READING: Proverbs 5:1-7:27
The book of Proverbs so clearly warns us against adultery that it is impossible to miss. Today’s reading is, in fact, filled with those warnings:
- “Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her words are smoother than oil, in the end she’s as bitter as wormwood and as sharp as a double-edged sword.” (Prov 5:3-4)
- “The one who commits adultery lacks sense; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Prov 6:32)
- “Don’t let your heart turn aside to her ways; don’t stray onto her paths.For she has brought many down to death; her victims are countless.” (Prov 7:25-26)
The dangers are real, and the consequences are tragic. Yet, how is it that so many are caught in this trap?
The writer of Proverbs shows us the allure of sexual sin, but it also raises questions regarding this temptation that must capture our hearts today: “Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned? Can a man walk on burning coals without scorching his feet?” (Prov 6:27-28). See, adultery seldom happens as a spur of the moment action (though it does at times), but it most often happens after we have already decided to play with fire. We push against the sin line, assuming we can handle the temptation even as we wring out of it every ounce of “fun” we can get. Then, the fire consumes us—and it’s tragic.
May God guard us from even playing with fire today.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you playing with fire, walking on coals in any place of your life today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, keep me far from the fire.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 8:1-10:32
Though these verses are to prevent a man from lusting and sinning the same applies to a woman where the man is the pursuer. It takes two to tango. Also men that cannot control themselves around women in general are their own problem, that is not the fault of the women.
Prostitution is implied in Proverbs 5:3-4, 7:25-26 and yes, that is purely the man’s choice to partake in. The sin there is multifaceted, against God, against the woman, against the man and against the spouse if there is one. The woman, regardless of her sin should still be honored as a woman created by God and help and healing and an honest profession should be sought for her- not participation in her sin. Not ravaging her body that is still a temple of God’s even in it’s lost state.
Ultimately, we are responsible for our own actions, our own failure to keep the Commandments to not commit adultery and to not covet your neighbors wife.
For centuries the Bible has been used incorrectly to dishonor and assume power over women, both secularly and in the church. God in the OT and Jesus in the NT did not exemplify this behavior. I think it is important that the societal behaviors and attitudes of Biblical times be included in discussions and sermons concerning verses such as these. (Some of this attitude still exists in the culture of the same geographic area.) I think it is vital for the actual circumstances around who was involved in Paul’s letters to the churches to be fully understood. It was not ALL women, it was CERTAIN women, yet it has been interpreted to apply to all women.
God and Jesus respected, honored, were inclusive and put women in positions of authority when needed to complete God’s plan, when a man would not, when she was best suited, when her skills, talents and availability were needed. They never under-minded them, thought of them as less intellectually or as a lesser being. God created Eve as a partner, to help and assist, not to be in servitude. God recognized Adam needed a partner, not a servant. God created man with his physique and woman with hers to complete His plan, but He did not create a lesser being in Eve, just a different being designed as He wished.