WARNINGS ABOUT ADULTERY AND IMMORALITY
Proverbs 6:24-35
We visit, once again, the command to flee from sexual immorality. The lengths to which this topic is covered proves how serious a sin this is in the eyes of a Holy God.
Solomon begins by saying, "To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman" (vs. 24). One major benefit of the commandment of God is to deter one from sexual intimacy with a loose woman. The phrase “the flattery of the tongue” has the literal sense of a ‘smooth tongue.’ A female interested in enticing a man can be smooth and alluring in her persuasion. Solomon’s point is that the combined efforts of the training of godly parents coupled with the commandment of God can protect a naive young man from such a seductress. A good example is Joseph in Potiphar’s house.
Verse 25 "Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids." A woman on the prowl can make herself very seductive in her appearance. Through provocative clothing or the lack thereof, coupled with body language, a woman intent on being tempting can easily provoke lust in a young man. The wise counsel of God’s Word is to resist such lust. The advice of Jesus is to not even look at such a woman. "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt. 5:28). If one does not look, lust is not as easily ignited.
Verse 26 "For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life." Two types of immoral women are mentioned. A “whorish woman” can refer to a prostitute or any female willing to commit sexual acts with a man other than her husband. We live in a generation in which living together, one-night stands, promiscuity, not to mention the sex industry of strip clubs and pornography are virtually the norm. Yet, involvement in fornication tends to impoverish those foolish enough to engage therein. Whether it be paternity suits, child support of an illegitimate child, medical attention for sexually transmitted diseases, payment to prostitutes, the high costs of divorce, or pouring money into pornography and the like; illicit sex can be awfully expensive. The thought of a man being brought to a piece of bread refers to being impoverished. Then, Solomon refers to an “adulteress.” This is a married woman unfaithful to her husband. The thought is that she will seek after her adulterous lover. The thought of hunting for the precious life literally refers to a ‘precious soul.’ The point is to be on guard against such aggressive and immoral women whether it be premarital or extramarital relationships.
Verses 27-29, "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent." Solomon then asks several leading, rhetorical questions. One who plays with fire will eventually get burned. He who plays around with his neighbor’s wife will eventually get burned as well. There is never innocence in adultery. Sexual sin is one thing. Adultery is another. The latter is not only sexual sin, but it is a violation of a sacred trust. It is a violation of a covenant. It will bring terrible repercussions for all involved. To commit adultery with a married woman (regardless of how willing she is) is to literally place lives in danger.
Verses 30-32 "Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house." A starving thief pilfering food is understandable. If caught, he only will be forced to repay what he stole and then some. "But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul." The thought is that adultery destroys one’s very life. Moreover, it is spiritual cancer that eats at the very soul of a man. Adultery often prompts divorce. And divorce in those circumstances can mean financial ruin. As will be described below, adultery brings other bitter results.
Verse 33 "A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away." Though the world jokes and snickers at adultery; when adulterers are exposed, even the world considers their reputations tarnished. The tarnished reputation of an adulterer lasts a long, long time, even out in the world.
Verse 34 "For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. A husband discovering another man with his wife, in rage, may become violent and even murder. Many a murder out in the world has been motivated by the enraged spouse of an adulterer. Men will commit acts of vengeance that has no equal when motivated by jealousy generated by adultery. Adulterers beware!
Verse 35 "He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. No number of apologies or amount of monetary compensation may remedy such jealousy. Even as lust can start a fire that is hard to put out, so the fires of jealousy and vengeance, ignited by adultery, can linger for years. The point Solomon has for his son is that sexual immorality and adultery is morally wrong. It is a fast ticket to self-destruction.
It is important to note the warnings are also true for daughters, concerning men who might prey upon women. This is simply Solomon's message to his son.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Have you ever been in a circumstance where someone tried to seduce you into an immoral sexual relationship? Did you handle it well?
2. What are some of the greatest character traits found in godly people?
3. How can guarding your eyes help whenever you are confronted with temptation?
4. How deep are the wounds for those who have committed adultery? How about those wounded by the unfaithfulness of an adulterous spouse?