(The Lord speaking is red text)
(She [is] loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
She's the coarse, impulsive type, whose feet don't stay at home;
She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home.
(She is clamorous and wilful; Her feet abide not in her house:
(She is loud{H1993} and stubborn{H5637}; her feet{H7272} abide{H7931} not in her house{H1004}:
1. **Thematic Summary**: Proverbs 7:11 is part of a larger passage in the book of Proverbs that warns against the seductive and dangerous path of adultery. The verse itself describes a woman who is characterized as "loud and stubborn," indicating her brazen and rebellious nature. Her unwillingness to stay at home suggests a rejection of domestic order and an inclination to wander, which in the context of the chapter, points to her seeking out illicit relationships. The historical context of this verse reflects the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where a woman's place was typically in the home, and her virtue was closely tied to her chastity and fidelity. The verse serves as a cautionary portrayal, emphasizing the perils of moral waywardness and the importance of wisdom in avoiding temptation and maintaining personal integrity.
2. **Historical Context**: The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and instructions likely compiled over many years, with contributions from various sages, including Solomon, who is traditionally credited with much of its content. The proverbs were designed to impart wisdom and guidance for living a virtuous life according to the principles of ancient Israelite society. Proverbs 7, in particular, is part of a section that scholars believe may have been used for the instruction of young men, warning them of the "strange woman" who represents folly and moral danger. In the broader context of the ancient Near East, the emphasis on a woman's virtue and the dire warnings against adultery reflect the social norms and legal codes of the time, which sought to protect family lineage, property rights, and social stability.
3. **Textual Analysis**: The language of Proverbs 7:11 is vivid and descriptive, painting a picture of a woman who is anything but demure and submissive, qualities that would have been highly valued in a woman of that era. The verse uses strong terms to convey her disruptive presence and disregard for societal expectations. Her "loud" behavior contrasts with the ideal of a quiet and gentle demeanor, while her "stubborn" nature suggests a willful disobedience to authority. That "her feet abide not in her house" implies a literal and figurative departure from the safety and propriety of the domestic sphere, symbolizing a journey towards moral chaos and the undoing of societal order. This verse encapsulates the broader theme of the chapter, which is the allure of folly over wisdom, a motif that resonates with the overarching message of the book of Proverbs.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)