With persuasive words she led him astray;
Proverbs 7:21-23 NIV
she seduced him with her smooth talk.
All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer stepping into a noose
till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.
Proverbs was written as advice from a father to his son. And he uses two women to illustrate what he is teaching. The first is Lady Wisdom. Following Lady Wisdom will lead to a morally upright and prosperous life. The second is the Adulterous Woman. This woman is typically pictured as seducing foolish men into sexual immorality. But her activity extends beyond just adultery. She is the contrast to Lady Wisdom. These two women are contending for our hearts and thoughts. Which we listen to will determine the course of our lives.
Like the Serpent with Eve, the Adulterous Woman comes to us with persuasive words and smooth talk. Her words can be very appealing, offering us happiness and abundance. Trying to convince us that the good life she offers is better than anything Lady Wisdom could give us.
But in the end, hers is the way to death. And those who follow her are pictured like oxen going to the slaughter, not knowing what awaits until it is too late. The life she offers is not what she gives in the end.
Don’t be led astray by the Adulterous Woman’s smooth talk and persuasive words. Words that lead to death. Listen instead to the words of Lady Wisdom, God’s words, and find true life.
