Today, as we read chapter 7, we come in contact again with the "strange woman" from chapter 5. It would do well to note verses 8-9.
In it, I picture a man who is walking down the street. Now, we notice this was no random street, because verse 8 says, "Passing through the street NEAR HER CORNER..." I get tired of hearing people use the excuse, "Wrong place at the wrong time." While that is the case sometimes, most of the time we are right in the place where we want to be. This man gave into the temptation of the strange women and went to her corner of the street, went to where he could find her and have his sinful desires fulfilled. Reminds me of the child's Bible chorus: Oh, be careful little feet where you go...
In verse 9, I can picture a man who thought he was all alone, in the dark, and no one is looking. Yet, there is nothing that can be done in secret. The rest of the children's chorus goes like this:...for your Father up above is looking down in love. So be careful little feet where you go.
There are always consequences for choices made, and we see the consequence of following the strange women:
Proverbs 7:25-27 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. (26) For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. (27) Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
I appreciate your notes on this chapter, Bro. Brad. It is frightening the terrible consequences that the grasp of sin can have in our lives. How we need to study and be obedient to the Law of the Lord.
ReplyDeleteExcellent comments, Bro. Brad! Much wisdom here for men, but the ladies can study this strange woman, too, and learn how NOT to be. Certain attitudes, actions and appearances pertain to a strange woman, and not to a faithful woman of God.
ReplyDeleteI, too, appreciate the truth in your comments. I see some of ourselves with the previous verse included:
ReplyDeleteFor at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, [Proverbs 7:6-8 KJV]
Working with youth, we can see the "simple ones" "void of understanding." They lack the experience to understand consequences of actions. We need to provde some of the roadmaps that will keep them on the strait way to the narrow gate.
I have heard this proverb likened to two seperate "colleges" with different campuses, different courses of study, different types of prospective students they are atempting to enroll, and different "professors". Twenty years ago, and I still remember that sermon.
ReplyDeleteWisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
ReplyDeleteA foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.