Proverbs 7:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 7:5 mean?

Proverbs 7:5 says that wisdom and understanding will protect a person from being led astray by a woman who is not his wife, especially one who uses flattering words to entice him. The verse warns about the danger of seductive speech from someone outside the bounds of a faithful relationship.

In this part of Proverbs, a father is speaking to his son, urging him to value wisdom as a safeguard against temptation. The “strange woman” refers to someone outside the family or marriage covenant, and the warning is about being drawn in by persuasive or seductive language. This verse is part of a larger section where the father describes the real-life consequences of ignoring wise instruction.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 7:5

• “keep” (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard or protect, emphasizing an active effort to stay safe, not just passive avoidance.
• “strange” (זָר, zar) and “stranger” (נָכְרִי, nokhri): Both words refer to someone who is not part of one’s family or covenant community, highlighting the idea of someone foreign or outside proper boundaries.
• “flattereth” (חָלַק, chalaq): This word means to make smooth or to flatter, pointing to speech that is persuasive, charming, or manipulative.
• “words” (אֵמֶר, emer): This simply means spoken words or sayings, drawing attention to the power of what is said.

Why Proverbs 7:5 matters

• Proverbs 7:5 clarifies that the real danger is not just physical temptation but the power of persuasive or flattering words.
• The verse shows that wisdom is meant to be a practical defense in everyday life, not just abstract knowledge.
• This warning fits into the broader message of Proverbs 7, where the father tries to prepare his son for real challenges he will face, making the advice personal and urgent.