Read Proverbs 4 -- 7
In Today's Reading:
The power of wisdom to protect from evil; the seven sins most hated by God; the necessity of keeping God's Commandments
While believers in the Old Testament were likened to the wife of Jehovah and in the New Testament are likened to the Bride of Christ, it follows that sex other than within the God-ordained marriage of a man and woman is spiritual adultery committed against God. Sexual sins are so deceptive and so destructive that more space is given in Proverbs to warnings of their wickedness than to any other sin. Sexual sin defiles the body which, for believers, is the temple of the Holy Spirit (see I Corinthians 6:19). The warnings against such sins are found in Proverbs in all of chapter 5; 6:23-35; all of chapter 7; 9:13-18; and 22:14. God reveals that the only sure way of safety is found when wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul . . . understanding shall . . . deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words (Proverbs 2:10-11,16, also 19). Indulging in a sinful relationship may provide momentary physical gratification; but whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul (6:32).
God warns that disastrous results are inevitable: He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks (7:22). Some people assume that adultery and fornication are acceptable when they occur between consenting adults; but God says: Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind . . . shall inherit the Kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9-10) .
Satan can only tempt us, but sin begins as we dwell upon the temptation. Therefore, we must obey God's Word by bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).
Anyone who has been drawn into sexual sins should genuinely repent of this evil and ask God for forgiveness, for he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13). But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. . . . For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified (cleansed from sin). . . . And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin (Hebrews 10:12, 14,17-18).
Christ Revealed:
By the teacher of wisdom (Proverbs 4:7,11). 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 = irresponsible, unstable; 5:19 ravished = delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords = ensnared, held fast; 6:12 naughty = worthless; 6:26 whorish woman = prostitute; 7:10 subtil = deceitful; 7:18 solace = delight, enjoy.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Pray for Life Action Ministries · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Dorothy W. Ralston · Government Officials: Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. John Duncan (TN), and Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY) · Country: Lesotho (2 million) within the east-central part of the Republic of South Africa · Major languages: Sesotho and English · Limited religious freedom · 43% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 6% ancestor worship, divination, and spirit-possession cults · Prayer Suggestion: Read the Word of God to build up your faith so that you can pray and ask in faith (Romans 10:17).
Optional Reading: Titus 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:23