Proverbs 7:12

KJV

Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {H6471} is she without {H2351}, now {H6471} in the streets {H7339}, and lieth in wait {H693} at {H681} every corner {H6438}.)

Complete Jewish Bible

rather, she stalks the streets and squares, lurking at every streetcorner.

Berean Standard Bible

Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.

American Standard Version

Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:12 vividly portrays the brazen and predatory nature of the immoral woman, personifying folly and temptation. She is depicted as restless and ubiquitous, actively seeking out her unsuspecting victims in public spaces, lying in ambush at every turn. This verse underscores her aggressive pursuit and strategic positioning, highlighting the pervasive and calculating danger she represents to the naive and undiscerning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 7:12 is situated within a father's urgent and detailed warning to his son against the seductive allure of the "strange woman" (Proverbs 7:5). The preceding verses (Proverbs 7:6-9) describe the father's observation of a naive young man, "void of understanding," passing near her house. Verses 10-11 introduce the woman's deceptive attire and boisterous, restless character, setting the stage for her active pursuit. Verse 12 then elaborates on her constant public presence and predatory posture, immediately preceding her cunning and manipulative invitation in Proverbs 7:13-20. The entire chapter functions as a dramatic narrative parable, illustrating the practical dangers of ignoring wisdom's counsel and succumbing to illicit desires, contrasting sharply with the open, honorable call of Lady Wisdom in [Proverbs 8:1-3](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-3 - Lady Wisdom's Public Call").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, public spaces like city gates, streets, and corners (broad places) were central to daily life and commerce. They were where business was conducted, legal matters settled, and social interactions occurred. For a woman to be "without" or "in the streets" and "at every corner" in such a brazen manner would have been highly unconventional and indicative of a lack of modesty and honor, especially for a married woman (as implied in Proverbs 7:19-20). Respectable women typically conducted their affairs within the confines of their homes or in more private, chaperoned settings. Therefore, the woman's public presence and aggressive solicitation would have immediately signaled her immoral profession, making her a clear and present danger to young men navigating these public thoroughfares.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It exemplifies the theme of **Active Temptation**, showing that folly is not passive but actively seeks to ensnare, contrasting with the passive danger one might perceive. It highlights the theme of **Moral Vigilance**, emphasizing the constant need for discernment in everyday environments, as danger can lurk in plain sight. Furthermore, it underscores the **Consequences of Folly**, as the woman's public display is a direct pathway to the destruction detailed later in the chapter. The narrative serves as a stark warning about the deceptive nature of sin, which often presents itself attractively but leads to ruin, echoing the broader call to choose wisdom's path over folly's destructive ways, as seen throughout [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **without (Hebrew, _chûwts'_):** From an unused root meaning "to sever," this word properly denotes "separate by a wall," thus meaning "outside" or "outdoors." In this context, it emphasizes the woman's presence beyond the domestic sphere, in public view, accessible to anyone passing by. It signifies her departure from the expected modesty of a respectable woman, placing her in a position to intercept.
* **streets (Hebrew, _rᵉchôb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be wide," this term refers to a "width," specifically an "avenue" or "area," hence "broad place" or "street." It reinforces the public nature of her activity, indicating she is not confined to hidden alleys but operates in prominent, well-trafficked areas where she can maximize her exposure and opportunities for prey.
* **lieth in wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lurk" or "to set an ambush." This powerful verb reveals the woman's malicious and calculating intent. She is not merely present but actively planning to ensnare, like a hunter stalking prey. It portrays her as a deceptive predator, highlighting the premeditated and dangerous nature of her pursuit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now [is she] without":** This clause emphasizes her immediate and active presence outside the home. It highlights her availability and readiness to engage, signaling a departure from the private sphere typically associated with respectable women. Her being "without" is a deliberate act of making herself visible and accessible to potential victims.
* **"now in the streets":** Building on the previous phrase, this further specifies her location in the public thoroughfares. It indicates her brazenness and lack of shame, as she operates in open, visible areas where many people pass. This public display is part of her strategy to intercept and lure unsuspecting individuals.
* **"and lieth in wait at every corner.)":** This final clause reveals her predatory intent and strategic positioning. The phrase "lieth in wait" (ambush) underscores her calculating and dangerous purpose, while "at every corner" signifies her pervasive presence and readiness to trap anyone who might cross her path. It suggests a systematic and deliberate effort to ensnare, making escape difficult for the unwary.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. **Personification** is central, as the abstract concept of Folly or Immorality is embodied in the "strange woman," making the danger tangible and relatable. The verse uses vivid **Imagery** to paint a picture of her constant, restless presence: "without," "in the streets," "at every corner." This creates a sense of ubiquity and inescapable temptation. The phrase "lieth in wait" is a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the woman as a hunter or ambusher, emphasizing her predatory nature and the deceptive, dangerous intent behind her seemingly casual presence. This also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the trap and destruction that await those who fall victim to her schemes, building tension and urgency in the father's warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the active and deceptive nature of sin, which does not passively await discovery but aggressively seeks to ensnare. The immoral woman's public and predatory behavior serves as a theological metaphor for the pervasive temptations of the world that lie in wait for the undiscerning soul. It highlights the constant spiritual vigilance required to navigate a fallen world, emphasizing that dangers to one's purity and integrity are often found in plain sight, disguised by allure. The call to wisdom in Proverbs is fundamentally a call to discern and resist such active enticements, understanding that true freedom comes from walking in uprightness, not yielding to the deceptive promises of folly.

