Proverbs 22:14 Commentary and Bible Study

Solomon loves highly graphic images. The description here is of an unfaithful woman who lures and ensnares her victims with sweet solicitous words. She flatters and promises much illicit pleasure to those who will listen to her, for she is not afraid to commit fornication or adultery. The proverb focuses on her mouth out of which comes strong temptation, for she has great skill to beguile with her tongue. It is her words that entrap men and therefore this is the first danger that should be guarded against. Her mouth is graphically pictured as a deep pit, because it is with her mouth that she begins the process of deception. To fall into that pit is to believe the words that come out of her mouth and to act on them, to accept her invitation, and to hand oneself over to her charms. She is a stranger to her victim, for she draws him away from faithfulness and encourages him to abandon the wife of his youth. She does not hide her intention or disguise the fact that what she offers is a casual encounter for she believes that makes her more attractive.Protection from her allurements comes from the Lord, and equally, those who God hates are handed over to her power. What this means is that in every movement of our hearts we should look to the Lord for help. The Christian constantly prays for protection from Satan’s wiles and does not trust his ow strength. One sin leads to another sin, and those who knowingly break God’s commandments weaken themselves and become vulnerable to further devastating temptation. Does the fool think he has scored against the Lord by finding brief pleasure in what the strange woman offers? The awful truth is that God has withdrawn his restraint on the man and allowed him to fall so that he may be punished. God is against him and nothing will therefore work for his good. How earnestly he needs to repent and to come to the Lord for pardon.