Proverbs 7:10

And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

And, behold, there met {H7125} him a woman {H802} with the attire {H7897} of an harlot {H2181}, and subtil {H5341} of heart {H3820}.

Then a woman approaches him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.

Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.

And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart.

Proverbs 7:10 vividly describes a pivotal moment in the narrative of the foolish young man and the adulterous woman. This verse serves as a crucial warning about the deceptive nature of temptation.

Context

This verse is part of a longer warning in Proverbs chapter 7, where King Solomon (or the wise teacher) cautions his son against the allure of the "strange woman" or adulteress. The preceding verses set the scene, describing a naive young man walking near the woman's house at twilight. Verse 10 introduces the woman herself, immediately highlighting two key aspects of her danger: her outward presentation and her inward character. This encounter is a stark illustration of the path to ruin that the book of Proverbs often contrasts with the path of wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Deceptive Appearance: The phrase "attire of an harlot" immediately signals her profession and intent. Her dress is not merely a fashion choice but a deliberate communication, designed to attract and entice. It's an outward manifestation of an inward purpose.
  • Cunning Heart: More dangerous than her attire is her "subtil of heart." This points to her manipulative and crafty nature. She doesn't just look the part; she thinks and plans with cunning intent to ensnare her victims, reflecting a deeper moral corruption. This contrasts sharply with the call to guard one's heart with all diligence.
  • The Nature of Temptation: The verse illustrates how temptation often presents itself. It can be visually appealing and outwardly alluring, but its true danger lies in the deceptive and destructive intentions hidden beneath the surface. This aligns with warnings about the smooth words and enticing lips of the adulteress found elsewhere in Proverbs.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "harlot" comes from the Hebrew זֹנָה (zonah), which clearly denotes a prostitute or one engaged in illicit sexual activity. Her "attire" (לְבוּשׁ, levush) is her clothing or garment, specifically indicating dress associated with this profession, perhaps provocative or distinct. The phrase "subtil of heart" is particularly insightful. "Subtil" translates the Hebrew נְצֻרָה (netzurah) or שִׁית (shiyth), implying guarded, cunning, or crafty. It suggests not just shrewdness but a hidden, deceptive nature, one that is artful in its evil intentions. Her heart (לֵב, lev) is the seat of her intellect, will, and emotion, indicating that her deception is deeply ingrained in her character.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:10 offers timeless wisdom for navigating a world full of temptations. It urges us to look beyond superficial appearances and discern the true character and intentions of others. For believers, this verse is a potent reminder to:

  • Exercise Discernment: Not all that glitters is gold. We must be wary of alluring presentations that may hide destructive intentions, particularly in relationships and moral choices.
  • Guard Our Hearts: Just as the woman's heart was "subtil," we are called to protect our own hearts from such influences and from developing similar cunning or deceptive traits.
  • Recognize Red Flags: The description of the woman's attire and heart serves as a clear warning sign. Understanding these indicators can help us avoid dangerous situations and people. This principle applies not only to sexual temptation but to various forms of deceit and moral compromise.

Ultimately, this verse underscores the importance of wisdom in avoiding the destructive paths of folly and immorality, encouraging us to seek and cling to the Lord's instruction, as highlighted throughout the Book of Proverbs.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 2:9

    ¶ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

  • Isaiah 3:16

    ¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

  • Isaiah 3:24

    And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:2

    For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:3

    But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

  • Revelation 17:3

    So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

  • Revelation 17:5

    And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

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