Proverbs 7:20 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 7:20 mean?

Proverbs 7:20 describes how the woman's husband has taken a bag of money with him and will not return home until a set day. This detail is meant to reassure her lover that they will not be caught, as her husband will be away for a predictable period.

In the context of Proverbs 7, a father is warning his son about the dangers of being seduced by an unfaithful woman. Here, the woman is speaking to the young man, explaining that her husband is gone on a journey and will not be back until an appointed day, so they have time to act without fear of discovery. This verse adds to the sense of secrecy and false security in the story.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 7:20

• "Bag" (כִּיס, kis): This word refers to a small bag or purse, often used for carrying money. The mention of a "bag of money" suggests the husband is on a business trip or a journey that will take some time.
• "Day appointed" (יֹום הַכֵּסֶא, yom hakese): The phrase "day appointed" can also be understood as a fixed or set day, possibly even a festival or a time known in advance. This emphasizes that the husband’s return is predictable, making the woman’s claim of safety more convincing.

Why Proverbs 7:20 matters

• Proverbs 7:20 helps clarify the calculated nature of the woman’s actions, showing she has planned for secrecy and is trying to remove any fear of being caught.
• This verse highlights the deceptive environment described in Proverbs 7, where the young man is being lured into a false sense of security.
• Understanding the details about the husband’s journey connects to the larger warning in Proverbs 7 about the dangers of temptation and the consequences of ignoring wisdom.