Does our neighborhood contain two women, a wise and a foolish woman? Let’s look at Proverbs 9.
Pictured as a woman, what is wisdom inviting us to learn from her?
Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. She has prepared her meat; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her female servants; she calls out from the highest points of the city: “Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!” To the one who lacks sense, she says, “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding. (Pr 9:1-6 HCSB)
Is it a waste of energy to talk a mocker into good sense, or a wicked man into changing his ways? Who will actually listen to wisdom?
Whoever corrects a mocker invites only insult, and whoever rebukes the wicked will himself become stained. Don’t rebuke a mocker or he will hate you. Rebuke a wise person, and he will love you. Counsel a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will add to his learning. (Pr 9:7-9 ISV)
What are the first steps to wisdom and understanding? What is the result?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. (Pr 9:10-12 KJV)
Is a foolish woman contrasted with the wise woman and a different result?
The woman of foolishness is boisterous, A woman of simplicity, and does not know anything. She sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city, To call to those who pass by that way, Who are making their paths straight: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks a heart of wisdom she says, “Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, That those she called are in the depths of Sheol. (Pr 9:13-18 LSB)
What is the missing ingredient between the five wise and five foolish virgins, in the parable that Jesus told?
Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour. (Mat 25:1-13 NASB)
Does our neighborhood contain two women, a wise and a foolish woman? You decide!
Wisdom Cries Out (Pr 8)
Is wisdom available to all who care to seek her out? What are the results of finding or ignoring wisdom? Let’s look at Proverbs 8.
In contrast to the immoral woman who seduces naïve men secretly, does wisdom cry out openly?
Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. (Pr 8:1-11 NKJV)
What are some other traits that accompany wisdom? What do wise people hate?
“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. (Pr 8:12-16 NLT)
What about wisdom makes it true wealth, more desirable than material wealth?
I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice, that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries. (Pr 8:17-21 WEB)
How ancient is wisdom? Did God have it at the very beginning?
The Lord created me at the beginning of his way, before his deeds long in the past. I was formed in ancient times, at the beginning, before the earth was. When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs flowing with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; before God made the earth and the fields or the first of the dry land. I was there when he established the heavens, when he marked out the horizon on the deep sea, when he thickened the clouds above, when he secured the fountains of the deep, when he set a limit for the sea, so the water couldn’t go beyond his command, when he marked out the earth’s foundations. I was beside him as a master of crafts. I was having fun, smiling before him all the time, frolicking with his inhabited earth and delighting in the human race. (Pr 8:22-31 CEB)
What happens to those who follow wise advice, and what happens to those who don’t want to find it?
Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy. Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise. Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness. By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you. But if you don't find me, you hurt only yourself, and if you hate me, you are in love with death. (Pr 8:32-36 CEV)
Is wisdom at the top of a list, summarizing just a few of the many spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit can give us?
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, (1 Cor 12:7-8 ESV)
Is wisdom available to all who care to seek her out? What are the results of finding or ignoring wisdom? You decide!
In contrast to the immoral woman who seduces naïve men secretly, does wisdom cry out openly?
Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. (Pr 8:1-11 NKJV)
What are some other traits that accompany wisdom? What do wise people hate?
“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. (Pr 8:12-16 NLT)
What about wisdom makes it true wealth, more desirable than material wealth?
I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice, that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries. (Pr 8:17-21 WEB)
How ancient is wisdom? Did God have it at the very beginning?
The Lord created me at the beginning of his way, before his deeds long in the past. I was formed in ancient times, at the beginning, before the earth was. When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs flowing with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; before God made the earth and the fields or the first of the dry land. I was there when he established the heavens, when he marked out the horizon on the deep sea, when he thickened the clouds above, when he secured the fountains of the deep, when he set a limit for the sea, so the water couldn’t go beyond his command, when he marked out the earth’s foundations. I was beside him as a master of crafts. I was having fun, smiling before him all the time, frolicking with his inhabited earth and delighting in the human race. (Pr 8:22-31 CEB)
What happens to those who follow wise advice, and what happens to those who don’t want to find it?
Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy. Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise. Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness. By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you. But if you don't find me, you hurt only yourself, and if you hate me, you are in love with death. (Pr 8:32-36 CEV)
Is wisdom at the top of a list, summarizing just a few of the many spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit can give us?
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, (1 Cor 12:7-8 ESV)
Is wisdom available to all who care to seek her out? What are the results of finding or ignoring wisdom? You decide!
