A virtuous woman is to be praised (Proverbs 31:10, 30-31). A virtue-less woman is a menace to society and ought to be avoided. Solomon graphically describes her with these words: “And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious; her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, lurking at every corner. So, she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him: ‘I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. So, I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. I have spread my bed with tapestry, colored coverings of Egyptian linen. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he has taken a bag of money with him and will come home on the appointed day.’ With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him” (Proverbs 7:10-21).
Consider several notable characteristics about this woman:
- She dresses provocatively.
- She craves attention.
- She expresses inappropriate affection.
- She is shameless.
- She intends to be seductive.
- She promises secrecy and discretion.
Sadly, “she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death” (Proverbs 7:26-27).
