Proverbs 7:18

KJV

Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212}, let us take our fill {H7301} of love {H1730} until the morning {H1242}: let us solace {H5965} ourselves with loves {H159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come on, let's make love till morning; we'll enjoy making love.

Berean Standard Bible

Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. Let us delight in loving caresses!

American Standard Version

Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning; Let us solace ourselves with loves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:18 captures the seductive and manipulative invitation of the adulteress, who entices a naive young man with promises of immediate, unrestrained sensual pleasure. This verse serves as the climax of her deceptive appeal, offering a fleeting "fill of love" and solace until morning, contrasting sharply with the enduring wisdom and life-giving path advocated throughout the book of Proverbs. It vividly illustrates the short-sighted folly of pursuing illicit gratification, which ultimately leads to spiritual and physical ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs chapter 7 is a vivid cautionary tale from a father to his son, warning against the "strange woman" (or adulteress) and her destructive path. This particular verse, Proverbs 7:18, is the apex of the adulteress's cunning invitation. Preceding it, she has carefully set the stage: she meets the young man in the street (Proverbs 7:10-12), claims to have peace offerings to fulfill (Proverbs 7:14), and describes her lavishly prepared bed with exotic perfumes (Proverbs 7:16-17), all designed to create an atmosphere of privacy, luxury, and illicit opportunity. The invitation in verse 18 is a direct appeal to sensual appetite, promising unrestrained indulgence. The narrative then immediately shifts to the dire consequences of succumbing to her allure, culminating in the young man following her "as an ox goes to the slaughter" and eventually descending to the "chambers of death" in [Proverbs 7:27](/proverbs/7-27 "Proverbs 7:27 - The Path to Death").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, fidelity within marriage was a cornerstone of social and religious order, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Adultery was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment"), carrying severe penalties and bringing shame upon the family and community. The "strange woman" (Hebrew: *zarah* or *nokriyah*) often referred not necessarily to a foreigner but to one who was "alien" to the covenant community's moral standards, particularly in her sexual conduct. Wisdom literature like Proverbs sought to instruct young men in practical righteousness, preparing them for responsible life within the community. The temptations described were real and pervasive, making the father's urgent warnings highly relevant for preserving the social fabric and individual well-being. The emphasis on "morning" implies a desire to avoid detection, highlighting the clandestine and shameful nature of the proposed encounter.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 7:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it underscores the central theme of **wisdom versus folly**. The young man's susceptibility to the adulteress's flattery and promises of pleasure exemplifies folly, contrasting sharply with the life-giving path of wisdom that calls for discernment and self-control. It also highlights the theme of **sexual purity and fidelity**, presenting illicit sexual encounters as a destructive force that undermines covenantal relationships and leads to ruin, echoing warnings found in [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warning Against Adultery"). The verse further illustrates the theme of **deception and temptation**, revealing how sin often presents itself as appealing and harmless, promising satisfaction while concealing its bitter consequences. Finally, it touches upon the **nature of true pleasure and satisfaction**, implicitly contrasting the fleeting, empty "loves" offered by the adulteress with the enduring joy and peace found in living according to God's righteous ways, as encouraged throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Beginning of Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, meaning "to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry." In this imperative form, "Come" serves as an urgent and direct invitation, a summons to action. It conveys the adulteress's initiative and her desire to draw the young man into her sphere, emphasizing the active pursuit of illicit pleasure.
* **fill (Hebrew, _râvâh'_):** From H7301, meaning "to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites); bathe, make drunk, (take the) fill, satiate, (abundantly) satisfy." This word speaks to an excessive, unbridled indulgence, suggesting a desire to be completely saturated or overwhelmed by pleasure. It implies a lack of restraint, aiming for maximum gratification without limit.
* **loves (Hebrew, _ʼôhab'_):** From H159, meaning "affection (in a good or a bad sense); love." While H1730 (*dôwd*) in "fill of love" often refers to sensual love, H159, especially in its plural form, intensifies the focus on multiple acts or expressions of passionate, often illicit, desire. It highlights the promiscuous and unrestrained nature of the proposed encounter, emphasizing a pursuit of gratification for its own sake rather than genuine affection or commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning:"** This clause opens with an urgent, enticing invitation from the adulteress. The phrase "take our fill of love" uses language of satiation and excess, promising an unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasure. The Hebrew word for "love" (H1730, *dôwd*) here specifically denotes passionate, often illicit, physical affection. The temporal limit "until the morning" suggests a desire for a night-long, secretive encounter, implying that the pleasure is fleeting and must be concluded before the light of day exposes their sin. It underscores the clandestine and ultimately uncommitted nature of the liaison.
* **"let us solace ourselves with loves."** This second clause reiterates and intensifies the invitation. "Solace ourselves" (H5965, *ʻâlaç*) means to leap for joy, exult, or find comfort/delight. Here, it conveys the idea of finding profound satisfaction or pleasure in the acts of "loves" (H159, *ʼôhab*), which, in its plural form, emphasizes multiple expressions of sensual desire. This phrase highlights the self-centered nature of the proposed activity – the mutual pursuit of gratification for its own sake, devoid of genuine commitment, responsibility, or the sanctity of marriage.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful warning. The most prominent is **Seduction**, as the entire verse is a direct, alluring invitation from the adulteress, designed to ensnare the naive. This is amplified by **Sensory Imagery**, with the implied promise of tactile pleasure and the lingering scent of perfumes from previous verses, creating a vivid mental picture of indulgence. The phrase "take our fill" utilizes **Hyperbole** to suggest an abundance of gratification, appealing to the young man's appetite for excess. The temporal marker "until the morning" functions as a **Symbol** of fleeting pleasure and the clandestine nature of sin, implying that the illicit activity must conclude before exposure. Finally, the repetition and slight variation of "love" (H1730, *dôwd*) and "loves" (H159, *ʼôhab*) serve as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the singular focus on carnal desire and the promise of abundant, unrestrained gratification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:18, as a vivid depiction of temptation, connects deeply with the biblical understanding of human vulnerability to sin and the destructive nature of illicit desires. The "love" offered here is a counterfeit, a purely carnal and selfish pursuit that stands in stark contrast to the covenantal love (Hebrew: *hesed*, Greek: *agape*) that God calls His people to embody. This passage underscores the theological truth that true intimacy and lasting satisfaction are found within the boundaries of God's design, particularly in the sanctity of marriage and faithful relationships. It highlights the deceptive nature of sin, which promises fulfillment but delivers emptiness and ruin, ultimately leading away from the path of life and wisdom. The call to "take our fill" speaks to a self-indulgent appetite that prioritizes immediate gratification over spiritual well-being and eternal consequences, a theme consistently warned against throughout Scripture.

