A Deep Pit

Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein. 

This warning presents a vivid picture of spiritual and moral danger. The “strange woman” refers not only to a literal immoral woman, such as a prostitute, but also to one who represents apostasy, someone who leads others away from truth and covenant faithfulness to God.

Her “mouth” symbolises seductive speech, words that are flattering, persuasive, and enticing. These words appear harmless, even desirable, but in reality, they conceal destruction. The comparison to a “deep pit” suggests something hidden, difficult to escape from, and ultimately deadly. Just as a pit traps its victim suddenly and completely, so does deception ensnare the unwary soul.

This imagery is reinforced throughout Proverbs. In Proverbs 23:27, she is described as “a deep ditch and a narrow pit,” emphasising both danger and confinement. Earlier passages such as Proverbs 2:16, 5:3, 6:24, and 7:5 warn that her lips “drop as honey” and her speech is smoother than oil, yet her end is bitter and leads to ruin. The progression is clear: what begins in pleasure ends in bondage.

The latter part of the verse, “he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein,” does not suggest arbitrary rejection, but rather reflects a heart already turned away from God. One who rejects wisdom, resists correction, and delights in sin becomes vulnerable to such traps. Falling into this “pit” is therefore both a consequence of moral neglect and a form of divine judgment.

In a broader sense, this proverb teaches discernment. It is not only a warning against sexual immorality, but also against any voice, whether a person, ideology, or influence, that draws one away from God’s truth through appealing but deceptive words. Wisdom calls for vigilance, self-control, and a heart anchored in Scripture, so that one is not captivated by what seems good but leads to destruction.