We return to an oft-repeated warning of Solomon concerning the destructive path of adultery. As noted in earlier commentary on Proverbs 7, we find ourselves in the midst of a narrative Solomon told his son, illustrating the tragic end of a man who gives rein to carnal lusts above principle. For the sake of review, we will note the adulteress’s appearance, attitude, actions and character.
Proverbs 7:10-12 – “And, behold, there met him [a naïve, foolish man] a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart [sly and cunning]. 11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)”
We have noticed two other undesirable qualities in the character of an adulteress (7:15-18, 21): She is forward (7:13)—bold and brazen. She is a fake, a hypocrite (7:14)—pretending religious piety.
Proverbs 7:13-14 – “So she caught [restrained; prevailed] him, and kissed him, and with an impudent [hardened; strong] face said unto him, 14 I have peace [thank-offering; voluntary] offerings [sacrifices] with me; this day have I payed [made my peace; made restitution] my vows [promise to God].”
Thirdly, the adulteress is a Flatterer (7:15-18, 21) and the young and naïve easily fall victim to her sly and cunning ways. Given the brevity of Proverbs 7, we will focus on verse 15.
Proverbs 7:15 – “Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face [person; countenance], and I have found thee.”
I remind you that this immoral woman is married to a man she describes as “gone a long journey” (7:19). Her husband has apparently gone away on business and, remembering the primitive means of travel, he will be gone for an extended time.
The adulteress in today’s narrative has been played on this earthly stage since the beginning; however, I will suggest she has been given prominence by Hollywood portrayals and her sin is glamorized in love novels, television programming, movies, 
pop stars and pornography on the internet. In today’s vernacular she is the “cougar”—a woman that is “worldly wise” and morally bankrupt. She is a heartbreaker for her husband; a sorrow to moral parents; and a grave disappointment to her children. She feeds her lusts and consumes the lives of foolish men who taste the poison of her ways.
What is the end of those who follow her? Death and destruction:
Proverbs 7:27 – “Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith
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