Proverbs 7:21
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
Original Language Analysis
הִ֭טַּתּוּ
she caused him to yield
H5186
הִ֭טַּתּוּ
she caused him to yield
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
1 of 6
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
לִקְחָ֑הּ
fair speech
H3948
לִקְחָ֑הּ
fair speech
Strong's:
H3948
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, something received, i.e., (mentally) instruction (whether on the part of the teacher or hearer); also (in an active and sinister sense) inve
Cross References
Proverbs 5:3For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:Proverbs 7:5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.2 Kings 4:8And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.Psalms 12:2They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.Luke 24:29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
Historical Context
Proverbs repeatedly warns about smooth speech (2:16, 5:3, 6:24, 7:5, 7:21). Ancient rhetoric valued persuasive eloquence, but biblical wisdom distinguishes truth-telling from manipulation. The sophists whom Socrates opposed prioritized persuasion over truth. Biblical wisdom insists truth matters more than persuasiveness. Eloquent lies remain lies; simple truth remains truth.
Questions for Reflection
- What smooth speech or flattering words are currently persuading you toward compromise?
- How can you evaluate message content independently of messenger's eloquence or charm?
- What practices help you anchor in truth when persuasive rhetoric challenges biblical convictions?
Analysis & Commentary
With much seductive speech she persuades him; with flattering lips she seduces. The Hebrew 'leqach' (persuasive speech/instruction) and 'chelqah' (flattery/smoothness) describe verbal seduction. Repetition emphasizes the point: smooth words seduce. Earlier verses described visual, sensory, circumstantial seduction; now comes verbal. Comprehensive assault on multiple fronts. Seduction is sophisticated, multi-dimensional attack on wisdom.