* [Proverbs 5:15-20](/proverbs/5-15 "Proverbs 5:15-20 - Drink from Your Own Cistern")
* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27 "Proverbs 6:27-29 - Playing with Fire")
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:18 serves as a timeless and urgent warning, not just against sexual immorality but against any temptation that promises immediate, unrestrained gratification outside of God's wise boundaries. It compels us to recognize the insidious nature of sin, which often presents itself as alluring and harmless, appealing directly to our desires while masking its destructive consequences. In a world saturated with messages of instant pleasure and self-indulgence, this verse calls us to cultivate deep spiritual discernment, to critically evaluate the invitations we receive, whether through media, relationships, or our own thoughts. It underscores the vital importance of guarding our hearts and minds, understanding that true freedom and lasting joy are found not in unrestrained appetite but in disciplined obedience to God's life-giving wisdom. We are called to value fidelity, commitment, and purity, recognizing that these are the pathways to genuine intimacy and enduring peace, contrasting sharply with the fleeting, empty promises of illicit pleasures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "invitations" in my life or culture promise immediate gratification but might lead to long-term harm?**
* **How can I better cultivate discernment to recognize the deceptive tactics of temptation, even when they seem appealing?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "take my fill" without regard for God's boundaries or future consequences?**
* **How does valuing fidelity and commitment in all relationships protect me from the emptiness of fleeting pleasures?**

### FAQ

**What is the "love" being described in Proverbs 7:18, and how does it differ from other biblical concepts of love?**

Answer: The "love" described in Proverbs 7:18, particularly through the Hebrew words *dôwd* (H1730) and *ʼôhab* (H159) in this context, refers specifically to sensual, passionate, and often illicit desire. It is a carnal "love" focused on immediate physical gratification and self-satisfaction. This stands in stark contrast to other biblical concepts of love. For instance, *hesed* (covenantal loyalty, steadfast love) describes God's unwavering faithfulness to His people and the kind of enduring commitment expected within marriage. *Ahavah* (H160, often translated as general love or affection) can encompass a broader range of relationships and emotions, including familial love or love for God. In the New Testament, *agape* love (e.g., [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter")) is a self-sacrificial, unconditional love that seeks the good of the other, often contrasted with *eros* (passionate love) or *philia* (brotherly love). The "love" in Proverbs 7:18 is selfish, fleeting, and destructive, lacking the commitment, self-sacrifice, and life-giving qualities of true, God-ordained love.

**Why is the warning against the "strange woman" so prominent in Proverbs?**

Answer: The warning against the "strange woman" (adulteress) is prominent in Proverbs because sexual immorality, particularly adultery, was considered a profound threat to individual well-being, family integrity, and the moral fabric of the community in ancient Israel. It violated the Mosaic Law [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment"), broke sacred covenants, and led to severe social and spiritual consequences, including ruin, shame, and even death [Proverbs 7:26-27](/proverbs/7-26 "Proverbs 7:26-27 - The Many Victims of the Adulteress"). Proverbs, as wisdom literature, aims to teach practical righteousness for a flourishing life. By vividly portraying the seduction and destructive path of the adulteress, the book provides a clear, urgent warning to young men, equipping them with the discernment needed to resist such temptations and choose the path of wisdom, which leads to life and blessing [Proverbs 4:10-13](/proverbs/4-10 "Proverbs 4:10-13 - The Path of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:18, with its portrayal of the adulteress's seductive invitation to fleeting, illicit pleasure, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who stands as the embodiment of true wisdom and the source of ultimate satisfaction. The adulteress offers a counterfeit "love" that leads to death [Proverbs 7:27](/proverbs/7-27 "Proverbs 7:27 - The Path to Death"), but Christ offers genuine, eternal life and love. He is the **Wisdom of God incarnate** [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom"), providing the discernment and strength to resist temptation, unlike the naive young man. Whereas the adulteress promises a "fill" that is ultimately empty, Jesus declares, "Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again" [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water"), offering true and lasting spiritual satisfaction that transcends fleeting carnal desires. He is the **Bridegroom** [Matthew 9:15](/matthew/9-15 "Matthew 9:15 - The Bridegroom and the Wedding Guests") who calls His church to purity and fidelity, contrasting sharply with the promiscuous "loves" of the adulteress. Through His sacrifice, Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness, including sexual sin [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness"), and empowers us by His Spirit to live lives of holiness and self-control [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit"). Thus, the warning in Proverbs 7:18 points to our desperate need for a Savior who not only exposes the folly of sin but also provides the grace and power to overcome it, leading us to the true and enduring "love" found only in Him.

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.