The Immoral Woman (Pr 7)
Is there a contrast between wisdom, personified as a moral woman and an immoral woman? Let’s look at Proverbs 7.
Why do we again have a warning against an immoral woman? Is it still a real problem?
My son, guard what I say and treasure my commands. Keep my commands and you’ll live. Guard my teaching as you do your eyesight. Strap them to your fingers and engrave them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You’re my sister!” and call understanding your close relative, so they can keep you from an adulterous woman, from the immoral woman with her seductive words. (Pr 7:1-5 ISV)
Does she wait for a naïve and stupid man like a predator for its prey?
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) (P4 7:6-12 KJV)
What moves and words does this woman use to seduce the man? What will it cost him?
So she seizes him and kisses him And with a brazen face she says to him: “The sacrifices of peace offerings are with me; Today I paid my vows. Therefore I have come out to meet you, To seek your face earnestly, and I have found you. I have spread my couch with coverings, With colored linens of Egypt. I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, then, let us drink our fill as lovers until morning; Let us delight ourselves with the pleasures of love. For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a journey far away; He took a bag of silver in his hand, On the day of the full moon he will come home.” With her abundant persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she drives him to herself. He suddenly follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of an ignorant fool, Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, And he does not know that it will cost him his soul. (Pr 7:13-23 LSB)
What final warning does the father give to his sons about following the immoral woman?
Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, And pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has brought to ruin, And numerous are all those slaughtered by her. Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death. (Pr 7:24-27 NASB)
Is there hope for an immoral woman to have faith, be forgiven and saved?
A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:37-50 NIV)
Is there a contrast between wisdom, personified as a moral woman and an immoral woman? You decide!
Why do we again have a warning against an immoral woman? Is it still a real problem?
My son, guard what I say and treasure my commands. Keep my commands and you’ll live. Guard my teaching as you do your eyesight. Strap them to your fingers and engrave them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You’re my sister!” and call understanding your close relative, so they can keep you from an adulterous woman, from the immoral woman with her seductive words. (Pr 7:1-5 ISV)
Does she wait for a naïve and stupid man like a predator for its prey?
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) (P4 7:6-12 KJV)
What moves and words does this woman use to seduce the man? What will it cost him?
So she seizes him and kisses him And with a brazen face she says to him: “The sacrifices of peace offerings are with me; Today I paid my vows. Therefore I have come out to meet you, To seek your face earnestly, and I have found you. I have spread my couch with coverings, With colored linens of Egypt. I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, then, let us drink our fill as lovers until morning; Let us delight ourselves with the pleasures of love. For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a journey far away; He took a bag of silver in his hand, On the day of the full moon he will come home.” With her abundant persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she drives him to herself. He suddenly follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of an ignorant fool, Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, And he does not know that it will cost him his soul. (Pr 7:13-23 LSB)
What final warning does the father give to his sons about following the immoral woman?
Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, And pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has brought to ruin, And numerous are all those slaughtered by her. Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death. (Pr 7:24-27 NASB)
Is there hope for an immoral woman to have faith, be forgiven and saved?
A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:37-50 NIV)
Is there a contrast between wisdom, personified as a moral woman and an immoral woman? You decide!
Bad Choices (Pr 6)
What wisdom should we seek in dealing with topics like debt, laziness, wickedness, seven things God hates, and adultery? Let’s survey Proverbs 6.
Is putting up security for someone else’s debt a dangerous financial trap?
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Pr 6:1-5 NIV)
What can a lazy person learn from the busy activity of an ant colony?
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep—So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Pr 6:6-11 NKJV)
What are some of the telltale signs warning us that a person is not to be trusted? What destination do wicked people face?
What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble. But they will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing. (Pr 6:12-15 NLT)
What are seven commonly found things in our society that God hates?
There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. (Pr 6:16-19 WEB)
Do even the worst parents teach at least some things that are valuable?
My son, keep your father’s command; don’t abandon your mother’s instruction. Bind them on your heart for all time; fasten them around your neck. When you walk around, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will protect you; when you awake, they will occupy your attention. The commandment is a lamp and instruction a light; corrective teaching is the path of life. (Pr 6:20-23 CEB)
Did our parents' rules teach us to be faithful in marriage? Does adultery begin with lust? What does it cost?
They will protect you from the flattering words of someone else's wife. Don't let yourself be attracted by the charm and lovely eyes of someone like that. A woman who sells her love can be bought for as little as the price of a meal. But making love to another man's wife will cost you everything. If you carry burning coals, you burn your clothes; if you step on hot coals, you burn your feet. And if you go to bed with another man's wife, you pay the price. (Pr 6:24-29 CEV)
How foolish is adultery? Is it more despised than theft?
