Proverbs 2:16

KJV

To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

KJV (with Strong's)

To deliver {H5337} thee from the strange {H2114} woman {H802}, even from the stranger {H5237} which flattereth {H2505} with her words {H561};

Complete Jewish Bible

They will save you from a woman who is a stranger, from a loose woman with smooth talk,

Berean Standard Bible

It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words

American Standard Version

To deliver thee from the strange woman, Even from the foreigner that flattereth with her words;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 2:16 serves as a vital warning within the broader discourse on wisdom's protective power, specifically highlighting its ability to deliver the wise from the seductive and destructive influence of the "strange woman." This verse underscores the insidious nature of moral corruption, portraying it as an enticement that uses smooth, deceptive words to lure individuals away from the path of righteousness and into ruin, thereby emphasizing the critical discernment that true wisdom provides.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 2 opens with an urgent and earnest appeal for the reader to actively seek, receive, and treasure wisdom, understanding, and discernment as if they were hidden riches ([Proverbs 2:1-4](/proverbs/2-1-4 "Proverbs 2:1-4 - The Pursuit of Wisdom")). It promises that such diligent pursuit will lead to a profound understanding of the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God, for wisdom originates from Him ([Proverbs 2:5-6](/proverbs/2-5-6 "Proverbs 2:5-6 - Wisdom from God")). The chapter then transitions from the general benefits of wisdom to its specific protective functions. Wisdom is presented as a shield, guarding the path of the just and preserving those who walk in integrity ([Proverbs 2:7-8](/proverbs/2-7-8 "Proverbs 2:7-8 - God's Protection for the Upright")). Following this, the text delineates two primary dangers from which wisdom delivers: first, from the way of evil men who delight in perversity ([Proverbs 2:12-15](/proverbs/2-12-15 "Proverbs 2:12-15 - Deliverance from Evil Men")), and immediately thereafter, as seen in [Proverbs 2:16](/proverbs/2-16 "Proverbs 2:16 - Deliverance from the Strange Woman"), from the "strange woman" and her seductive flattery. This structure emphasizes that wisdom not only guides toward righteousness but also actively defends against specific moral pitfalls.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the family unit and marital fidelity were foundational to societal stability and religious purity. Adultery was a grave offense, punishable by death under the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery")). The "strange woman" (or "foreign woman" / "adulteress") in Proverbs is a recurring motif, representing a significant threat to the young man's moral and spiritual well-being. While the term "strange" could literally refer to a non-Israelite woman, in the wisdom literature, it primarily denotes someone morally "alien" to the covenant community's standards—an adulteress, prostitute, or any woman who lures men away from their marital and moral commitments. Such women often operated outside the established social order, using cunning and smooth talk to entice. The warnings reflect a patriarchal society where the education and moral guidance of young men were paramount, intended to preserve the integrity of families and the community's relationship with God. The emphasis on "words" highlights the power of verbal persuasion and deception in a culture where oral tradition and direct communication were primary.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Protection from Immorality**, presenting wisdom as the ultimate safeguard against the destructive allure of illicit sexual relationships and infidelity. This is a central concern throughout the book, underscoring the devastating consequences of such actions on an individual's life, reputation, and relationship with God ([Proverbs 5:3-14](/proverbs/5-3-14 "Proverbs 5:3-14 - The Bitter End of Adultery")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Deception and Flattery**, characterizing the "strange woman" by her ability to "flatter with her words." This exposes the insidious nature of temptation, which rarely appears overtly evil but often comes disguised in appealing, pleasant, or seemingly harmless speech, designed to manipulate and ensnare ([Proverbs 7:21](/proverbs/7-21 "Proverbs 7:21 - The Strange Woman's Enticement")). Finally, it implicitly reiterates the **Value of Wisdom** itself. By portraying wisdom as the agent of deliverance, the verse underscores its indispensable role in providing the discernment necessary to recognize and resist such deceptive overtures, guiding the individual toward a path of righteousness, safety, and life ([Proverbs 4:10-13](/proverbs/4-10-13 "Proverbs 4:10-13 - The Path of Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strange (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** H2114, a primitive root meaning "to turn aside," "to be a foreigner," "strange," or "profane." In Proverbs, while it can refer to an ethnic foreigner, its primary metaphorical sense for the "strange woman" (or "alien woman," reinforced by H5237 _nokrîy_) is one who is "alien" to the established moral and covenantal norms. She operates outside God's design for marriage and sexual purity, often implying an adulteress or harlot. Her "strangeness" is fundamentally moral and spiritual, representing a departure from the path of wisdom and righteousness.