* [Psalm 10:9](/psalms/10-9 "Psalm 10:9 - The Wicked Lie in Wait")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil Prowls Like a Lion")
* [James 1:14](/james/1-14 "James 1:14 - Temptation's Enticement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:12 offers a timeless warning that extends far beyond literal encounters with an immoral person. It speaks to the active and pervasive nature of temptation in all its forms, whether it be the allure of illicit pleasure, dishonest gain, or compromising principles. Just as the immoral woman strategically positions herself, so too do many temptations present themselves in our daily lives—through media, social circles, or even our own unguarded thoughts. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of spiritual vigilance, recognizing that the battle for our souls is not passive. We must be discerning about the environments we enter, the influences we allow into our minds, and the paths we choose to walk. It calls us to actively guard our hearts and minds, understanding that true wisdom empowers us to identify and flee from the "corners" where sin lies in wait, choosing instead to walk in the light of God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life do I see "temptation" actively presenting itself, much like the woman "in the streets" or "at every corner"?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize the subtle or overt ways sin "lies in wait" for me?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "guard my heart" (as in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")) in light of the active nature of temptation described in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the immoral woman being "without" and "in the streets"?**

Answer: The significance lies in her brazenness and public availability. In ancient Israelite society, respectable women typically remained within the household or conducted their affairs in more private settings. For a woman to be "without" (outside the home) and "in the streets" (public thoroughfares) indicated a departure from societal norms of modesty and honor. It signaled her profession as a harlot or an immoral woman who actively sought out clients rather than waiting to be approached discreetly. This public presence made her a visible and accessible danger, highlighting the pervasive nature of temptation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:12, with its depiction of Folly actively lying in wait to ensnare, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in Christ. While the immoral woman represents a deceptive, destructive path, Jesus Christ embodies true **Wisdom** (as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), who does not lie in wait to ambush but openly calls all to life and truth. He is the **Light of the World** who exposes the darkness of sin and folly, offering guidance so that "whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Unlike the seductive promises of the strange woman that lead to death, Christ's invitation leads to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Good Shepherd Gives Life")). Furthermore, while the immoral woman preys on the naive, Christ, having been tempted in every way yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Temptation")), is able to sympathize with and deliver those who are tempted ([Hebrews 2:18](/hebrews/2-18 "Hebrews 2:18 - Christ's Temptation and Help")). Believers are called to walk in Christ, who is our wisdom and righteousness, thereby fleeing the snares of the world and living in the freedom He provides ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")).

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

Proverbs 23:28

She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

Proverbs 9:14

For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

Revelation 18:3

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Ezekiel 16:24

[That] thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street.

Ezekiel 16:25

Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.

Ezekiel 16:31

In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;

Jeremiah 3:2

Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.