People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts. (Pr 6:30-35 ESV)
What is the consequence of sin and how did Jesus provide a way to escape it?
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23 HCSB)
What wisdom should we seek in dealing with topics like debt, laziness, wickedness, seven things God hates, and adultery? You decide!
Is putting up security for someone else’s debt a dangerous financial trap?
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (Pr 6:1-5 NIV)
What can a lazy person learn from the busy activity of an ant colony?
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep—So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. (Pr 6:6-11 NKJV)
What are some of the telltale signs warning us that a person is not to be trusted? What destination do wicked people face?
What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble. But they will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing. (Pr 6:12-15 NLT)
What are seven commonly found things in our society that God hates?
There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. (Pr 6:16-19 WEB)
Do even the worst parents teach at least some things that are valuable?
My son, keep your father’s command; don’t abandon your mother’s instruction. Bind them on your heart for all time; fasten them around your neck. When you walk around, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will protect you; when you awake, they will occupy your attention. The commandment is a lamp and instruction a light; corrective teaching is the path of life. (Pr 6:20-23 CEB)
Did our parents' rules teach us to be faithful in marriage? Does adultery begin with lust? What does it cost?
They will protect you from the flattering words of someone else's wife. Don't let yourself be attracted by the charm and lovely eyes of someone like that. A woman who sells her love can be bought for as little as the price of a meal. But making love to another man's wife will cost you everything. If you carry burning coals, you burn your clothes; if you step on hot coals, you burn your feet. And if you go to bed with another man's wife, you pay the price. (Pr 6:24-29 CEV)
How foolish is adultery? Is it more despised than theft?
People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts. (Pr 6:30-35 ESV)
What is the consequence of sin and how did Jesus provide a way to escape it?
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23 HCSB)
What wisdom should we seek in dealing with topics like debt, laziness, wickedness, seven things God hates, and adultery? You decide!
Adultery (Pr 5)
What are the results of faithfulness and unfaithfulness in marriage? How can we avoid the trap? Let’s begin in Proverbs 5.
Is adultery made to look appealing, but where is it headed?
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, and listen closely to my insight, so you may carefully practice discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead to Sheol. You aren’t thinking about where her life is headed; her steps wander, but you do not realize it. (Pr 5:1-6 ISV)
Why should we distance ourselves far from adultery? What are some of its consequences?
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. (Pr 5:7-14 KJV)
Are there blessings from lifelong faithfulness to one spouse and curses for unfaithfulness?
Drink water from your own cistern And fresh water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be for you alone, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And be glad in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be intoxicated always with her love. So why should you, my son, be intoxicated with a strange woman And embrace the bosom of a foreign woman? For the ways of a man are before the eyes of Yahweh, And He watches all his tracks. His own iniquities will capture him who is the wicked one, And with the cords of his sin he will be held fast. He will die for lack of discipline, And in the abundance of his folly he will stumble in intoxication. (Pr 5:15-23 LSB)
How does Jesus handle this very delicate subject? How can we follow His hyperbolic advice in practical ways?
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Now if your right eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (Mat 5:27-29 NASB)
What are the results of faithfulness and unfaithfulness in marriage? How can we avoid the trap? You decide!
Is adultery made to look appealing, but where is it headed?
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, and listen closely to my insight, so you may carefully practice discretion and your lips preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead to Sheol. You aren’t thinking about where her life is headed; her steps wander, but you do not realize it. (Pr 5:1-6 ISV)
Why should we distance ourselves far from adultery? What are some of its consequences?
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. (Pr 5:7-14 KJV)
Are there blessings from lifelong faithfulness to one spouse and curses for unfaithfulness?
Drink water from your own cistern And fresh water from your own well. Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? Let them be for you alone, And not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, And be glad in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be intoxicated always with her love. So why should you, my son, be intoxicated with a strange woman And embrace the bosom of a foreign woman? For the ways of a man are before the eyes of Yahweh, And He watches all his tracks. His own iniquities will capture him who is the wicked one, And with the cords of his sin he will be held fast. He will die for lack of discipline, And in the abundance of his folly he will stumble in intoxication. (Pr 5:15-23 LSB)
How does Jesus handle this very delicate subject? How can we follow His hyperbolic advice in practical ways?
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Now if your right eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (Mat 5:27-29 NASB)
What are the results of faithfulness and unfaithfulness in marriage? How can we avoid the trap? You decide!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)