PAY ATTENTION TO COMMANDMENTS
Proverbs 7:1-10
Proverbs chapter seven concludes the first part of this great book and concludes the instruction of Solomon directed to his son. The chapter begins with Solomon warning his son to pay attention to his commandments. For the fourth time in seven chapters warnings have been raised concerning sexual immorality.
Proverbs 7:1-5, "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words."
vs. 1 - Solomon's words are words of wisdom developed through a relationship with God. Therefore, this is more than parental advice; it is God-given advice. Psalm 119:11 is a well-known verse that seems to apply here. The Psalmist David declared, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." That sounds like laying up commandments for the purpose of keeping them.
vs. 2 - Solomon here speaks of the fullness that is realized when one keeps God's commandments. Life is more abundantly lived when we make God's Word a priority in our lives. The apple of the eye refers to the pupil of one’s eye. God's Word should be front and center. It is to be observed and kept ever before us if we desire to walk in God's freedom and victory.
vs. 3 - The thought expressed in verse three enlarges the thoughts expressed in verses one and two. Something bound upon your finger is like a ring, God's Word should be kept close, bound upon our fingers, and written on the table of our heart. God’s Word should make its way from our head to our heart. The heart is the seat of our mind, emotions, and will. The influence of God's Word should penetrate to the very core of our being.
verses 4 and 5 - The tenor of the chapter now begins to change to the subject of fleeing from an adulterous woman. Verse four admonishes to treat wisdom and understanding as a sister to protect from the strange woman. It is apparent that the subject of sexual immorality is a major issue in life. People, to this day (even Christians), are often snared by this folly. Another point that bears repeating is that sexual immorality (i.e., adultery, fornication, etc.) is not only wrong it is foolish. It is unwise and devoid of understanding. Sexual immorality of whatever variety is a sin without comparison. It leaves long and bitter consequences that destroy lives, homes, finances, and health.
Finally, this morning we notice verses six through ten. "For 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, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart."
Solomon now clearly describes an incident of seduction he observed firsthand from his home. He describes a young man void of understanding, (this is based upon his observations and the actions of the young man) "Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:" In this setting, the young man met a woman with the attire of a harlot, who was also very subtle. It appears that he knew where he was going, I'm sure she worked this corner regularly. Verse ten states, "And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of a harlot, and subtil of heart." I believe most often female immodesty is an advertisement of female willingness. The “attire of a harlot” is not described and really does not need to be. I have often said, "I love the warmth of summer, but I hate the 'attire' of summer." The world abounds with females dressing immodestly. Often, it is an advertisement of their interest in attracting male attention—usually of a base sort. In any event, the fellow in question met the immodest and provocatively dressed woman who was waiting for him. Thus far the passage seems to refer to a prostitute, however, the context will indicate that she was an adulterous wife willing to commit adultery.
We will continue our study tomorrow, however, I pray that mothers and fathers will teach their children the folly of sexual immorality. Also, I pray that daughters will be taught that modesty is more important than fashion.
May God bless you as you determine to share these principles with your children.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How intentional are about obeying the commandments of God? Explain.
2. What can you do to help get the Word of God from your head down into your heart?
3. What are some positive results realized when one obeys the commandments of God?
4. How are immodesty and looseness in character connected?