Proverbs 7:14 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

(I have) peace offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows - literally, 'Peace offerings (were) upon me.' It so happened that today I have been paying my vows by offering thank offerings, which were incumbent on me to offer, for peace and prosperity vouchsafed to me. Compare the same phrase, Psalms 56:12, "Thy vows (are) upon me." How subtle is her device! She virtually says, 'I have an abundant feast of choice meats ready prepared;' for the choicest and most perfect victims were required for "peace offerings" (Leviticus 22:21), and of these (not so in sin offerings or holocausts) the greatest share was returned to the offerer (Leviticus 2:3; Leviticus 7:30; Leviticus 19:6; Leviticus 22:29-30). The indulgence of the palate prepares the way for lust. She indirectly implies her piety. But it is peace offerings or thank offerings, not offerings for sin, that she mentions. The thought of sin must not be suggested to the youth's conscience: that would undo all her scheme. 'Though I indulge in amours, do not think I am averse to the worship of God; nay, I liberally offer to Him: He is now therefore appeased, and will not mind venial offences' (T. Cartwright).

Proverbs 7:14

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.