“For” at the beginning of this verse introduces what follows as the teacher’s wisdom and insight. Verses 3-6 describe what is called by Revised Standard Version “a loose woman”, as in 2.16. The advice to stay away from such a woman begins with verse 8.

“The lips of a loose woman . . .”: “A loose woman” is interpreted by some as a foreign woman, one who is not an Israelite. See 2.16. However, it seems clear from the context that the writer has an immoral or seductive woman in mind rather than an alien female. Because there is reference later to the husband of the woman, some translations express “loose woman” as “[if there is] a woman leaving her husband and looking-desiring you. . ..”

“Lips . . . drip honey” is a figurative expression. The image is seen in Psa 19.10 (Hebrew verse 11), where it describes honey dripping from the honeycomb, that is, the cells of wax filled by the honey bees. For “honey” see 24.13. In our verse the sweet words of the woman are compared to honey dripping from a honeycomb. By contrast in Song 4.11 the lovely bride is described as having honey and milk under her tongue. The sense of the figure in this verse is that of a seductive, tempting female. This is expressed in one translation as “. . . makes sweet talk to pull [seduce] you.” Another possible interpretation of “drip honey” is kissing (Scott). This seems very appropriate in the context of seduction, and is followed by Good News Translation.

“And her speech is smoother than oil”: The Revised Standard Version footnote shows that “speech” is literally “palate,” which is the roof or top of the inside of the mouth. In Job 12.11 Job speaks of the palate as tasting food. Psa 5.9 (Hebrew verse 10) says literally, “They make smooth their tongues” as a description of flattery. “Oil” refers to olive oil and not to oil taken from below the ground.

The figurative expression in line 2 is taken by many to refer to insincere but charming flattery, alluring words that excite the man’s lustful desires. Many languages use images such as these to speak of seduction and flattery. If, however, “oil” is not a suitable metaphor for flattery, then local expressions may be substituted. If no figurative language is available, it may be possible to say, for example, “The lips of the bad woman speak words that attract men and flatter them.” In some languages to flatter is “to make the heart swell” or “to blow air into the ear.”

Note Good News Translation “her kisses as smooth as olive oil.” The whole verse is expressed in one Pacific language as “The mouth of another man’s wife may be as sweet as sugar, and her kissing very delightful, but. . ..”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .