The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
In Exodus 20, God commands us not to commit adultery. But Proverbs adds a layer of complexity to that law by discussing the path that can lead to this particular sin. Often, the act of adultery is a product of walking a long and dangerous road of seduction. This seduction can come through another human being or the unchecked longings and unaddressed pain in our hearts. Keep both of these meanings in mind when reading these proverbs about adultery.
Reflection Questions:
Why do you suppose this passage is told as a story, instead of a list of reasons why adultery is wrong?
Describe the temptations you’re facing in this season of your life.
What does “Keep your way far from her” mean in Proverbs 5:8? Practically, what are some ways you can do this as it relates to the specific temptation you are facing?
Thank you Laura. My experience too and the other party was my “best friend”. But God is good and we too are better and stronger in our faith together as one,
Temptation and sin are a slippery slope as we normally deceive ourselves into thinking we can handle it when we cannot. As a believer we must choose to not put ourselves in those situations.
Excellent points, all!
Thank you for sharing this Laura. God is so good.
Stay away! Go the other direction! Don’t go there! Is what came to mind.
Temptation is not something to fool around with. As I read and reread Proverbs 5:8, it becomes very clear to me that this is a warning. I am to avoid temptation at all costs! Flee! Run as fast as I can from it! Get far, far away from that which I am tempted by. And, I must realize from the very beginning that I can not do this in my own strength, but only through strength of Jesus Christ. It’s when we think we can do it on our own that we fail. Satan is real, he is a tempter,a liar, a deceiver. Don’t listen to him, hearken to the voice of God. When we d
o this and we will have victory!
All sin is an offense to God and self destructive. Every sinner who repents of their particular sin, regardless of what it is, and submits to the Lord’s leadership over their life is a hero/heroine to me. A person need not be defined by their sin because they have a gracious and loving God who passionately pursues them for their good and His glory. He forgives. May we look at our fellow sinners with the same grace and compassion. May gossip of another’s sin never come from our lips. The golden rule is gold for good reason. Let us follow it.
❤️ Amen!
Paula Napier Uhl, my thoughts exactly!! Amen!!!