Proverbs 7:21 kjv

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

Proverbs 7:21 nkjv

With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him.

Proverbs 7:21 niv

With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.

Proverbs 7:21 esv

With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.

Proverbs 7:21 nlt

So she seduced him with her pretty speech
and enticed him with her flattery.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 21 Meaning

Proverbs 7:21 illustrates the devastating impact of persuasive, deceitful communication. It describes how the adulteress, through an abundance of outwardly appealing but inherently false words and smooth, flattering speech, succeeds in bending the will of the naïve young man and ultimately entrapping him. This verse emphasizes that spiritual and moral surrender often begins not with overt force, but with the subtle yet persistent manipulation of language that appeals to one's desires and weaknesses, leading to a complete compromise of integrity.

Proverbs 7 21 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 is an extended fatherly admonition, where the wisdom teacher warns his son against the seductive allure and perilous danger of the "strange woman" or "adulteress." This chapter portrays a vivid, step-by-step narrative of how a young, naïve man is lured away from the path of wisdom. Verse 21 describes the climax of the seductress's verbal manipulation, immediately preceding the young man's ultimate succumbing and following her "as an ox goes to the slaughter" (Pr 7:22). The broader historical and cultural context is that of ancient Israel, where fidelity in marriage and purity of life were central to the covenant community, and where warnings against sexual immorality (often associated with pagan fertility cults or general dissolution) were crucial for the moral and social fabric.

Proverbs 7 21 Word analysis

• With her much fair speech (בְּרֹב לֶקְחָהּ – bĕrov leqḥāh):

  • "much" (רֹב – rov): Signifies an abundance, quantity, or persistence. This indicates that her influence is not a single, isolated utterance but a sustained, rich torrent of words. It implies thoroughness and dedication in her deceptive communication.
  • "fair speech" (לֶקַח – leqach): Often translated as "instruction," "doctrine," or "persuasion." In Proverbs, this term typically refers to beneficial, wise teaching (e.g., Pr 1:5, 4:2). However, here it is used ironically to describe her deceitful "instruction." She cloaks her immoral propositions in seemingly rational, appealing, or even spiritually disguised language, mimicking legitimate guidance to mislead. It suggests a perverse use of what should be a tool for good.

• she caused him to yield (תַּטֵּהוּ – taṭṭēhū):

  • Derived from the verb נָטָה (natah), meaning "to stretch out," "to incline," "to bend," or "to turn aside."
  • Meaning: This signifies a bending of the will or inclination of the mind. It is not physical force but psychological and emotional persuasion that sways his resolve. She succeeds in turning his moral compass slightly off course, making him amenable to her illicit suggestions, often through gradual and subtle pressure.

• with the flattering of her lips (בְּחֵלֶק שְׂפָתֶיהָ – bĕḥēleq sĕp̄āt̄eyhā):

  • "flattering" (חֵלֶק – ḥēleq): From the root חָלַק (ḥalaq), which means "to be smooth," "to divide," or "to flatter." It conveys the idea of smooth, unctuous speech—words that are pleasing to the ear, disingenuous compliments, or insincere expressions designed to manipulate or seduce. This highlights the alluring and deceptive nature of her vocal delivery.
  • "lips" (שְׂפָתֶיהָ – sĕp̄āt̄eyhā): The instrument of speech. Emphasizes that her deception comes directly from her mouth, packaged in a way that bypasses critical discernment and appeals directly to desires.

• she forced him (תַּלְקְחֶנּוּ – talqěḥennū):

  • Derived from the verb לָקַח (laqach), meaning "to take," "to seize," "to grasp," or "to ensnare."
  • Meaning: This term is stronger than "yield." It suggests a more complete and decisive capture or overpowering. Having softened his resistance and inclined his will, she now completely takes hold of him, binding him as one caught in a snare. The "force" is not physical but the irresistible, overwhelming power of her psychological and verbal seduction. He is "taken captive."

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "With her much fair speech she caused him to yield": This phrase details the initial, persuasive assault on the young man's judgment and resolve. It describes the volume and deceptive wisdom-like quality of her words, which succeed in making him bend or incline towards her illicit propositions. It's the beginning of the internal surrender.
  • "with the flattering of her lips she forced him": This second phrase represents the culmination of her manipulative power. The "flattery" signifies the charming, deceptive, and alluring nature of her communication, which fully breaks down any remaining resistance, leading to his complete "capture" or ensnarement. It signifies the point where his resistance is overcome, and he is "taken." The two phrases describe a progressive erosion of moral boundaries and personal willpower, moving from subtle influence to total control.

Proverbs 7 21 Bonus section

The progression from "yielding" (incline) to "forced" (captured) in this verse perfectly illustrates the creeping nature of sin and temptation. Often, initial small concessions, born from listening to alluring untruths, lead inevitably to a complete capitulation and spiritual bondage. The seductress, representing folly or evil, engages in a deliberate campaign of psychological warfare through words. Her speech is tailored to bypass logic and activate desire, revealing the potent spiritual principle that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Lk 6:45), but also that "evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor 15:33, KJV). The focus on "lips" and "speech" in this verse highlights that true wisdom—God's Word—is designed to be straightforward and truthful, a stark contrast to the twisted, manipulative words of folly.

Proverbs 7 21 Commentary

Proverbs 7:21 is a powerful exposé of the insidiousness of temptation. It reveals that the gravest dangers often come disguised not through overt threats, but through enticing and persuasive words that promise gratification while concealing destruction. The seductress employs a calculated verbal strategy: first, an overwhelming "abundance" of "fair speech" which, while sounding reasonable or appealing, fundamentally serves to pervert understanding and turn the heart. Second, this is amplified by "flattering of her lips," words designed to smooth over truth, appeal to ego, and create a false sense of trust or intimacy. The effect is profound: the victim is initially "caused to yield," meaning his inner resolve or moral alignment is subtly bent, and then utterly "forced" or captured. This "force" is the crushing weight of her persistent, tailored deception, which overcomes his weakened resistance, much like an animal ensnared in a trap. The verse underscores the critical importance of guarding one's mind and heart against attractive lies, for the battle against sin is often won or lost on the battlefield of persuasive language before any physical act occurs.

• Examples: A seemingly helpful "guru" online who gradually steers followers towards a harmful cult through compelling but deceptive teachings; a politician using smooth, flattering rhetoric to sway public opinion away from truth; a deceptive friend or partner using words to justify immoral actions and influence compliance.