The book of Proverbs was addressed to young men who could choose the ways of the wise or the fools. They were warned against two primary categories of people: wicked men and loose women.
If Proverbs were being written today, it would include instruction for both men and women.
The primary understanding of “loose women” involves intimacy without commitment. When we see it this way, we know it applies to both men and women.
Solomon’s teaching about intimacy without commitment begins with familiar words. Words such as “be attentive”, “incline your ear”, “hold on to”, and “guard” are our proper responses to wisdom.
My child, be attentive to my wisdom;
incline your ear to my understanding,
So that you may hold on to prudence,
and your lips may guard knowledge.
For the lips of a loose woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil. (Proverbs 5.1-3)
I’ve written about the attainment of wisdom, equated with the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord involves loving God with our whole being, humbly seeking His guidance, and following it.
The greatest defense against words that drip honey and speech smoother than oil, but is dishonest at its root, is to live in the fear of the Lord as defined above.
Smooth Speech
In 1893, Clark Stanley sold snake oil liniment. It was supposedly similar to the Chinese liniment used by railroad workers, which came from Chinese snakes and contained omega-3 oils.
Stanley’s snake oil, however, contained only a small amount of mineral oil and a few other ingredients. It was thus called “snake oil” as a byword for fraudulent products and false claims.
Today, the term “snake oil salesman” is generally used to describe anyone who is trying to sell something or promote ideas based on deceit, false promises, or unproven claims. It’s a descriptive term for a charlatan or a fraud.
It’s not too far of a stretch for me to look at the words “smoother than oil,” the idea of snake oil salesmen, and then to think about social media.
As we use social media, it becomes intimate with us. We take it into our minds where it forms our attitudes. If it is accurate and wholesome, it’s valuable.
On the other hand, if it promotes dishonest claims, it is very dangerous.
Again, the best protection from the dangers of smooth talk is to live in the fear of the Lord, to love God, to find his guidance, and then to follow it.
Solomon’s Warning
Like me, I expect you are horrified by what’s happening between Hamas versus Israel, Russia versus Ukraine, and the many conflicts in Africa.
In each of these instances, people have spoken smooth, but dishonest words. They have influenced minds and become extremely destructive.
Solomon wrote about the result of following the smooth words of someone who pretends to be on our side but is not committed to our well-being.
But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death;
her steps follow the path to Sheol.
She does not keep straight to the path of life;
her ways wander, and she does not know it. (Proverbs 5.4-6)
Rather than repeating our prior discussions about the fear of the Lord, I urge you to unite with me in praying the Lord’s Prayer for Israel, Ukraine, and other regions of the world deeply marred by strife.
As we start with “Our Father,” I’m reminded of the profound wish that God unveils His essential nature to humanity, showing Himself as a compassionate Father.
This sentiment parallels the request, “Hallowed be Your name.” Recognizing the sanctity of God’s name underscores the importance of His very character and essence.
As we proceed, we ask for His kingdom to come. The world is in dire need of His rule and the manifestation of His will. May God’s intentions be realized throughout the Earth.
Recognizing the hardship in these conflict zones, it’s evident that individuals have desperate daily needs. Pray for their essential needs and sustenance.
Moreover, at all times, the grace of forgiveness is paramount. Let’s pray that hearts are touched by God’s mercy and that this grace propels them to extend the same forgiveness to others.
Lastly, as we navigate this troubled world, let’s pray for deliverance from evil. May the world find refuge and salvation from evil and the evil one.
Let’s join together and pray for the world and its immense challenges.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. This video was recorded prior to the events in Israel. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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