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Proverbs 7:13 · World English Bible

Proverbs 7:13 Meaning So She Caught Him

So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him:

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What does Proverbs 7:13 mean?

Temptation never argues; it embraces. It takes hold of the mind with something that feels like warmth and closeness, and the boldness of its face is the ego's shamelessness, its readiness to call separation love and never blush.

From the Christian Psychology reading below.

Proverbs 7:13 through 1 lens

The same verse, read by one tradition.

CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGY

Christian Psychology

Temptation never argues; it embraces. It takes hold of the mind with something that feels like warmth and closeness, and the boldness of its face is the ego's shamelessness, its readiness to call separation love and never blush. The kiss is the counterfeit of union, an intimacy offered by the very voice that keeps the mind divided.

What comes on so warmly is not affection but a hook. A mind that feels the sudden pull toward closeness with what would empty it can pause, and ask whose voice speaks, for love does not seize and does not need a bold face to be believed.

Kiss: the counterfeit of union, the false closeness the ego offers to disguise the separation it actually brings Face: the outward manner temptation wears, its shameless boldness in naming lack as love

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Christian Psychology lens

Live Proverbs 7:13 today

  1. When a message makes you feel suddenly, intensely wanted, put the phone down for a few minutes before you answer. Warmth that is real will still be there when you pick it back up.
  2. When someone is affectionate in a way that comes with pressure, you can receive the kindness and still say no to the ask. Those are two separate answers.
  3. Under pressure, when a flattering offer arrives right as you are tired or lonely, wait until tomorrow to decide. Anything that cannot survive a night of thinking was not a good thing.

Where am I being held close by something that does not actually want my good?

The same truth in other traditions

Tao Te Ching 81

True words are not sweet and sweet words are not true. The warmth in the delivery tells you nothing about what is inside.

Buddhism · Mara's daughters

Temptation came to the Buddha under the tree as beauty and desire, not as an enemy. It arrives wearing the face you would welcome.

Judaism · Pirkei Avot

Love that depends on getting something dies the moment the getting stops. Only love that wants nothing from you lasts.

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