* **flattereth (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** H2505, a primitive root meaning "to be smooth." Figuratively, it describes speech that is enticing, persuasive, and designed to deceive. Just as smooth stones were used for lots, implying a division or apportionment, smooth words are used to divide a person from their integrity or commitments. This highlights the manipulative power of seductive language, which is often pleasant to the ear but conceals harmful intentions, like oil that is smooth but can cause one to slip into moral compromise.
* **words (Hebrew, _ʼêmer'_):** H561, from a root meaning "to say," referring to "something said," "speech," or "a word." In this context, it specifically highlights the medium through which the "strange woman" exercises her deceptive power. Her "words" are not just casual conversation but carefully crafted, alluring, and persuasive utterances designed to entice and lead astray, demonstrating the potent influence of verbal communication, especially when employed for malicious purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To deliver thee from the strange woman":** This opening clause states the explicit purpose of wisdom's intervention. Wisdom acts as a protective force, snatching the individual away from the dangerous influence of the "strange woman." This "strange woman" represents not just an individual but a powerful symbol of sexual temptation, moral corruption, and deviation from God's righteous path. The deliverance is active and intentional, highlighting wisdom's dynamic role in preserving the seeker.
* **"even from the stranger":** This phrase serves as an appositive, further clarifying and intensifying the identity of the "strange woman." By using the term "stranger," the text emphasizes her alien nature—alien to the covenant, alien to moral purity, and alien to the community's values. This repetition underscores the profound otherness and inherent danger she poses to one's spiritual and moral integrity, reinforcing that her foreignness is primarily moral, not necessarily ethnic.
* **"which flattereth with her words;":** This final clause describes the primary method by which the "strange woman" ensnares her victims. Her danger lies not in overt force but in subtle, deceptive persuasion. Her "words" are "flattering"—smooth, enticing, and seemingly harmless, designed to appeal to desires and lower defenses. This highlights the insidious nature of temptation, which often operates through charming rhetoric and promises of pleasure, masking the destructive consequences that follow.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 2:16 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is **Personification**, where wisdom is portrayed as an active agent, capable of "delivering" the individual from danger. This gives wisdom a dynamic, protective role, making it more tangible and relatable than a mere abstract concept. The "strange woman" herself functions as a powerful **Symbol** or **Allegory** for sexual immorality and moral corruption. While she can be a literal adulteress, her character transcends the individual to represent any seductive force that leads one away from righteousness. Her "flattering words" are a form of **Metonymy**, where the words stand for her entire deceptive strategy and the alluring, yet ultimately destructive, nature of sin. The phrase "flattereth with her words" also utilizes **Alliteration** (in the original Hebrew, and often conveyed in English translations) and **Euphony** to emphasize the smooth, enticing quality of her speech, making the warning more vivid and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 2:16 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of wisdom as a divine gift that guides humanity toward righteousness and away from sin. Theologically, the "strange woman" represents a departure from covenant faithfulness, mirroring Israel's spiritual adultery when turning to idolatry or foreign gods ([Jeremiah 3:6-9](/jeremiah/3-6-9 "Jeremiah 3:6-9 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery")). The warning against her flattering words highlights the biblical emphasis on the power of speech, both for good and evil, and the critical need for discernment in a fallen world where deception is rampant. This verse underscores God's desire for His people's purity and integrity, viewing moral compromise as a betrayal of the divine relationship. It frames wisdom as a practical means of grace, enabling believers to navigate a world full of temptations and remain faithful to the Lord.

