conscience, and a sin which would ever be before me. Disqualified from the calling and ministry I love. Years of training, education, experience, all wasted for a moment of pleasure. Irretrievable damage to my witness, especially among loved ones. Being a stumbling block for the gospel to those in my community. Possible physical consequences (gonorrhea, herpes, AIDS, the infection of my spouse, etc.) The consequences are painful just to think about! If the mere thinking on these things brings pain, what would be the reality of it! A man who loses his moral integrity loses all respect and confidence. Make no mistake about it, falling into sexual immorality is to ruin one's life and ministry. Proverbs 6:24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Pr 2:16; 5:3; 7:5; Eccl 7:26 The evil woman is on the prowl and she knows how to say the words you want to hear! As Thomas Manton warned… All sins are rooted in love of pleasure. Therefore be watchful. Comment: And I would add that many of these sins are rooted in the pleasure of "love", albeit the vapid, empty, selfish, self-serving, narcissistic eros love that the world espouses. Look out! Don't be deceived. Sin is pleasurable but it neglects to tell you the price for what is only passing pleasure. See He 11:25-note) Bridges - Specially valuable is this lamp and light in sensual temptation (Pr 2:10-11, 16-19, 5:1-8, 7:1-5). Those who choose their own light and wisdom, are sure to fall into a flattering snare (Pr 2:16, 7:21). The neglect of parental warning will furnish in the end bitter matter for unavailing repentance. (Pr 5:11-13) Oh! let the Father’s instruction be heard betimes—"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Ps 119:9, cp Pr 5:11, 17:4)" (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Proverbs 6:25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart, Nor let her capture you with her eyelids. Lust - 2Sa 11:2, 3, 4, 5; Mt 5:28; James 1:14,15 2Ki 9:30; Song 4:9; Is 3:16 Bridges - Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26. For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. 27. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28. Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29. So is he that goeth in to his neighbor’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Desire - Lxx uses epithumia (word study) which in this context speaks of evil lusts (some lusts in Scripture are good - Lk 22:15). Compare other uses of epithumia in the context of evil desires = Ro 1:24 [note], Col 3:5 [note], 1Th 4:5 [note], 1Peter 2:11 [note]. Nor let her capture your eyelids - "The 'eyes' have it" -- Watch out for the eyes men! This is Solomon's advice. This advice is especially vital if you are in a situation where as a man you are giving counsel to a woman who is not your wife. In the first place this is probably (scratch "probably"!) not the best course of action but may be unavoidable. Whenever a woman begins to relate her trials or troubles to me and I sense she needs wise counsel, I send her to my wife who is a godly counselor. If as a man you must counsel a woman, number one, make sure your door is open and your window shades are open, so that you maintain visibility to others outside your office. (I read once that this apparently was Billy Graham's practice.) Never (ever) physically touch a woman in private, and any/all physical contact should be in full view of others and done with utmost discretion (as brothers and sister's in Christ - I personally would shy away from the "holy kiss" in our modern culture! Ro 16:16-note, 1Co 16:20, 2Co 13:12, 1Th 5:26-note) Pfeiffer commenting on the ancient custom of a holy kiss writes that… its character was completely divorced from the sensual. A pure display of the deep emotion of Christian love, this type of kiss remained a Christian custom until abuse and heathen misunderstanding caused the practice to be curtailed. (Pfeiffer, C F: Wycliffe Bible Commentary. 