Day 17

Adultery

from the Proverbs reading plan


Proverbs 5:1-23

BY She Reads Truth

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? 

Post Comments (43)

43 thoughts on "Adultery"

  1. Nhu says:

    So thankful for all the insightful comments from everyone. Thank you sisters for sharing your thoughts and solutions. I love how the Proverbs 5 is told as a story, which shows temptation and seduction is a process, it appears every so gently, just an inch to start off and before you know it is a mile down the road in no time. And as someone has shared, truly everything starts in our thoughts first, and then through actions. If we recognize this pattern, we can stop our wandering thoughts, and ask God to cleanse our thoughts before it goes wild to lala land.

    For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
    And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

    “Keep your way far from her” does remind me of Joseph’s reaction when he was seduced shamelessly by Potiphar’s wife. She threw herself at him. And he ran far, no compromise for he does not want to sin against God. He kept himself pure for God. How amazing is that! There was possibly a story that lead to this finale of the seduction act that Joseph had overcome which the Bible did not mention, however Proverbs 5 has filled us in that seduction is a process. May we recognize the tempter, the source and cut it off at the root, run far from it before it could lead us down the path. Bless you sisters.

  2. Kristen says:

    Just read this today in my Bible’s notes. Temptation comes from evil desires inside us, not from God. It begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on that thought and allow it to become an action. Like a snowball rolling downhill, sin grows more destructive the more we let it have its way. I heard this: sin will take us farther and we thought and keep us longer than we know. Stop it before it is too strong or fast moving to control. These Scriptures were listed for escaping temptation: Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Timothy 2:22.

  3. Laura Beckom says:

    Powerful testimony Laura

  4. Jen Brewer says:

    Thank you for sharing your story, Laura, and for your challenge. ❤️❤️

  5. Kenzie says:

    (1) I suppose this passage is written as a story to help paint a detailed picture of the destruction that adultery can cause.
    (2) A few temptations I am facing now is spending money. Also, I have made the choice to repent of sexual sin in not only my body but my mind, soul, and spirit too.
    (3) To me “Keep your way from her means to keep to a godly path and resist temptation. To do this, praying to God for strength and direction would help. Also, to focus on our thoughts ask God to keep them pure and honorable.

  6. Jennifer Anapol says:

    As I was pondering the reading, I was reminded that it isn’t a sin to be tempted. It’s what we do with that temptation that matters. Do we flee from it or entertain it? The temptation I am dealing with right now is jealousy. How jealousy starts in my heart is by comparing what I have with what I perceive other people around me having. I pray the Lord would produce contentment/thankfulness in my heart ❤️ that would replace this jealousy.

  7. Alexxa Reed says:

    To Angela! Idk what happened to this comment

  8. Alexxa Reed says:

    Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts! I definitely can relate to getting stuck in the “me” mindset.

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