Proverbs 22:14 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 22:14 mean?

Proverbs 22:14 warns that the seductive words (“mouth”) of a “strange woman” are like a deep pit—dangerous and hard to escape. The verse says that someone who is “abhorred of the LORD” will fall into this trap, suggesting a moral or spiritual consequence for those out of favor with God.

In the book of Proverbs, a father is teaching his son about wisdom and the dangers of temptation, especially from people outside his community (“strange women”). The verse uses vivid imagery to show that giving in to such temptation is not just risky, but a sign of deeper spiritual trouble. The focus is on the seriousness of ignoring wisdom and the consequences that follow.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 22:14

• “Mouth” (פֶּה, peh): This word points to speech or words, highlighting that it is not just the woman herself, but specifically her enticing or persuasive talk that is the danger.
• “Strange women” (זָרָה, zarah): This term often refers to women who are outsiders, either foreign or morally outside the accepted boundaries, underlining the idea of unfamiliar or forbidden influence.
• “Deep” (עָמֹק, amoq): This word means something hard to get out of, emphasizing that the danger is not obvious or shallow, but something that can trap a person completely.
• “Pit” (שַׁחַת, shachat): This is a word for a trap or a place of destruction, reinforcing the idea that the consequences are severe and possibly life-altering.
• “Abhorred” (זָעַם, zaam): This word means to be detested or rejected, making it clear that falling into this trap is connected to being out of favor with the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH).
• “Fall” (נָפַל, naphal): This word means to stumble or collapse, showing that the result is not a minor slip but a significant downfall.

Why Proverbs 22:14 matters

• Proverbs 22:14 clarifies that the danger is not just in physical actions, but in being drawn in by persuasive or seductive words, which can lead to much deeper trouble.
• The verse connects moral choices with spiritual standing, suggesting that falling into temptation is both a personal failure and a sign of being out of alignment with God.
• This proverb fits into the larger theme of Proverbs, where wisdom is portrayed as protection, and ignoring it leads to serious, sometimes irreversible consequences.