Proverbs 7:7 kjv

And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

Proverbs 7:7 nkjv

And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding,

Proverbs 7:7 niv

I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.

Proverbs 7:7 esv

and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense,

Proverbs 7:7 nlt

I saw some naive young men,
and one in particular who lacked common sense.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 7 Meaning

Proverbs 7:7 describes an observation made by Wisdom (personified or the wise teacher) from a vantage point, noting the presence of impressionable, naive young men who lack discernment and good judgment, making them susceptible to folly and sin. It sets the stage for the warning against the immoral woman, identifying her likely victims.

Proverbs 7 7 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 is a vivid warning from a father to his son (or a teacher to a disciple) about the perils of succumbing to the temptations of an immoral woman (the seductress or "adulteress"). This verse serves as the narrator's crucial observation, setting the scene before the specific seduction narrative unfolds. It highlights the target demographic—young, inexperienced men—who are most vulnerable to such entrapment. The broader context of Proverbs emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom as the supreme guard against folly and destructive paths, particularly concerning moral purity and relationships. Culturally, such teachings were vital for guiding young men into responsible adulthood, protecting familial honor, and preserving societal order in ancient Israel.

Proverbs 7 7 Word analysis

• For I looked: The verse begins with an active, intentional observation. This isn't a casual glance but a deliberate gaze, suggesting a discerning eye seeking out specific characteristics. The speaker (Wisdom/the father) is vigilant and attentive.
• through my window: This imagery implies observation from a place of security, perhaps a home, a watchtower, or a high vantage point, giving a clear, panoramic view of the world outside, enabling discernment from a safe distance. It signifies an overview or survey.
• through the lattice: ʾeshnab (אשנב) refers to the latticework or screen of a window, which often provides privacy or security while still allowing vision. It suggests looking closely, perhaps discerning details even through a partial screen, signifying meticulous scrutiny. The double phrase ("window" and "lattice") emphasizes the deliberate, thorough nature of the observation.
• I gazed among the simple: The gaze is specifically directed at a group.
  • simple: peti (פתי). Derived from the root pathach (פתח), meaning "to open." Thus, a peti is "one who is open," impressionable, gullible, easily persuaded, naive, and inexperienced. They lack discernment because their minds are "open" to every influence without critical evaluation. This is a common term in Proverbs (e.g., Prov 1:4, 1:22, 14:15), describing those who are susceptible to folly but can also be taught wisdom. They are not necessarily malicious, but they are dangerously naive.
• I discerned among the youths: The act of "discerning" (bîn - בִּין) indicates more than just seeing; it implies understanding, perceiving distinctions, and judging characteristics.
  • youths: banim (בנים - sons/children) combined with ne'arim (נערים - young men, lads). This specifies the target group as inexperienced males in their formative years, typically susceptible to various influences. This points to the paternal concern of Proverbs, addressing young, impressionable minds.
• a young man void of understanding: This phrase specifically defines the peti (simple) observed.
  • young man: na'ar (נער), a common term for a young, inexperienced male.
  • void of understanding: ḥasar lev (חסר לב), literally "lacking heart." In biblical thought, "heart" (lev) often refers to the mind, intellect, will, and moral capacity. Thus, ḥasar lev means lacking good judgment, moral discernment, sense, wisdom, or practical discretion. It’s more than just a lack of knowledge; it’s a deficiency in the capacity for sound decision-making and distinguishing between right and wrong paths. Such an individual is ripe for deception and exploitation.

Proverbs 7 7 Bonus section

The active observation from a distance ("from my window, through my lattice") symbolizes the perspective of wisdom: it is watchful and discerning, capable of perceiving the vulnerabilities and dangers in society even before they manifest directly. This "peering" indicates wisdom's protective, warning function. The identification of the "simple" (peti) and the "one void of understanding" (chasar lev) is critical, as Proverbs is explicitly written "to give prudence to the simple" (Prov 1:4). Thus, the verse implicitly calls the listener, who may be in this very state of vulnerability, to embrace the wisdom being offered, transforming from a receptive, easily led peti to a discerning and wise individual. This verse underlines the urgent need for divine instruction to counteract human immaturity and protect from imminent moral collapse.

Proverbs 7 7 Commentary

Proverbs 7:7 offers a crucial insight into the prerequisite for vulnerability to sin and destructive influences: a state of "simplicity" coupled with a fundamental "lack of understanding." The wise teacher, observing humanity, identifies a demographic—young men—who are particularly prone to spiritual and moral peril. The "simple" person is not necessarily unintelligent, but rather lacking discernment; they are intellectually and morally impressionable, open to any message, good or ill, without critically assessing its truth or consequences. This intellectual and moral immaturity makes them prime targets for manipulative forces, such as the seductress described in the subsequent verses. This verse serves as a powerful call to acquire discernment and wisdom, warning against remaining in a state of naive "openness" that fails to filter destructive influences, thereby preparing the audience to heed the instruction that follows.

• Examples:
  • A student who readily believes every online rumor without checking facts.
  • A young adult who is easily swayed by peer pressure, even when it involves unethical actions.
  • Someone new to a faith, easily drawn into cults or false teachings due to a lack of grounded understanding.