Proverbs 7:22 - He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose.

Generated Verse: Proverbs 7:22

What does "Proverbs 7:22" mean?


Proverbs 7:22 paints a vivid and disturbing picture of a young man's foolish and reckless actions. Let's break down the meaning:

"He followed her immediately...": This emphasizes the speed and lack of hesitation with which the young man succumbs to temptation. He doesn't pause to consider the consequences, his desire overriding any good sense.

"...as an ox goes to the slaughter...": This is a powerful simile. An ox being led to slaughter is blind and unaware of its impending doom. It walks willingly towards its death, oblivious to the danger. This compares the young man's situation to an animal completely unaware of the deadly trap it is walking into. He is being led to destruction by his own lust, just as the ox is led to its death by its handlers.

"...as a fool stepping into a noose.": This is another simile reinforcing the same concept. A noose is a trap specifically designed to kill. A fool who willingly steps into one is either incredibly ignorant or suicidal. It highlights the utter lack of wisdom and the inevitable, destructive consequence of the young man's actions. He's actively participating in his own downfall.

In essence, the verse means:

The young man, driven by lust, follows the seductive woman without any thought or restraint. He is like an ox being led to its death or a fool walking into a deadly trap. He is completely unaware of the danger he is in and the terrible consequences that will follow his actions. The verse highlights the folly of giving in to temptation and the disastrous results of lacking wisdom and self-control. It emphasizes the devastating consequences of succumbing to temptation.