THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Through wicked advice, he refers to the adversary, which advice, having misled Adam, robbed him of the everlasting and divine understanding of God.
Proverbs 2:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
That thou mayst be delivered from the strange woman, and from the stranger, who softeneth her words;
לְ֭הַצִּ֣ילְךָ מֵאִשָּׁ֣ה זָרָ֑ה מִ֝נָּכְרִיָּ֗ה אֲמָרֶ֥יהָ הֶחֱלִֽיקָה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Vissarion (Nechaev)
And they aim to lead others away from true discernment. The wicked corruptors are not satisfied with tainting hearts and wills; they also distort minds, undermine genuine convictions, steer individuals towards a distorted understanding of good and evil, and impose upon them a morally bankrupt perspective: one that values not what is righteous, honest, or virtuous, but rather what serves self-indulgence and flatters the flesh. Until now, the focus has been on the dangers of corruption arising from men; now Solomon, speaking through divine wisdom, cautions his student, who earnestly seeks knowledge, against the temptations posed by women.
Read more (43 words)
My child, do not allow wicked counsel to take root in you—do not let malicious or harmful suggestions lead you astray, especially from that source which has been the origin of so many misfortunes since the days of Eve, that is, from women.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Eccl 7:26I have surveyed all things with my mind, to know, and consider, and seek out wisdom and reason: and to know the wickedness of the fool, and the error of the imprudent:
- Prov 7:5That she may keep thee from the woman that is not thine, and from the stranger who sweeteneth her words.
- Prov 7:23Till the arrow pierce his liver: as if a bird should make haste to the snare, and knoweth not that his life is in danger.
- Prov 6:24That they may keep thee from the evil woman, and from the flattering tongue of the stranger.
- Prov 23:27For a harlot is a deep ditch: and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
- Prov 22:14The mouth of a strange woman is a deep pit: he whom the Lord is angry with, shall fall into it.
- Gen 39:3Who knew very well that the Lord was with him, and made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
- Gen 39:12And she catching the skirt of his garment, said: Lie with me. But he leaving the garment in her hand, fled, and went out.