1981. Moody or Logos) And to reiterate, as Solomon warns in this passage (and remember he had lots of women's eyes to look into over his life time 1Ki 11:3), beware of eye contact whether it is flirtatious or inquisitive. Remember, she has eye makeup on and you don't! Capture - This Hebrew verb laqah (03947) can convey the sense of to grasp or seize a person (e.g., see Ezek 8:3) As the Puritan writer William Gurnall well advised… Set a strong guard about thy outward senses. These are Satan's landing-place, especially the eye and ear. (cp Pr 4:23 - note) Proverbs 6:26 For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread, and an adulteress * hunts for the precious life. Pr 5:10; 29:3,8; Lk 15:13, 14, 15, 30 1Sa 2:36 Ge 39:14; Ezek 13:8 For - Always pause and ponder this strategic term of explanation - Ask (and attempt to answer) at least one simple question - "What is the writer explaining?" Remember that when you find a "for" at the beginning of a verse, it is usually (not 100% - check the context = Keep Context King) a term of explanation. In Proverbs 5-7 there a several "for's" for you to pause and ponder. (Pr 5:3, 20, 21, Pr 6:23, 26, 34, Pr 7:6, 19, 26). As an aside there are over 9000 occurrences of for in the NASB, which should give you many opportunities to practice (and make "perfect") the discipline of interrogating the Biblical text (See interrogate with the 5W/H questions). In this context Solomon explains the ultimate danger of making intimate eye contact. Bridges - By vain beauty, (Pr 31:30, Ge 6:2, 39:6, 2Sa 11:2) and wanton eyes (Ge 39:7, 2Ki 9:30, Isa 3:16, 2Pe 2:14. Comp "Paradise Lost, Book 9.50.620), many a deluded victim has been brought to a piece of bread. (Pr 5:10, 29:3, 1Sa 2:26, 36, Job 31:9, 12, Lk 15:13, 30. Comp. the difference between Solomon's chaste and unholy age. 1Ki 10:21, 27 with 1Ki 12:4) Nay—so insatiable is the seducer’s malice, that—like the huntsman, who never loses sight of his prey, till he has pursued it to death—she never ceases to solicit, till she has hunted for the precious life. (Ge 39:14, Jdg 16:18-21l Comp. Ezek 13:18, 20, 21) (An exposition of the Book of Proverbs - Chapter 6) Harlot - Is the verb zanah (02181) which conveys the main idea of one who commits illicit sex, as when a woman prostitutes herself and is used 4 times with this meaning in Proverbs - Pr 6:26NLT; Pr 7:10; 23:27; 29:3. Note that many of the uses are figurative and describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God and her "whoring" with pagan nations (Isa 23:17, Ezek 23:30, Nah 3:4 and other so-called gods [vain idols] - Ex 34:15, 16, Dt 31:16, Ezek 6:9, Ho 9:1) Zanah - 83v in the OT in NAS - Gen. 34:31; 38:15, 24; Ex 34:15, 16; Lev. 17:7; 19:29; 20:5f; 21:7, 9, 14; Num. 15:39; 25:1; Deut. 22:21; 23:18; 31:16; Jos. 2:1; 6:17, 22, 25; Jdg. 2:17; 8:27, 33; 11:1; 16:1; 19:2; 1 Ki. 3:16; 22:38; 1 Chr. 5:25; 2 Chr. 21:11, 13; Ps. 73:27; 106:39; Pr 6:26; 7:10; 23:27; 29:3; Isa. 1:21; 23:15, 16, 17; 57:3; Jer. 2:20; 3:1, 3, 6, 8; 5:7; Ezek. 6:9; 16:15, 16, 17, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 41; 20:30; 23:3, 5, 19, 30, 43, 44; Hos. 1:2; 2:5; 3:3; 4:10, 12, 13,14, 18; 5:3; 9:1; Joel 3:3; Amos 7:17; Mic. 1:7; Nah. 3:4. All uses of Zanah in Proverbs… (Prov 6:26) For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread, And an adulteress hunts for the precious life. (Prov 7:10) And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart. (Prov 23:27) For a harlot is a deep pit And an adulterous woman is a narrow well. (Prov 29:3) A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, But he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth. Zanah is rendered in the NAS as adulterous(1), become a harlot(1), commit adultery(1), commits flagrant harlotry(1), fall to harlotry(1), harlot(22), harlot*(3), harlot's*(2), harlot's(2), harlotry(3), harlots(5), making a harlot(1), play the harlot(18), play the harlot continually(1), played the harlot(24), playing the harlot(3), plays the harlot(1), prostitute(1), unfaithful (1).