Proverbs 7 – Steer Clear

“All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.”

Proverbs‬ ‭7:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This whole chapter is something Solomon takes a great deal of time to learn about in multiple chapters. But here he is explicit in what an adulterous wife will do when leading someone astray. In these verses we get some poetic pictures of what it looks like when a person gives into temptation.

Ox – unaware of its fate. Mostly these were beasts of burden. The probably had a level of trust in their owners. Never thinking they’d become food.

Deer & bird – wild game animals. They may be aware of the inherent danger of humans. But traps are hidden and hard to escape once you’ve gotten yourself into one.

Whether you are a “wild” person or more “down to earth,” carrying on with an unfaithful person will only lead to death. Could be physical death, could be the end of former relationships and family ties. Could be your career. Solomon says to his sons “Stay away!”