* [Proverbs 7:5](/proverbs/7-5 "Proverbs 7:5 - Deliverance from the Strange Woman")
* [Proverbs 5:3-4](/proverbs/5-3-4 "Proverbs 5:3-4 - The Lips of a Strange Woman")
* [Proverbs 6:24](/proverbs/6-24 "Proverbs 6:24 - Protection from the Evil Woman")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 2:16 serves as a timeless cautionary tale, extending far beyond literal sexual temptation to encompass any alluring voice or influence that seeks to draw us away from God's truth and righteous living. In a contemporary world saturated with diverse messages, the "strange woman" can manifest as deceptive ideologies, cultural norms that contradict biblical values, or even seemingly harmless media that subtly normalizes sin. Her "flattering words" represent the smooth, appealing rhetoric used to justify ungodly choices, promising freedom or pleasure while leading to spiritual and moral bondage. This verse compels us to cultivate a profound sense of discernment, relying on God's wisdom to critically evaluate what we hear, read, and consume. It reminds us that temptation rarely appears as an overt evil but often comes cloaked in attractive packaging, making it imperative to guard our hearts and minds against seductive messages that promise immediate gratification but ultimately lead to ruin. Embracing and applying God's wisdom is our strongest defense against all forms of spiritual and moral deception, enabling us to walk a path of integrity and life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "flattering words" or deceptive messages in today's culture are subtly trying to lead believers astray from biblical truth or moral purity?**
* **How does cultivating wisdom, as described in Proverbs, practically equip us to discern and resist these modern "strange women" or seductive influences?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be particularly vulnerable to smooth talk or appealing promises that contradict God's Word?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "strange woman" mentioned in Proverbs?**

Answer: The "strange woman" in Proverbs, as seen in [Proverbs 2:16](/proverbs/2-16 "Proverbs 2:16 - Deliverance from the Strange Woman") and elsewhere, is primarily a symbolic figure representing sexual immorality, adultery, and any form of moral corruption that deviates from God's covenant and righteous path. While she could literally refer to a prostitute or an adulteress, her significance extends to embody any seductive influence that lures individuals away from wisdom and integrity. She is "strange" not necessarily by ethnicity, but by her moral alien-ness to the community's values and God's Law, operating outside the bounds of fidelity and societal norms.

**Why is "flattery" highlighted as a danger?**

Answer: Flattery is highlighted as a danger because it is a deceptive tool used to manipulate and ensnare. As [Proverbs 2:16](/proverbs/2-16 "Proverbs 2:16 - Deliverance from the Strange Woman") states, the "strange woman" "flattereth with her words." Flattery often appeals to one's ego or desires, creating a false sense of security or approval. It masks harmful intentions with pleasant speech, making temptation appear harmless or even beneficial. The smooth words of flattery are designed to lower one's guard, bypass discernment, and lead them into destructive choices, illustrating that not all pleasant speech is trustworthy or beneficial.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 2:16, warning against the "strange woman" and her flattering words, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and our ultimate deliverer. While the proverb speaks of deliverance from external moral dangers, the New Testament reveals that humanity's deepest need is deliverance from sin itself and its spiritual seductions. Jesus Christ is presented as "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")), the very wisdom that the book of Proverbs extols. He delivers us not only from the allure of literal immorality but from the spiritual "adultery" of idolatry and worldliness that draws our hearts away from God ([James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World is Enmity with God")). His words, unlike the deceptive flattery of the "strange woman," are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")), offering truth, grace, and genuine freedom. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ delivers us from the dominion of sin and death, empowering us by His Spirit to discern and resist the deceitful voices of the world, the flesh, and the devil, guiding us into a life of purity and devotion to Him, our true Bridegroom ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 7:26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

Proverbs 7:5

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

Proverbs 7:23

Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

Proverbs 6:24

To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Proverbs 23:27

For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit.

Proverbs 22:14

¶ The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Genesis 39:3

And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.