Proverbs 7:5

KJV

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they may keep {H8104} thee from the strange {H2114} woman {H802}, from the stranger {H5237} which flattereth {H2505} with her words {H561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that they can keep you from unknown women, from loose women with their seductive talk.

Berean Standard Bible

that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.

American Standard Version

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, From the foreigner that flattereth with her words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:5 serves as a critical warning within the father's instruction to his son, emphasizing the indispensable role of wisdom and understanding in safeguarding an individual from the perilous allure of the "strange woman." This verse succinctly articulates the purpose of adhering to divine counsel: to protect against the insidious nature of temptation, which often manifests through deceptive and flattering words, thereby preserving one's moral integrity and averting the devastating consequences of infidelity and spiritual compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 7 is a vivid, dramatic narrative, functioning as a cautionary tale within the broader father-to-son discourse found in [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1-9 - The Call to Wisdom"). This chapter specifically illustrates the dangers of moral folly, contrasting sharply with the life-giving path of wisdom personified in earlier passages, such as [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Exaltation"). Leading up to verse 5, the father earnestly implores his son to internalize his teachings, urging him to "keep my words and lay up my commandments with thee" and to "bind them upon thy fingers; write them upon the table of thine heart" ([Proverbs 7:1-3](/proverbs/7-1-3 "Proverbs 7:1-3 - Embracing Wisdom's Words")). Verse 5 directly states the *protective purpose* of such diligent adherence, setting the stage for the graphic depiction of the "strange woman's" seductive tactics and the ruinous path she offers, detailed extensively in the subsequent verses of the chapter ([Proverbs 7:6-27](/proverbs/7-6-27 "Proverbs 7:6-27 - The Seductress's Deception and Doom")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the sanctity of the family unit and the covenantal bond of marriage were paramount. Adultery was not merely a private moral failing but a severe transgression against God, the community, and the family, often carrying the gravest penalties, including death ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery")). The "strange woman" (Hebrew: _'ishshah zarah_ or _nokrîy_) in Proverbs typically refers not to an ethnic foreigner but to a woman who is an outsider to the covenant community's moral and social norms, particularly concerning sexual purity and marital fidelity. She represents a disruptive force, a moral alien who preys on the naive and leads them away from the righteous path. Her methods, involving smooth talk and flattery, reflect common seductive tactics in a culture where verbal persuasion, social reputation, and honor-shame dynamics held significant weight.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 7:5 significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Proverbs. Foremost, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **wisdom as protection**, underscoring that diligent adherence to divine instruction is the ultimate safeguard against moral pitfalls and destructive choices, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 2:10-11](/proverbs/2-10-11 "Proverbs 2:10-11 - Wisdom's Preservation"). It vividly illustrates the **deceptive nature of sin**, especially sexual immorality, which often appears appealing and harmless through "flattering words" but invariably leads to bitter and destructive consequences, a warning consistently sounded in passages like [Proverbs 5:3-5](/proverbs/5-3-5 "Proverbs 5:3-5 - The Bitter End of the Adulteress"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **importance of discernment**, urging the listener to cultivate the spiritual and intellectual capacity to distinguish between genuine wisdom and the cunning allure of folly, which is personified by the "strange woman" and her "stranger" counterparts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, a primitive root meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." In this context, it signifies an active, diligent guarding or protecting of oneself through wisdom. It implies a continuous vigilance and a proactive stance against moral dangers, where wisdom acts as a protective barrier, like a hedge, preventing one from straying into perilous paths.
* **strange (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** From H2114, a primitive root meaning "to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery." This term, along with _nokrîy_ (H5237), describes a woman who is morally alien or an outsider to the covenant's standards of purity and fidelity. She is "strange" not primarily by ethnicity, but by her deviant behavior and disregard for divine law concerning marriage and sexual ethics.
* **flattereth (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** From H2505, a primitive root meaning "to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate; deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er)." Here, it denotes smooth, enticing, and deceptive speech. The "flattery" is not genuine praise but a manipulative tactic designed to disarm, disorient, and lure the unsuspecting into sin.
* **words (Hebrew, _ʼêmer'_):** From H561, meaning "something said; answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word." This refers to the specific utterances and persuasive language employed by the strange woman. It emphasizes that her primary tool of seduction is verbal, highlighting the profound power of speech, which can be used for good (wisdom's words) or for evil (the seducer's words).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may keep thee from the strange woman,"**: This initial clause articulates the fundamental purpose of the wisdom, understanding, and divine instruction advocated in the preceding verses of Proverbs 7. The implied "they" refers to the father's words, commandments, and understanding (Proverbs 7:1-4). These divine principles serve as an essential protective barrier, actively guarding the individual from the dangerous influence of the "strange woman," who personifies an adulteress or a woman morally outside the established bounds of covenant fidelity. The clear implication is that without this foundational wisdom, one remains acutely vulnerable to her seductive and destructive allure.
* **"from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words."**: This second clause further identifies and describes the perilous individual, reinforcing the warning. The "stranger" (Hebrew _nokrîy_) is used synonymously with the "strange woman," underscoring her status as an outsider to moral rectitude and a threat to communal well-being. The core danger lies in her method: she "flattereth with her words." This highlights the insidious, deceptive, and manipulative nature of her temptation. Her speech is smooth, enticing, and superficially appealing, yet it is ultimately designed to disarm, manipulate, and lead the unwary down a path of ruin, emphasizing that sin often comes cloaked in attractive language rather than overt evil.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:5 masterfully employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent warning. **Personification** is subtly present, as "wisdom" (implied from the preceding verses as the protector) and the "strange woman" (the antagonist) are endowed with active roles, engaging in a spiritual and moral struggle for the son's allegiance. The "strange woman" functions as a powerful **symbol** for all forms of moral temptation and destructive folly, particularly sexual sin, embodying the antithesis of wisdom's life-giving path. Her "flattering words" are a prime example of **euphemism** or **understatement**, as the true, devastating danger of her speech is artfully masked by its appealing surface. This also creates a sharp **irony**, where what sounds pleasant and promises pleasure ultimately leads to bitter consequences and ruin. The verse further utilizes **parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, by presenting two synonymous phrases ("the strange woman" and "the stranger which flattereth with her words") to reinforce the identity and insidious method of the temptress, thereby creating a strong, memorable, and impactful warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:5 is profoundly rooted in the biblical understanding of wisdom as a divine gift and an indispensable necessity for righteous living. It underscores the pervasive biblical theme that moral purity is not merely a social construct but a spiritual imperative, intrinsically linked to one's covenant relationship with God. The "strange woman" serves as a theological archetype for any seductive force that draws one away from covenant faithfulness, whether it be idolatry, false teaching, or sexual immorality. The warning against her "flattering words" highlights the spiritual battle against deception, emphasizing that sin often appeals to our desires through subtle persuasion rather than overt coercion. This verse thus connects the diligent pursuit of wisdom directly to the preservation of one's soul and fidelity to God, reflecting the broader biblical call to choose life over death, blessing over curse, and righteousness over sin, as articulated throughout the Pentateuch and Prophets.

