Proverbs 7:14
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I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
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Whores can be religious. They can even be found at church. Here Solomon described a strange woman - a whore, prostitute, or adulteress. She seduced her young victim by telling him of her religious activities: she is a good woman with high standards, including religious attendance; and she has the best of her sacrifices for them to share together.
Peace offerings were split between worshipper and priest. Since the sacrificed item was perfect, the food resulting from it was of the highest quality (17:1; Lev 3:6; 22:21). This would have been equivalent to USDA Prime+! The part remaining with the worshipper was often shared with friends or used for feasts (Lev 7:15-16; 19:5-6; Deut 12:6-7).
Peace offerings were voluntary offerings to give thanks or pay vows (Lev 19:5). So even a whore can have a form of religion, which serves selfish ends. It may sooth the remains of her vexed conscience; it may disguise her illicit activities with a show of religion; and it may assist her seduction of a virtuous young man (6:26). And it may serve all three!
The strange woman in Solomon's extended parable is no common street slut. She is a fine woman with financial means, of noble reputation, and good taste. She offered to share a joyful religious celebration with the young man. The Preacher did his best to warn his son that a whore can change her conduct to seduce the most astute young men (5:6; Ec 7:26).
Here is a powerful seductress - an elegant and fine woman with character and spirituality to enhance her love and lovemaking. Men fear prostitutes for their cold hearts, obvious financial motive, likelihood of disease, lack of cleanliness, frequent use, legal risk, and impersonal performance. The Preacher knew how to get to the heart of a matter!
What a fine invitation! She had no ulterior financial motive, for she provided the fare! She was a sensitive and sincere woman well received in the better circles of her city! She had much fine food, and her only ambition appeared a need for company. "Come," she said, "I need you to complete this wonderful day and enjoy life's fine things with me."
Young man! Wake up! Open your eyes! Behind her invitation is a snare to take you down to death and hell (7:27)! Once in the hold of her lascivious arms and under the spell of her flattering lips, you are lost without hope of recovery (5:22; 22:14; 23:27). Stay away!
A religious form to cover sin compounds the crime (21:27). Rome offers many flattering pretensions of religion; but she is the great whore and mother of harlots and abominations of the earth (Rev 17:1-6), which has used vows of celibacy to defraud and kill many.
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