In the fifth chapter of proverbs Solomon gives instruction to his son about sexual temptation and marital fidelity. Reading between the lines it seems that he is speaking a bit from both his good and bad experiences in this area. This should be required reading for all young men and women.For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it. (v3-6)
The text is very direct about sexual temptation. It speaks of the progression of temptation evolving from "innocent" flattery to death. Interesting that he seems to indicate that the woman is somewhat unaware of what she is doing.
“How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.” (v12b-14)
Being humble means that we are teachable. For so much of my life I was not.. I was spiritually arrogant and believed that all I needed was the Holy Spirit to teach me. Thank God for His mercy that opened up my eyes.
Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. (v15) Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, (v18)
The divorce statistics for church folks are shockingly similar to those outside the church. It is a sad fact that many do not find blessing in marital intimacy and for one reason or another engage in adulterous relationships. I think the operative word here is "rejoice".
For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.(v23)
I do not know about you but that phrase "eyes of the Lord" is a bit unsettling. True enough that God sees us through eyes of love and compassion.. but.. just thinking of how nothing is hidden from Him, and He is constantly there, makes me want to bring a smile to eyes :)
If you liked this post then please click here to catch some of my other ponderings on the book of Proverbs.
It's like I tell my fiance. I don't want to be with someone. I want to be with her.
ReplyDeletePeople get so caught up in these hollywood fairytale ideas and think that once you get past a few rough spots that marriage is all cotton candy and roses, but there is nothing, and I mean nothing on this here bib blue ball that is like that. Everything that is worth something requires a lot of work.
Verses 3-6 bother me in that it makes women out to be the temptresses and yet far more often it is the man who goes looking. I do like your point that it appears that she at least doesn't realize what she is doing.
I've never been tempted to cheat on my fiance or any of the extremely few women I've dated in my life, but when I think about it all I can think of is the sobbing that would accompany her broken heart. I could never do that to her.
That last sentence was sweet Mike.. wish more guys thought like you.
ReplyDeleteI think that the context of Solomon teaching his son might be why verses3-6, and most of the chapter, are worded the way that they are.
Good point.
ReplyDeleteI have been studying Proverbs on and off for about six months. I love this book.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorites too Mike.
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