Proverbs 7:24 - Meaning and Application

This is the lesson drawn from the story before it: “Listen to me, and do not listen to those who seduce you” (Proverbs 7:24). Hear a father’s warning, and do not give yourself to an enemy.

Take good advice when it is given. “Do not let your heart turn to her ways” (Proverbs 7:25). Never leave the path of virtue, even if it is narrow, lonely, and uphill, for the adulteress’s way may look green, broad, and full of people. Do not just keep your feet from those paths. Do not even let your heart lean toward them. Never entertain any desire for this kind of sin, and do not think of it without strong disgust. Let reason, conscience, and the fear of God rule in your heart, and let them restrain sinful desire. If you go in her paths, or in any path that leads to this sin, you are going the wrong way. You are leaving the safe road, so be careful and do not wander away.

Also take fair warning when it is given. Look back and see the harm this sin has already done. The adulteress has ruined not just a few, but many wounded people have fallen because of her. Thousands have been destroyed now and forever by this sin, including not only weak and foolish young men like the one just described, but also many strong men who were brought down by her (Proverbs 7:26). The writer may have had Samson, the strong judge of Israel, especially in mind, and perhaps David too, who by this sin brought lasting trouble on his house, though God spared his own life. These were men of great strength, wisdom, and courage, yet their bodily lusts overcame them. If tall cedar trees are shaken, the fir trees should tremble. Let anyone who thinks he stands be careful, or he may fall.

Look ahead in faith and see how it ends (Proverbs 7:27). Her house, though richly dressed up and called a house of pleasure, is really the road to hell. Her rooms are like steps leading down to the chambers of death and endless darkness. The cup of sexual sin will soon be replaced by the cup of trembling, and the fire of lust, if it is not put out by repentance and self-denial, will burn down to the lowest hell. So stand in awe, and do not sin.