Beware of the Flattery of Babylon
The Sapphire Review Vol. 1 | No. 24 • November 1, 2024
That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
TWO SYSTEMS OF WORSHIP
At first glance, this chapter seems to be simply a story about a young man that fell into sin with an adulterous wife, followed by a warning to anyone who would consider such a destructive course of action for a moment of sinful pleasure. However, a more careful look at what Solomon wrote under the spirit of inspiration will show that God is presenting to His people two religious systems.
One system leads to life,1 and this chapter describes the path that leads there. Another system leads to destruction and eternal death,2 and this chapter goes to great lengths to warn its readers about this road.
One system pertains to the people of God throughout all time, who are circumcised of heart,3 and their worship of the only true God.4 Another system pertains to a counterfeit and its worship. This system, raised up by Satan, draws people away from the pure and unadulterated truths of God and into something that mixes truth with error. This system is known as Babylon. Today, spiritual Babylon is comprised of all the churches and denominations that have rejected various truths,5 which are plainly described in the Bible, in favor of traditions and teachings of error.6
Whereas in the book of Revelation, God calls His people to come out of this false religious system of Babylon,7 through this chapter in Proverbs, God issues a warning to all those who would venture into her grasp.
DEFINITIONS
Before we embark on our journey of understanding the truths that God has hidden below the surface of the verses in Proverbs 7, let us establish a couple of definitions that will be helpful for us as we proceed.
First, using scripture to define scripture, we can find that God’s people (or church) can be symbolically referred to as a woman8 or as a wife.9
Next, following this same concept, we see that those who have turned away from God, or are part of a counterfeit religious system (or church) can be symbolically referred to as a harlot10 or as an adulterous wife.11
Lastly, we will look at the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary to see how it defines the word “Flattery”:
“False praise; commendation bestowed for the purpose of gaining favor and influence, or to accomplish some purpose.”
With these definitions in mind, let us now move forward with digging out the gems of truth from this scripture.
THE STRANGE WOMAN
We are given a few descriptions of the “strange woman” throughout Proverbs 7. Let’s look at some of these and see how they relate to the religious system of spiritual Babylon.
Stranger (v5): Jesus calls a false prophet, who seeks to lead the sheep away from the True Shepherd, a stranger.12
Harlot / Whore (v10): Later in Proverbs, a strange woman is also referred to as a whore.13 The woman known as “Babylon the Great” in the book of Revelation is called the “great whore” and the “mother of all harlots.”14
Flattery (v5, 21): From our definition above, flattery can be understood to mean false praise. Babylon does not worship the only true God,15 but praises a form of deity that is based upon an improper dividing of the Word of God.16 Her doctrines come from seducing spirits and demons,17 and the mixing truth with error. These teachings are extremely deceptive to those who have not a love of the truth.18 Though rooted in error, these teachings are presented as light.19
Loud & Stubborn (v11): Babylon appeals to the carnal side of a person’s intellect and emotions. Having no true reverence toward God, she stubbornly resists the light of truth when it shines against her errors.20
Abides not at Her House (v11): This religious system has gone out and exchanged the simplicity of Christ21 for the money, methods, and manners of the world.22
At Every Corner (v12): This system has now occupied every corner of the earth. All nations have been seduced by her.23 Many places seemingly have a church on every corner.
Impudent (v13): Christianity is now estimated to have over 45,000 denominations. This is as a brazen and immodest woman, changing and adapting herself in every conceivable way. Having something to appeal to nearly everyone, Babylon grabs hold of and fills herself with every carnal church seeker.
Religious (v14): Certainly, Babylon is a religious system. She often promotes herself as Christianity, though that of another gospel and of another Jesus.24 Because she claims the “grace” of God through Jesus Christ, she then justifies and excuses all her sinful and worldly practices and traditions which are contrary to sound Biblical teachings.
Diligently Seeks (v15): Babylon deploys millions of evangelists all over the world, seeking for converts.25 Tremendous amounts of time and money are put into these efforts.
Egyptian Connection (v16): Many of the churches that are ensnared by Babylon do not bring forth a message of overcoming sin. Egypt, being a type of slavery to sin, is then seen in all the congregations where sin is tolerated, and lives are defeated by sin.26 Additionally, most of these churches use modern versions of the Bible which are built from corrupted Greek manuscripts (Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus). These manuscripts have their origins in Egypt.
Sensual (v17): The religious system of Babylon is designed to appeal to the senses rather than leading people into godliness27 and to the obedience of God’s commandments. Doctrines, traditions, music, buildings, and festivities are amongst the tools used to captivate and stir the emotions, feelings, and senses of the carnal side of humanity.
Operates in Darkness (v9, v18): Babylon hates the light,28 so her deceptions are carried out in the darkness of night and away from the truths that shine forth from the Bible.29
THE GOODMAN
This chapter even goes to such detail as to explain that these deceptions are being carried out while the “goodman” is away on a long journey (v19). Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ is the goodman30 which has taken a long journey.31
His appointed day of return (v20) is the day of judgement,32 when He shall judge each person according to their works.33 All who reject the truth in unbelief,34 choosing rather to hold to the traditions and errors of Babylon, will be judged along with the wicked on that day, and will perish in the second death.
THE SIMPLE MAN
It is the law of God that makes the simple wise.35 Understanding comes to those who keep the commandments of God.36
The simple man, who is void of understanding, (v7) is a person who does not study to show themselves approved.37 It is a person who has lifted up the traditions of men over the commandments of God.38 Having not a sincere love for the truth when they are presented with it, the winds of Babylon’s doctrines sweep them up and carry them away.39 Having itching ears, they find a form of religion with teachers and companions that turn a blind eye toward their sin and disregard the law of God.40
The more intoxicated that one becomes with the wine of Babylon,41 the less clear their perception of the truth will become as it pertains to the law of God. When a person has consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, they become drunk. When such a person has an encounter with law enforcement, they are unable to fully comprehend what the officer is communicating to them. Only after completely removing themselves from the source of their intoxication can they ever hope to remain sober and gain greater understanding. Today, many are intoxicated by the wine of Babylon’s false doctrines.42 They persuade others to come drink with them. Those who are not carefully walking in obedience to God’s commands, and guarding them in their hearts, can be led astray by these deceptions. We are admonished to be sober and vigilant.43
REFUGE
With such a sophisticated and deceptive system being presented as the light of Christianity44 around the world, how can one find safety from getting caught up in the web of traditions, lies, and errors?
With this question in mind, we return to the beginning of this proverb: “Keep my commandments, and live.”45 Jesus, as the wisdom of God,46 and understanding, from the keeping of God’s commandments,47 will serve as an impenetrable barrier around a person (v3-4). In this place of refuge, we can find safety from these deceptions now and eternal life in the age to come.48
PRAYER
May God help us to never venture outside the walls that He has given us to protect us from the strange woman. May He help us to continue, with all diligence, to sound the call to “come out of her” to all those who are entangled by her flattering words.
God Bless,
Charles
SUPPLEMENT
For a verse by verse study, as a supplement to this article, please read the following:
Thank you brother Charles. The amazing clarity of this essay leaves the reader with no doubt as to who the Women (Sanctified Bride of Christ) and Harlot (adulteress bride) truly are in our day. I pray God gives us the words needed to reach all those being seduced by the Harlot. I was rescued from her and know that God wants to rescue them all.