Proverbs 7:12

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 7:12 is part of a vivid and cautionary discourse from a father to his son, warning against the dangers of sexual immorality personified by the "strange woman" or harlot. This particular verse describes her active, predatory nature in seeking out victims.

Context

Proverbs chapter 7 provides a detailed and dramatic illustration of the seductive power of an immoral woman and the tragic consequences of yielding to her. The father, a teacher of wisdom, describes how he observed a simple, naive young man being lured by this woman. Verse 12 follows her initial approach and cunning invitation described in Proverbs 7:10-11, detailing her brazen presence and persistent pursuit. The entire chapter serves as a stark warning to guard one's heart and mind against such temptations, contrasting sharply with the public, yet honorable, call of Lady Wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Active Seduction: Unlike a passive temptress, the woman described here is actively seeking out her prey. The phrase "Now is she without, now in the streets" emphasizes her constant visibility and readiness to engage. She doesn't wait to be found; she makes herself available and pursues.
  • Public Immorality: Her actions are not hidden but performed "in the streets" and "at every corner." This highlights a brazen lack of shame and a deliberate strategy to intercept unsuspecting individuals in common public thoroughfares.
  • Predatory Intent: The phrase "lieth in wait" reveals her malicious and calculating purpose. She is not merely present but actively ambushing, setting a trap for those who might cross her path. This underscores the deceptive and dangerous nature of sin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "lieth in wait" is 'ārab (אָרַב), which means to lie in ambush, to lurk, or to set a trap. This strong verb portrays the woman as a hunter, deliberately planning to ensnare. It's the same word used to describe a lion lurking for its prey or an enemy ambushing travelers. The terms "without" (בַחוּץ, baḥūṣ) and "in the streets" (בָּרְחֹבוֹת, bārĕḥōḇōṯ) signify open, public places, reinforcing her bold and unrestrained behavior.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:12 serves as a timeless warning about the active nature of temptation and the need for spiritual vigilance.

  1. Discernment in Public Spaces: The verse reminds us that danger doesn't always hide in the shadows; it can be bold and visible "in the streets" and "at every corner." Believers must be discerning about the influences they encounter in everyday life.
  2. Recognize Active Temptation: Temptation is often not passive but actively seeks to ensnare. Just as the immoral woman "lieth in wait," so too does spiritual temptation, requiring a conscious effort to resist and flee from it, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 6:18.
  3. Guard Your Path: The father's advice throughout Proverbs is to "ponder the path of thy feet." This verse emphasizes the need to be mindful of where one goes and with whom one associates, as opportunities for sin are often deliberately placed.
  4. Value Wisdom: The ultimate antidote to such seduction is wisdom, which empowers one to recognize and avoid the traps of folly. Seeking and embracing God's wisdom provides the guidance and strength to navigate a world full of spiritual and moral pitfalls.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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