Proverbs 6:24 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

To keep thee from the evil woman Which is mentioned as a great commendation of God's word, because neither worldly discretion, nor a good education, nor moral precepts, nor any other considerations, are sufficient preservatives against this lust, as is manifest from daily experience. Lust not after her beauty Do not give way to, or delight thyself with, unchaste thoughts or affections: compare Matthew 5:28. Neither let her take thee with her eyelids With her wanton glances. For by means, &c., a man is brought to a piece of bread To extreme poverty, so as to want, and be forced to beg his bread. And the adulteress will hunt for the precious life To take away a man's life; either by consuming his body and spirits, and so shortening his days; or more directly and strictly when she hath any great provocation to do it, or any prospect of considerable advantage thereby. Can a man take fire in his bosom and not be burned? The question implies a denial; he cannot escape burning. No more can he who burns in lust avoid destruction. Whosoever toucheth her In any immodest way; shall not be innocent He is in imminent danger of adultery, as he that takes fire in his bosom, or goes upon hot coals, is in danger of being burned. The way of sin is down hill, and those that venture upon the temptation to it will hardly escape the sin itself; and certainly shall not escape punishment, but shall meet with it either from God or man.