Come, let us take our fill of love till morning.This phrase is a seductive invitation, reflecting the allure of forbidden pleasures. In the biblical context, it is part of a larger narrative warning against the dangers of adultery and the seductive nature of sin. The use of "love" here is a euphemism for illicit sexual relations, contrasting with the biblical ideal of love within the covenant of marriage (
Genesis 2:24,
Hebrews 13:4). The phrase "till morning" suggests a temporary, fleeting pleasure, highlighting the short-lived satisfaction of sin compared to the enduring joy found in righteous living (
Psalm 16:11). The invitation to indulge "till morning" also reflects the cultural practices of the time, where night was often associated with secrecy and moral laxity (
John 3:19-20).
Let us delight in loving caresses!
This part of the verse emphasizes the physical and sensual aspect of the temptation. The word "delight" indicates a pursuit of pleasure that is self-centered and contrary to the selfless love described in1 Corinthians 13. The term "loving caresses" is a further euphemism for sexual intimacy, which, outside the bounds of marriage, is portrayed in Scripture as destructive (Proverbs 6:32-33). This phrase serves as a caution against being swayed by the immediate gratification of the senses, reminding believers of the call to purity and holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). The seductive language used here is a reminder of the deceptive nature of sin, which often presents itself as harmless or even desirable, yet leads to spiritual and moral decay (James 1:14-15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The SeductressA central figure in
Proverbs 7, she represents temptation and the allure of sin. Her words are enticing, aiming to lead the young man astray.
2.
The Young ManA symbol of naivety and vulnerability, he is the target of the seductress's advances. His lack of wisdom makes him susceptible to her temptations.
3.
The House of the SeductressRepresents a place of danger and moral compromise. It is where the seductress lures the young man, away from the path of righteousness.
4.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, he uses this account to impart wisdom and warn against the dangers of succumbing to temptation.
5.
The NightSymbolic of secrecy and sin, the night is when the seductress invites the young man to indulge in forbidden pleasures.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Nature of SinSin often presents itself as pleasurable and fulfilling, but its end is destruction. We must be vigilant and discerning to recognize and resist temptation.
The Importance of Wisdom and DiscernmentProverbs emphasizes the need for wisdom to navigate life's challenges. Seeking God's wisdom helps us make righteous choices and avoid the pitfalls of sin.
Guarding Our Hearts and MindsWe must be proactive in guarding our hearts and minds against influences that lead us away from God. This involves immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer.
The Consequences of Yielding to TemptationYielding to temptation can have severe consequences, not only spiritually but also relationally and emotionally. Understanding this helps us to resist and seek God's strength.
The Role of AccountabilityHaving accountability partners can help us stay on the right path. Sharing our struggles with trusted believers provides support and encouragement.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 7:18?
2.How does Proverbs 7:18 warn against the dangers of sexual immorality?
3.What strategies can help resist temptations similar to those in Proverbs 7:18?
4.How does Proverbs 7:18 connect with 1 Corinthians 6:18 on fleeing immorality?
5.What role does wisdom play in avoiding the trap described in Proverbs 7:18?
6.How can accountability partners support purity in light of Proverbs 7:18?
7.How does Proverbs 7:18 reflect the dangers of succumbing to temptation and desire?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 7:18?
9.How does Proverbs 7:18 relate to the broader theme of wisdom in Proverbs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 7?
11.What are the main themes of the Bible's books?
12.How does the Bible guide emotional management?
13.What are the Bible's teachings on marriage?
14.Does Joel 1:5's emphasis on drunkards mourning align with other biblical calls to repentance, or is this focus unique and contradictory?What Does Proverbs 7:18 Mean
ComeThe very first word is an invitation. It is the adulteress calling the young man to step toward her, away from wisdom and safety (Proverbs 7:6–7). Throughout Proverbs the father warns, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10).
• “Come” frames sin as something attractive, urgent, seemingly harmless.
• Scripture consistently counters such calls. Paul echoes, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
• Yielding to that first step often determines the entire direction of the heart (James 1:14–15).
let us take our fill of loveHere “love” is misdefined. The adulteress masks lust with the vocabulary of covenant intimacy. Compare:
• God’s design for marital love—exclusive and lifelong (Genesis 2:24;Proverbs 5:18–19).
• Illicit love is counterfeit; it steals what belongs only to marriage (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5).
• “Let us take” signals self-gratification, not self-giving. Genuine love “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5).
The father’s warning is clear: any “fill” outside God’s boundary leaves the soul emptier than before (Proverbs 9:17–18).
till morningSin claims to be temporary fun—a single night. Yet:
• Darkness often shelters hidden deeds (John 3:19–20).
• The promise “till morning” ignores consequences that last far beyond dawn—broken trust, guilt, even death (Proverbs 7:22–23).
• Persistent indulgence hardens the conscience (Ephesians 4:19).
The phrase shows how temptation frames sin as limited when it intends lifelong bondage (Proverbs 5:11–14).
Let us delightDelight is not wrong; where we seek it matters. Scripture commands us to “rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18), yet warns that “the fleeting pleasures of sin” are deceptive (Hebrews 11:25).
• God offers true delight in obedience (Psalm 37:4).
• Satan counteroffers momentary thrills that drain joy (Proverbs 14:12–13).
• The adulteress claims shared delight, but her real intent is self-centered (Proverbs 7:21).
in loving caresses!The language grows more explicit, appealing to senses: touch, taste, smell (Proverbs 7:17).
• Physical affection is a gift within marriage (Song of Songs 1:2), yet destructive outside it (1 Corinthians 6:18).
• Joseph fled rather than accept such caresses from Potiphar’s wife, asking, “How could I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
• What seems tender ends in brutality: “Her house is the way to Sheol” (Proverbs 7:27).
summaryProverbs 7:18 records the adulteress’s sales pitch. Each phrase layers enticement: a friendly invitation, a promise of satisfying love, a supposedly limited time frame, the lure of delight, and sensual touch. God’s Word unmasks every layer: real love is covenantal, real satisfaction is in holiness, and sin’s “night” leads to lifelong regret. Wisdom heeds the Father’s call, not the seductress’s whisper, choosing the path that honors God and protects the heart.
Verse 18. -
Let us take our fill of love;let us intoxicate ourselves (
inebriemur, Vulgate); as though the reason were overthrown by sensual passion as much as by drunkenness. The bride in
Song of Solomon 1:2 says, "Thy love is better than, wine" (see
Proverbs 5:15, 19, and note there),
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Come,לְכָ֤ה(lə·ḵāh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walklet us take our fillנִרְוֶ֣ה(nir·weh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 7301:To be saturated, drink one's fillof loveדֹ֭דִים(ḏō·ḏîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1730:To love, a love-token, lover, friend, an uncleuntilעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethe morning.הַבֹּ֑קֶר(hab·bō·qer)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242:Dawn, morningLet us delightנִ֝תְעַלְּסָ֗ה(niṯ·‘al·lə·sāh)Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 5965:To leap for, joy, exult, wave joyouslyin loving caresses!בָּאֳהָבִֽים׃(bā·’o·hā·ḇîm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 159:Love (noun)
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 7:18 Come let's take our fill of loving (Prov. Pro Pr) 
