Proverbs 7:25

Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

Let not thine heart {H3820} decline {H7847} to her ways {H1870}, go not astray {H8582} in her paths {H5410}.

Don't let your heart turn to her ways; don't stray onto her paths.

Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths.

Let not thy heart decline to her ways; Go not astray in her paths.

Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 7:25 (KJV)

Proverbs 7:25 serves as a potent warning within a father's instruction to his son, cautioning against the seductive allure and destructive influence of the immoral woman, personified as Folly. This verse emphasizes the critical importance of guarding one's inner being and choices to avoid spiritual and moral ruin.

Context

This verse is found within the vivid narrative of Proverbs chapter 7, where the father details the cunning methods of the adulteress who preys on naïve young men. The preceding verses (Proverbs 7:6-23) describe the young man's encounter with this dangerous woman, her enticing words, and his unsuspecting walk toward destruction. Proverbs 7:25 acts as a direct, urgent plea to the reader, urging them not to follow the path of this captivating but ultimately ruinous figure. It is part of the larger wisdom literature of Proverbs, which contrasts the path of wisdom with the path of folly, frequently using personifications to illustrate their respective outcomes.

Key Themes

  • Guarding the Heart: The phrase "Let not thine heart decline" underscores that true moral purity begins internally. It's not just about avoiding physical acts, but about preventing one's desires and affections from being drawn away. This echoes the broader biblical principle of guarding the heart above all else, for from it flow the issues of life.
  • Avoiding Temptation: The instruction "go not astray in her paths" is a command for proactive avoidance. It advises against even approaching or lingering in environments or situations that could lead to moral compromise. Wisdom dictates staying far away from the very "paths" that lead to sin.
  • Consequences of Immorality: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire chapter and surrounding proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 5:3-14, Proverbs 6:26-29) paint a grim picture of the physical, financial, and spiritual destruction that results from engaging in sexual immorality. The warning here is to escape those dire consequences.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Decline" (Hebrew: natah): This word implies a subtle, gradual bending or turning away. It suggests that the heart's inclination towards folly isn't always a sudden plunge, but often a slow, almost imperceptible shift that, if unchecked, leads to full immersion in sin.
  • "Astray" (Hebrew: ta'ah): This term means to wander, err, or stagger. It pictures someone losing their way, deviating from the correct course, and becoming lost. The "paths" of the immoral woman are deceptive, leading one far off the path of righteousness and wisdom.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:25 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to:

  • Guard Their Inner World: Actively monitor thoughts, desires, and affections. Be aware of what influences your heart through media, relationships, and online content.
  • Practice Proactive Avoidance: Rather than testing one's limits, wisdom dictates creating boundaries and avoiding situations, friendships, or digital content that could lead to moral compromise. This aligns with the New Testament call to flee sexual immorality.
  • Seek Wisdom Daily: Continually choose the path of wisdom, which is rooted in God's Word and characterized by righteousness, integrity, and self-control.

Ultimately, this verse is a timeless reminder that true strength lies not in resisting temptation once it's at the door, but in preventing the heart from ever inclining towards its destructive "ways" and "paths."

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 5:8

    Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

  • Proverbs 6:25

    Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

  • Isaiah 53:6

    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Matthew 5:28

    But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  • Proverbs 4:14

    ¶ Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil [men].

  • Proverbs 4:15

    Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

  • Psalms 119:176

    ¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
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