Proverbs 6:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 6:25
25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 6 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, prayer, salvation. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 6:25
25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Analysis
Don't lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her capture you with her eyelids. The Hebrew 'chamad' (desire/covet) and 'laqach' (take/capture) warn against both internal desire and external seduction. Lust begins in the heart before manifesting in action. Jesus later intensifies this: 'Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart' (Matthew 5:28). Heart-guarding precedes behavioral purity.
Historical Context
Job 31:1 records: 'I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?' Job recognized the eye-to-heart-to-action progression and intercepted it at entry point. Ancient and modern alike struggle with visual temptation, but biblical wisdom teaches that covenant faithfulness begins with thought life discipline, not merely behavioral compliance.
Reflection
- What visual or mental inputs are you allowing that cultivate lustful desires?
- How can you make a 'covenant with your eyes' to guard your heart?
- What does it reveal about sin's nature that internal desire constitutes real violation before external action?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Kings 9:30, Matthew 5:28