“Et ecce occurrit illi mulier ornatu meretricio, præparata ad capiendas animas : garrula et vaga,”
“And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.”
“Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.”
“Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and with crafty intent.”
“And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart.”
Attire. Covered with a veil, (Genesis xxxviii. 15.) though different from that of honest women. (Calmet) — The wanton are commonly the most gaudy; nullarum fere pretiosior cultus est quam quarum pudor vilis est. (St. Cyprian, de Habitu.) — Prepared, &c. Hebrew, “guarded,” (Calmet) or “subtle of heart.” (Protestants) “who makes the hearts of youths take flight.” (Septuagint) (Canticle of Canticles vi. 4.) (Haydock)
Verses 6-27 Here is an affecting example of the danger of youthful lusts. It is a history or a parable of the most instructive kind. Will any one dare to venture on temptations that lead to impurity, after Solomon has set before his eyes in so lively and plain a manner, the danger of even going near them? Then is he as the man who would dance on the edge of a lofty rock, when he has just seen another fall headlong from the same place. The misery of self-ruined sinners began in disregard to God's blessed commands. We ought daily to pray that we may be kept from running into temptation, else we invite the enemies of our souls to spread snares for us. Ever avoid the neighbourhood of vice. Beware of sins which are said to be pleasant sins. They are the more dangerous, because they most easily gain the heart, and close it against repentance. Do nothing till thou hast well considered the end of it. Were a man to live as long as Methuselah, and to spend all his days in the highest delights sin can offer, one hour of the anguish and tribulation that must follow, would far outweigh them.
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any of the beasts of the earth which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman: Why hath God commanded you, that you should not eat of every tree of paradise?”