We live in a world that is so desensitized to sex that for many people, it is nothing more than a recreational event that gives pleasure. Then the participants just move on.
No harm, no foul. Right?
However, God had other plans for sex from the beginning. It always does what it supposed to do: bond two people together. It performs it's function whether the participants are married or not or whether they are in love or not. A person can become numb to it and act as though it meant nothing, but that is a commentary on the condition of the heart and conscience of the person, not on the act of sexual intimacy.
Solomon desperately wants the son to whom he writes this to not fall into the trap of thinking sex is merely a recreational act with no deeper meaning.
Or consequences.
As he races toward the finish line of his warnings about sex, Solomon uses graphic, colorful language to make his points.
What point seems especially profound to you in this chapter?
The verses that stand out to me the most is in the beginning of the chapter when Solomon is telling us the things that we can do to help us from being tempted by the adulteress. And it is so true. The more that we are in the word, keeping his commands, protecting His teachings and transforming our hearts to look like His, the less likely we will fall into Satan's traps in life.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter reminds me of what my niece says about commercials that "they are trying to trick us" I think i have finally learned that the grass is not always or ever greener on the other side. Also that we are called to look at the whole picture not just a portion.We have to have Faith that we will not be tempted beyond what we can handle!I realize its easier said.
ReplyDeleteI suppose when anyone fails at temptation, those who don't accept responsibility say...I couldnt help it.
ReplyDeleteWhat stood out to me is verse 14:
ReplyDelete"I have fellowship offerings at home; today I have fulfilled my vows."
She is letting him know that her house has REALLY GOOD food in it. These offerings were offerings that required your very best sacrifice, but also allowed you to eat from what you gave.
She's letting him know that there is a good meal waiting, or the equivalent of "Want to come in for a drink?" She doesn't have to get him to commit then and there to an affair. She just has to get him into her parlor.
Notice where Solomon is in this story: IN HIS OWN HOUSE, far from the noose and snare he describes.
The young man in today's passage is described as "a youth who lacked judgment." What stands out to me is what was NOT said about him... nothing to indicate that he was corrupt, haughty, deceitful or dishonest, a scoundrel or a villain. But his wisdom tank was running on empty. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and was led astray with "persuasive words" and "smooth talk."
ReplyDeleteOver the years, we have sold houses in 3 states. In each instance, our realtor explained to us that houses that looked "lived in" and had lots of furniture were more difficult to sell. She advised us to move out as much furniture as possible, and remove family photos from our walls so the house would seem more neutral and spacious (read: empty, vacant) to potential buyers. The goal: for the buyers to be able to imagine themselves living there. In one of Jesus' parables, an unclean spirit returns to an empty house with seven spirits more wicked than itself, making the final condition worse than the first. Nature abhors a vacuum, and something will fill up the emptiness.
How can we avoid becoming a statistic? By filling our minds with the right "furniture"! In Psalm 119, David says "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word... I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Persuasive words and smooth talk are much less effective when we have the word -- the truth -- hidden in our hearts. So bring on the memory verses!