Proverbs 6:25

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Proverbs 6:25 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a longer warning in Proverbs 6. Solomon, who wrote many of these sayings, speaks about the danger of adultery and how an immoral woman can draw a man away from wisdom. The verses just before this one urge readers to keep their parents’ teaching and to treasure wisdom as a guard against such temptation.

Meaning

The command “lust not after her beauty in thine heart” shows that sin begins inside a person, not only in outward actions. The heart is the place of desire and choice, so the warning is to control what we allow ourselves to want. The second phrase, “neither let her take thee with her eyelids,” points to the power of flirtatious looks. A woman’s gaze can be used to entice, and the verse warns against being captured by such gestures.

Biblical connections

This teaching agrees with Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:28, where He says that looking at a woman with lustful intent is already adultery in the heart. Both passages stress that purity must begin with our inner thoughts, not just our behavior.

Application

Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds against the pull of physical beauty when it leads away from righteousness. This requires self-control and honest discernment in daily interactions. The warning also applies more broadly: any temptation that stirs wrong desire should be resisted at the thought level before it grows into sin.

Reflection

Valuing inner character over outward appearance helps protect the heart. By choosing to dwell on what is pure and honoring to God, we can avoid the ruin that unchecked desire brings.