Read Proverbs 4 -- 7
In Today's Reading:
The power of wisdom to protect from evil; the seven most hated sins; the necessity of keeping God's Commandments.
Verses for Today:
When wisdom entereth into thine heart . . . Discretion shall preserve thee . . . To deliver thee from the . . . woman . . . which flattereth (seduces) with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death. . . . None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life . . . whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul (2:10-11,16-19; 6:32).
Many warnings are given in the Book of Proverbs concerning sexual sins and their wickedness because they are so deceptive and defile the body which is the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Sexual gratification, other than within the God-ordained marriage of a man and woman, is spiritual adultery against Christ. The warnings are in all of chapter 5; 6:23-35; all of chapter 7; 9:13-18; and 22:14. Indulging in a sinful relationship may provide momentary physical pleasure, but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell (5:4-5).
We are also warned: Remove [your] way far from her (the adulteress), and come not [near] the door of her house: Lest [you] give [your] honor [to] others, and [your] years [to] the cruel . . . And [you] mourn (are full of sorrows) at the last (after it is too late), when [your] flesh and [your] body are consumed (5:8-11). The fool eventually cries out: [Why] have I hated instruction (from God), and my heart despised (His) reproof (5:12). It is an inescapable fact that, by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life (6:26). God is warning that the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb (5:3), and disastrous results are inevitable. The deceived soul [goes] after her (the adultress) straightway, as an ox [goes] to the slaughter, or as a fool (7:22) who is deceived and blindly "imagines" various excuses to justify self-gratification. Some assume that fornication and adultery is an acceptable way of life when it occurs between consenting adults; but God says: Be not deceived: neither fornicators . . . nor adulterers . . . shall inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). We truly are grateful that the Holy Spirit also led Paul to say: And such were some of you: but [you] are washed, but [you] are sanctified, but [you] are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (6:11). If we have genuinely repented and confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Satan cannot instill or plant evil thoughts, but he can and will suggest them. We must, and can, reject them. Sin begins when we decide to dwell upon sinful thoughts. Therefore, we must [bring] into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Blessed are they that do His Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (of Heaven). For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie (Revelation 22:14-15).
Christ Revealed:
By the teacher of wisdom (Proverbs 4:7). Christ is the Teacher in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Word Studies:
4:12 straitened = hindered; 4:13 fast = firm; 4:24 froward mouth = deceitful talk; 5:3 strange = adulterous; 5:6 moveable = unstable; 5:19 ravished = delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords = ensnared; 6:12 naughty = worthless; 6:26 whorish woman = prostitute; 7:10 subtil = deceitful; 7:18 solace = delight.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. John Duncan (TN), Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY), and Sen. Paul Wellstone (MN) · Pray for your Sunday School teacher · Country: Namibia (2 million) in southwest Africa · Major languages: Afrikaans and German · Religious freedom · 68% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 5% African traditional religions · Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8).
Optional Reading: Titus 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:23