To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Ver. 24. To keep thee from the evil woman.] Heb., From the woman of evil, that is wholly given up to wickedness, - as Aaron saith of the people, Exo 32:22 and as Plautus, In fermenlo tota iacet uxor. In this sense Antichrist is called "the man of sin." 2Th 2:3
From the flattery of the tongue.] This is the proper effect of God's word, hid in the heart, as an amulet. Bellerophon and other heathens, without this preservative, abstained from adultery, either for love of praise, or fear of punishment, or opinion of merit. But this was not properly chastity, but continence, which kept them from the outward act, sed non sine dolore - not without inward lustings and hankerings after strange flesh. Vellem, si non essem imperator, said Scipio, when a fair harlot was offered to him; I would if I were not a general.
Of a strange woman.] Filthiness, as also swearing and drunkenness, in a woman is most abominable. Hence, among other reasons, saith one, the whorish woman is called "the strange woman."