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Ecclesiastes 7:26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

Ecclesiastes 7:26 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ecclesiastes speaks about the danger of falling into the trap of a deceitful and ungodly woman. The speaker expresses how he finds such a woman more bitter than death, comparing her heart to snares and nets, and her hands to bonds that ensnare and trap. The verse emphasizes the importance of pleasing God in order to escape from the clutches of this sinful woman. It warns that those who do not follow God's ways will be easily taken in by her deceitful ways. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of engaging with those who lead others astray and away from God. It encourages believers to stay faithful to God and avoid the pitfalls of temptation and sin.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the speaker describes a woman who is more bitter than death. The woman is portrayed as deceitful and dangerous, with a heart that is like snares and nets, and hands like bands, ready to trap and ensnare those who come near her. The imagery used here suggests that the woman's words and actions can be as binding and deadly as physical traps. Those who please God are encouraged to escape from her, implying that the woman represents temptation or sin that could lead one astray from God's path. The contrast between escaping from her and being taken by her highlights the importance of making choices that align with God's will and avoiding the snares of sin. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to stay vigilant and faithful in the face of temptation.

Ecclesiastes 7:26 in other translations

American Standard Version

And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, [and] whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. [

World English Bible

I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

Douay-Rheims

I have surveyed all things with my mind, to know, and consider, and seek out wisdom and reason: and to know the wickedness of the fool, and the error of the imprudent:

Geneva Bible (1599)

It is farre off, what may it be? and it is a profound deepenesse, who can finde it?