7:5

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

5a that they may keep you from the adulteress,

5b
from the stranger with seductive words.

There is an ellipsis in 7:5b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 7:5a. For example:

5b
⌊that they may keep you⌋ from the stranger with seductive words.

This verse has “keep” instead of “save.” Otherwise, it is identical to 2:16. See the notes on that verse for the meanings of the identical words. Notice, however, that the preceding context is different and that the word “also” is not implied here in 7:5.

7:5a

that they may keep you: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “to guard you.” It expresses the aim or purpose of the father’s advice in 7:1–4. More specifically, it expresses the purpose of the parallel commands in 7:4. The purpose relationship may be expressed explicitly. For example:

in order to guard yourself (God’s Word)

In other languages, it may be more natural to start this verse with a new sentence. For example:

They will keep you away (Good News Translation)
-or-
Wisdom and understanding will keep you away (New Century Version)

Express this purpose relationship in a natural way in your language.

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