Proverbs 7 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study
Proverbs 7 Short Summary:
In Proverbs 7, Solomon encourages his son to embrace wisdom like an intimate friend. Solomon knew that if he could get his son to love wisdom, he would never fall into the trap of making love to a forbidden woman in an adulterous affair. Solomon describes a scene in which a foolish young man is enticed by a married woman, and writes that the young man is unaware that he is being led to her bed like an ox goes to the slaughter.
Proverbs 7 Summary
THEMES:
One who embraces wisdom will not embrace a forbidden woman.
DEFINITIONS:
Wily of Heart (7:10) – A deceitful heart that’s good at getting what it desires.
Sheol (7:27) – The place of the departed; the grave.
OUTLINE:
AS AN OX TO THE SLAUGHTER (7:1-27):
Solomon wanted his son to embrace the virtue of wisdom like a dear family member or friend.
He writes, “Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend.”
He then continues warning his son about forbidden women, which he previously addressed at the end of Proverbs 7.
If wisdom was held close like an intimate friend, it would keep his son from embracing an adulteress woman.
Solomon describes himself looking out his window and seeing a man get caught in the trap of an adulteress.
The young foolish man is walking through the streets of his city but has failed to properly protect his heart.
At twilight, he is approached by a woman who comes out of her house dressed as if she were a prostitute.
She seizes the young man and kisses him, and invites him into her bed, informing him that her husband is away on a long journey.
The young man gives into the temptation and goes into her house.
Solomon says the young man is like an ox walking willingly into the slaughterhouse, unaware of the fate that awaits him.
Solomon writes, “And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth… many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death” (7:27).
APPLICATION:
When your heart and mind are busy embracing God’s wisdom, your arms won’t reach for forbidden things.
This is why Paul said, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Php 4:8).
You must fill your time with something. You can either fill it with godly actions and godly meditations, or Satan will find a way to fill it with rotten things.
Today, you have an option as to what you are going to embrace. Will you embrace wisdom and serve God with your time? Or will you walk aimlessly through the streets of your town waiting for sin to come out of an empty house and lure you inside?
The wise Christian always walks with purpose and with their guard up. There are lions in the streets, and we don’t want to be their next victim.
