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[1] stepping into a noose[2]

Other Translations of Proverbs 7:21-22

King James Version

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, straightway: Heb. suddenly as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

English Standard Version

21 With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. 22 All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fastProbable reading (compare Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac); Hebrew as an anklet for the discipline of a fool

The Message

21 Soon she has him eating out of her hand, bewitched by her honeyed speech. 22 Before you know it, he's trotting behind her, like a calf led to the butcher shop, Like a stag lured into ambush

New King James Version

21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. 22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

New Living Translation

21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 7:21-22

Commentary on Proverbs 7:6-27

(Read Proverbs 7:6-27)

Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just seen another fall headlong from the same place. The misery of self-ruined sinners began in disregard to God's blessed commands. We ought daily to pray that we may be kept from running into temptation, else we invite the enemies of our souls to spread snares for us. Ever avoid the neighbourhood of vice. Beware of sins which are said to be pleasant sins. They are the more dangerous, because they most easily gain the heart, and close it against repentance. Do nothing till thou hast well considered the end of it. Were a man to live as long as Methuselah, and to spend all his days in the highest delights sin can offer, one hour of the anguish and tribulation that must follow, would far outweigh them.