Proverbs 6:25, "Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids," is a warning against sexual temptation and adultery. Let's break it down:
"Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart": This emphasizes that temptation starts internally. It's not just about avoiding physical actions but also controlling your thoughts and desires. "Lust" refers to a strong sexual desire, and "in your heart" implies that it's the unchecked craving in your mind that's the problem. It urges the reader to guard their thoughts and not dwell on the attractiveness of someone they are not married to.
"Neither let her captivate you with her eyelids": This refers to the seductive power of a woman's eyes and appearance. "Captivate" suggests being taken prisoner or enchanted. "Eyelids" are used here synecdochically (part representing the whole) to stand for the overall allure and charm of a woman. It's a warning against being swayed or seduced by outward beauty or flirtatious behavior. It means not to allow oneself to be drawn in or controlled by the attractiveness of another person.
In essence, the verse warns against allowing physical attraction to lead to inappropriate thoughts or actions. It's a call to control one's desires and avoid situations that could lead to adultery or other forms of sexual sin. It stresses the importance of inner purity and guarding one's heart and mind against temptation.
Proverbs 6:25, "Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids," is a warning against sexual temptation and adultery. Let's break it down:
"Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart": This emphasizes that temptation starts internally. It's not just about avoiding physical actions but also controlling your thoughts and desires. "Lust" refers to a strong sexual desire, and "in your heart" implies that it's the unchecked craving in your mind that's the problem. It urges the reader to guard their thoughts and not dwell on the attractiveness of someone they are not married to.
"Neither let her captivate you with her eyelids": This refers to the seductive power of a woman's eyes and appearance. "Captivate" suggests being taken prisoner or enchanted. "Eyelids" are used here synecdochically (part representing the whole) to stand for the overall allure and charm of a woman. It's a warning against being swayed or seduced by outward beauty or flirtatious behavior. It means not to allow oneself to be drawn in or controlled by the attractiveness of another person.
In essence, the verse warns against allowing physical attraction to lead to inappropriate thoughts or actions. It's a call to control one's desires and avoid situations that could lead to adultery or other forms of sexual sin. It stresses the importance of inner purity and guarding one's heart and mind against temptation.