Proverbs 7:21

21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

Proverbs 7:21 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
21 With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.
New Living Translation (NLT)
21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery.
The Message Bible (MSG)
21 Soon she has him eating out of her hand, bewitched by her honeyed speech.
American Standard Version (ASV)
21 With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield; With the flattering of her lips she forceth him along.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
21 With all her seductive charms, she persuades him. With her smooth lips, she makes him give in.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
21 She seduces him with her persistent pleading; she lures with her flattering talk.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
21 She led him down the wrong path with her clever words. She charmed him with her smooth talk.

Proverbs 7:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 7:21

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield
Or, "to decline" from the right way: or, "inclined him" F4; his ear to listen to her, and his heart to go after her and along with her. This she did, by using a great many words, by her prolixity, and by some taking and striking expressions; lewd women are generally very talkative F5. It may be rendered, "by her much doctrine" F6, as the word is in ( Proverbs 4:2 ) ; so Jezebel calls herself a prophetess, and sets up for a teacher of men; and, by her false doctrine, deceives some that are called the servants of Christ to commit fornication, and eat things sacrificed to idols, ( Revelation 2:20 ) ; with the flattering of her lips she forced him;
to go along with her, not against his will, but with it: though at first there was some reluctance, conscience rose up and opposed; but her words, which were smoother than oil, found a way into his heart, and prevailed upon him to yield to her entreaties; he could no longer withstand her attacks, but surrendered to her; her charming voice, and flattering lips, had more effect upon him than her kisses; notwithstanding these he was reluctant, but could stand it out no longer against her alluring words and soothing language. With this compare the deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish through antichrist, ( 2 Thessalonians 2:10 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F4 (wtjh) "declinare facit eum", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Gejerus; "flexit", Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Mercerus, Michaelin; "inclinavit illum", Cocceius.
F5 "Verbosa gaudet Venus Ioquela", Catullus ad Camer. Ep. 53. v. 20.
F6 (hxql brb) "multitudine discipline suae", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "doctrinae suae", Michaelis.

Proverbs 7:21 In-Context

19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.”
21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S ver 5; Proverbs 5:3
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.