Proverbs 23:28

She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

Proverbs 23:28 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to a father’s warning to his son in Proverbs 23:26-35. The passage urges the son to give his heart to wisdom and to avoid the path of an immoral woman. Her end is bitter and destructive, and her ways lead to ruin.

Meaning

The word “she” points to a seductress, a woman of questionable character. The verse pictures her as lying in wait like a robber who ambushes a victim. This is not accidental or passive; she deliberately seeks to deceive and ensnare those who are drawn by her allure. Her action is predatory, like a bandit hiding to catch the unwary.

The second line says she “increaseth the transgressors among men.” She multiplies those who rebel against God’s ways. Her influence does not stop with one person; it spreads, turning many into sinners and leading them away from righteousness. This shows that sexual sin is not a private fall but a force that grows and corrupts the community.

Biblical connections

The warning here matches the broader teaching of Proverbs about the danger of sexual temptation. The father’s appeal in Proverbs 23:26 to give the heart to wisdom is the positive command that stands against the seductress’s trap. Wisdom and discernment are the defenses that keep a person from falling into her snare. The whole section calls for vigilance and dependence on God.

Application

This verse calls readers to be vigilant. Temptation often appears attractive, but its purpose is to capture and destroy. Believers must guard their hearts and minds, and they must flee from situations that lead to sin. The seductress’s prey are those who trust their own strength instead of depending on God’s wisdom. Recognizing the deceptive nature of temptation helps us resist it.

Reflection

The verse also shows that sin is never private. When one person falls, the community suffers, and the number of transgressors grows. This truth should move believers to pursue holiness not only for their own sake but also for the good of others. God’s wisdom is the sure protection against every predatory snare.