Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

Reading through the 31 chapters of Proverbs each month can give us an understanding of how to serve God.

Proverbs 7:1-27

This chapter (7) completes the “My Son” section - cf Vss 7:1 and 7:24; and introduces the personification of Wisdom, which extends through chapter nine. Along with chapters five and six it is a specific instruction in the destructive consequences of illicit sexual gratification. The extended emphasis on this subject is a strong warning of the danger inherent to this sin against the Seventh Commandment.

In chapter five, instruction is given to provide for wisdom as the way to escape sexual uncleanness. Chapter 6: 20-35 is a specific warning against adultery in the classic sense. In chapter seven, the writer moves on to sexual seduction. As you read these three chapters be careful to note the characterization

of the one most often seduced is “the simple.”

Chapter seven presents ten facts about sexual seduction. Like the steps of grief, they might not be realized at the time but they are there.

1. Vs 5 Sexual seduction is based on dishonesty. It is a commitment that cannot be made and will not be kept.

⁵ That they may keep you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words.

2. Vs 7 A commitment to illicit sexual gratification is ordinarily an early development. The “simple” is one easily seduced, or persuaded. He is without discernment in his conduct.

⁷ And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding

3. Vs 9 Sexual seduction ordinarily begins as a hidden affair. It is characterized by night and darkness.

⁹ In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.

4. Vs 11 Sexual seduction is commonly bold in its’ presentation. The increasing gains by the sexual market should not surprise us.

¹¹ She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.

5. Vs 14 Very often the presentation will have a religious front. The Temple of Diana had religious prostitutes, both male and female.

¹⁴ “ I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.

6. Vs 18 The commitment of this sin requires a determined act. It is a willing answer to a seductive invitation.

¹⁸ Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.

7. Vs 19 The seductress blames others. If the husband had not gone away and left her alone she would not have had to do what she is doing.

¹⁹ For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a long journey;

8. Vss 22-23 It always shows the bait and hides the hook. Broken homes and destroyed lives are not in the commercials or on the billboards.

²² Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
²³ Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.

9. Vss 24-25 The one sure escape is abstinence. From chapter 1:10 forward this has been the only sure escape. Repentance is presented as an option but it is never an option without a price. This sin is like a great gaping wound in a visible place. It is going to leave an ugly scar.

²⁴ Now therefore, listen to me, my children;
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:
²⁵ Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;

10. Vss 26-27 Those seduced into illicit sexual gratification will always find it destructive. This in found in 5:9-14, 22-23; 6:32-35.

²⁶ For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.
²⁷ Her house is the way to hell,
Descending to the chambers of death.

Vss 6-9 might lead us to say, “wrong person, wrong place, wrong time”. But the woman is not his problem. His problem is that he is a fool and folly is but the fruit of his nature.

⁶ For at the window of my house
I looked through my lattice,
⁷ And saw among the simple,
I perceived among the youths,
A young man devoid of understanding,
⁸ Passing along the street near her corner;
And he took the path to her house
⁹ In the twilight, in the evening,
In the black and dark night.