Proverbs 7:25
Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
דְּרָכֶ֣יהָ
to her ways
H1870
דְּרָכֶ֣יהָ
to her ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לִבֶּ֑ךָ
Let not thine heart
H3820
לִבֶּ֑ךָ
Let not thine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Proverbs 5:8Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Proverbs 6:25Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Historical Context
Biblical anthropology consistently teaches that heart condition determines life direction. Jesus taught: 'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh' (Matthew 12:34) and 'From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts' (Mark 7:21). Behavior modification without heart transformation fails. True change requires renewed hearts producing renewed lives.
Questions for Reflection
- What heart 'turnings' toward temptation precede behavioral compromise in your life?
- How can you guard your heart more carefully to prevent behavioral wandering?
- What practices cultivate heart affections aligned with God's ways rather than sin's ways?
Analysis & Commentary
Let not your heart turn to her ways; don't stray into her paths. The Hebrew 'satah' (turn aside/deviate) and 'ta'ah' (err/wander) warn against directional departure. Heart-turning precedes foot-wandering. First internal desire, then external action. Guard the heart, and behavior follows. Proverbs 4:23 commands: 'Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.' Heart purity produces life purity.