Verse 33. The three things here mentioned may be referred to three causes. The wound to the devil, the enemy of mankind, the dishonour to God, dishonoured by the adulterer, the reproach to sin, which is the true object of reproach. The devil woundeth out of malice, God dishonoureth in justice, sin reproacheth by nature; and where nature hath fastened the reproach or stain it is not any art that can take it out or wipe it away. He that giveth this good counsel was himself an example of what he writeth. As Jerome saith, Solomon, the sun of men, the treasure of God's delights, the peculiar house of wisdom, blurred with the thick ink of dishonour, lost the light of his soul, the glory of his house, the sweet perfume of his name, by the love of a woman.--_Jermin._ What an indelible blot is the matter of Uriah upon David still.--_Trapp._ Verse 34. Howbeit he may not kill the adulterer, but if no law will relieve a man, yet let him know that he shall do himself no disservice by making God his chancellor.--_Trapp._ * * * * * * CHAPTER VII. CRITICAL NOTES.--+2. Apple of the eye,+ the "pupil," literally the "little man" of the eye, referring to the reflected image of a man seen in that organ. +3. Bind them+ "refers to the rings with large signets, upon which maxims were inscribed" (_Stuart_). +4. Kinswoman,+ rather, "an acquaintance, a familiar friend." +7. Simple,+ "inexperienced." +8. Went,+ "moved leisurely, sauntered." +9. In the black and dark night,+ literally, "in the apple," or "pupil" of the night. +10.+ Literally, "a woman, the attire of a harlot," with no connecting word between, as though the woman were nothing but such a dress. +Subtil,+ "guarded." Wordsworth renders "her heart is like a walled fortress." +11. Stubborn,+ rather "boisterous, ungovernable." +14.+ The offerings here named are those of thanksgiving for blessings received. Of such offering, which, in accordance with the law (Lev. vii. 16), must be eaten by the second day, the guests partook, so that a rich feast is here offered to the young man under the garb of religious usage. +16. With carved works,+ rather, "variegated coverlets of Egyptian linen." +20. The purse, etc.,+ indicating long delay; +the day appointed,+ rather, "the day of the full moon." +22. Straightway.+ "The Hebrew implies that he had at first hesitated, until the fear of his to take the decisive step was overcome by evil appetite, and he now, with passionate promptness, formed the vile purpose and executed it at once, to cut off all further reflection. Here is evidently a stroke in the picture of the profoundest psychological truth" _(Lange's Commentary)._ The latter clause of the verse is literally, "and as fetters for the punishment of a fool." It has been variously rendered. Many expositors read, "As the obstinate fool is suddenly caught and held fast by a trap lying in a forbidden path, so has the deceitful power