Proverbs Chapter 6
We have come to Chapter 6 today in our reading of the “the book of Wisdom”. And God doesn’t pull any punches here in the scriptures. We could focus on finical wisdom (vs. 4-11), the evilness in us (vs. 12-15) or the six things God hates (BTW count them) (vs. 16-19). But I think we will focus on verses 24-35.
God is dealing with Adultery in very plain terms. We in America have a real problem with adultery, and fornication. Given the secretive nature of infidelity, exact figures about cheating and extra-marital affairs are nearly impossible to establish. It is estimated that roughly 30 to 60% of all married individuals (in the United States) will engage in infidelity at some point during their marriage (see, Buss and Shackelford for review of this research). And these numbers are probably on the conservative side, when you consider that close to half of all marriages end in divorce. Infidelity is becoming more common among people under 30. Many experts believe this increase in cheating is due to greater opportunity (time spent away from a spouse) and young people developing the habit of having multiple sexual partners before they get married (see, young and restless – Wall Street Journal). We live in a society that views sex as a function that 2 people do like, dancing, or eating dinner together. Meaning there isn’t any real deep connection, or event. Just something you do.
My concern isn’t that the world is have unbridled sex. That’s what lost people do. That act on the natural or the flesh. What is concerning is that these things happen in the Church. How many people reading this had premarital sex as a Christian? How many parents will turn a blind eye to their children having premarital sex? Or better yet take a daughter to the doctor to make sure see is prepared pharmaceutically? God sees adultery and fornication on the same level as Homosexuality, by calling it all an abomination. We are quick to point out the homosexuals and want laws in place to stop it, but we take a different approach to our own sin.
As we read in (Pro 6:32-33) But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. God lets us know that that the reproach of adultery will not go away. A good example is to read about David. I love reading about David before2 Samuel 11, but after that even though he repents of the evil, he is never the same king as before. This carries on with Pastors throughout the generations that had the touch of God on them, but fell in to adultery and wasted their ministry. Even though many repent, they are never the same.
How many times have you looked over at a coworker, a church member, neighbor, or friend and had a thought about them. You say “it’s just harmless fantasy, I would never act upon it”. Remember what verse 27 says “Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?”
There are no harmless fantasies, that don’t focus on the spouse God gave you. According to the scripture, “he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”