Female readers should understand that the book of Proverbs was written from the perspective of a father to his sons.
The language may seem offensive to the modern reader. However, it applies to both male and female readers, even though young men are primarily the target of the message.
Lady Wisdom appears on the street to address gullible, simple, and naive individuals. She warns against wicked men and loose women.
As we know all too well in our society, men can be every bit as sexually promiscuous as women.
While we interpret the language of Proverbs in our modern society, we recognize that when we speak of women in this passage, we can also easily be referring to men.
“Loose” Men and Women
The counsel of Lady Wisdom first identifies the characteristics of loose men and women. Then, she describes the results of their behavior.
You will be saved from the loose woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words,
Who forsakes the partner of her youth
and forgets her sacred covenant,
For her way leads down to death
and her paths to the shades;
Those who go to her never come back,
nor do they regain the paths of life. (Proverbs 2.16-19)
(1) Adultery: Adultery is the result of a broken marriage commitment. Someone takes what is due to their spouse and gives it to another.
Isaiah spoke of spiritual adultery, where the nation took what was rightfully God’s and gave it to foreign gods.
Upon a high and lofty mountain
you have set your bed,
and there you went up to offer sacrifice.
Behind the door and the doorpost
you have set up your symbol,
for in deserting me you have uncovered your bed;
you have gone up to it;
you have made it wide;
and you have made a bargain for yourself with them;
you have loved their bed;
you have gazed on their nakedness. (Isaiah 57:7-8)
(2) Smooth Words: Self-interest will always press reason into service to justify its behavior.
Isaiah’s words are appropriate for many situations in our world today. They accurately describe how people justify sexual sin.
Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5.20)
(3) Play the Tape: The Alcoholics Anonymous material invites participants to “play the tape to the end.”
What is the result of our behavior? Lady Wisdom counsels that if we take the path of adultery, non-committal sexual relations, it will result in death.
I once had a conversation with a couple who had been dating for some time. They were curious about the implications of becoming intimate.
I advised the woman that if her partner ever lost his spiritual connection, she might find herself not wanting to be with him anymore.
As events unfolded, he drifted from his spiritual path, and she no longer felt the same connection with him. This situation mirrors the lesson Lady Wisdom imparts in the proverb.
Finding Victory
What can we do to stay aligned with God’s will for our lives in a highly sexualized culture? Are there practices that will give us an edge over temptation?
(1) Daily Engagement with the Bible: If you’re a regular reader of my blog, this may sound like a broken record.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that God communicates to us through His word. Daily reading the Bible will lead us into a life-changing relationship with Him.
I treasure your word in my heart,
so that I may not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)
(2) Prayer and Accountability: James 5:16 advises, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Sexual sin occurs in the darkness. When we meet with spiritual friends, honestly holding one another accountable, it becomes more difficult for us to enter into a realm that abandons the proper relationship with fellow humans.
(3) Guarding the Heart and Mind: One of my pastor friends walked before a group of us, holding a candle. He had to walk carefully, with one hand held in front of it, to keep the flame from blowing out.
That’s what I have in mind when I read Lady Wisdom’s words.
Guard your heart above all else,
For it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23)
To guard our hearts, we should pay attention to books, movies, music, social media, and other influences. We need to ensure they align with God’s values.
Let’s avoid triggers that move us away from where our minds ought to be.
(4) Service Work: Serving others can take the focus away from self and worldly desires.
When we find opportunities to volunteer, we align ourselves with God’s will and also fill our hearts with purpose and joy. This will help reduce the allure of worldly temptations.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I talk about this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 