* [Proverbs 2:16-19](/proverbs/2-16-19 "Proverbs 2:16-19 - The Path of the Adulteress")
* [Proverbs 5:1-14](/proverbs/5-1-14 "Proverbs 5:1-14 - Warnings Against Immorality and Its Consequences")
* [Proverbs 6:24-29](/proverbs/6-24-29 "Proverbs 6:24-29 - The Peril of Adultery and Its Cost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:5 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless spiritual and moral compass in an ever-complex world. In an age saturated with digital temptations, alluring narratives, and persuasive ideologies that often contradict biblical truth, the "strange woman" can manifest in myriad forms: inappropriate online content, deceptive philosophies, or any influence that promises fleeting pleasure but leads to spiritual decay. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep-seated love for God's Word, allowing it to be our constant guide and protector, just as the father's words were for his son. It challenges us to develop keen discernment, recognizing that temptation often comes cloaked in attractive packaging and smooth rhetoric, appealing to our desires rather than our reason or spiritual well-being. We are admonished to diligently guard our hearts and minds, actively choosing to fill them with truth and righteousness, and to flee from anything that would compromise our integrity or draw us away from our covenant relationship with God, understanding that true freedom comes from living within His boundaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what contemporary forms might the "strange woman" or "stranger" manifest in today's society, using "flattering words" to entice and mislead?**
* **How can I actively "keep" myself, through wisdom and understanding, from these modern temptations and deceptive influences?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate greater discernment regarding the messages and ideologies I encounter daily through media, relationships, and culture?**
* **How does my commitment to God's Word serve as a practical shield against moral compromise and spiritual drift in my life?**

### FAQ

**What does "strange woman" mean in Proverbs?**

Answer: In the book of Proverbs, the "strange woman" (Hebrew: _'ishshah zarah_ or _nokrîy_) primarily refers to an adulteress or a woman who is morally deviant and outside the bounds of covenant faithfulness and societal norms regarding sexual purity and marital fidelity. While the term can literally mean "foreign woman," in this context, it emphasizes her being "strange" not by ethnicity, but by her behavior and disregard for divine law. She represents a dangerous, disruptive force that leads men astray from the path of wisdom and righteousness, often to their ruin, as further elaborated in [Proverbs 2:16-19](/proverbs/2-16-19 "Proverbs 2:16-19 - The Path of the Adulteress").

**Why does the verse emphasize "flattering with her words"?**

Answer: The emphasis on "flattering with her words" (Hebrew: _châlaq_ with _ʼêmer_) highlights the insidious and deceptive nature of temptation. It suggests that the "strange woman" does not coerce or force, but rather seduces through smooth, enticing, and persuasive speech. Her words are designed to appeal to desires, disarm caution, and create a false sense of security or justification for sin. This illustrates that sin often presents itself attractively and subtly, making it crucial for the wise person to discern the true, destructive intent behind the pleasing facade, as warned in passages like [Proverbs 2:16](/proverbs/2-16 "Proverbs 2:16 - The Deceptive Allure") and [Proverbs 5:3](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3 - The Honeyed Lips of the Adulteress").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:5, with its urgent warning against the "strange woman" and her seductive words, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive solution in Christ. The wisdom that protects from this moral peril is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is Himself "the wisdom of God" and "the power of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")). While the "strange woman" represents the allure of sin, the path of destruction, and the deceptive promises of the world, Christ offers the path of life, truth, and genuine freedom. He is the ultimate guardian of our souls, protecting us not merely from external temptations but from the very power of sin and death itself. His words are not flattering and deceptive, but "Spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Eternal Life"))—words that lead to genuine transformation and eternal life. Just as the father in Proverbs urges his son to keep his words to be protected, so too does Christ call us to abide in His words, promising that "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" ([John 8:31-32](/john/8-31-32 "John 8:31-32 - Abiding in Christ's Word")). He is the true Bridegroom, calling His church to faithfulness and purity, offering a covenant relationship that stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, destructive enticements of the "strange woman," ultimately presenting His church "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

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 2:16

To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;

Proverbs 6:24

To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Proverbs 5:3

For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil: