Proverbs: Biblical Wisdom for a Fortune Cookie WorldSample

Day 3:  Avoid Adultery

Another key area Proverbs addresses is that of adultery.  Throughout the book, Proverbs repeatedly warns us to avoid adultery at all costs.  Which begs the question, “With so many different life subjects to discuss, why is there such an emphasis on avoiding adultery?”  The answer to this question lies in a two-fold reality.  

Sin Can Be Alluring

The first reality is EVERY ONE of us is susceptible to this type of temptation.  Let’s face it; our flesh enjoys receiving attention from the opposite sex, and it is something that we need to be aware of and acknowledge.

Proverbs chapter 7 describes the scene of a young man being seduced into adultery.  To say the invitation given by the adulterous woman is alluring, is an understatement!  She describes “fine linens, a perfumed bed, and drinking deeply of love till morning.”  Talk about sensory overload!!  Sure enough, the young man falls for it—and that’s where the tone of the scene totally changes!

Verses 22-23: 

“He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.”  Proverbs 7:22-23 NLT

Sin IS Devastating

Which brings us to our second reality: the negative impact of adultery is devastating and far reaching!  Too many of us know, all too well, the devastation that sexual infidelity causes!  Such sin destroys relationships, wrecks homes, and ruins lives!  We all know of someone who has just obliterated their family, and their very life via an illicit affair, or perhaps, we have unfortunately experienced it first-hand.  The pain, the hurt of betrayal, and sense of loss, are all too real!

What Are We To Do?

How are we to avoid falling into sexual sin?  To answer this question, let us return to chapter 7 for a moment and consider how the young man who was seduced, got into this situation in the first place.  

Verses 7-9:

“I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense.  He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell.”

Proverbs 7:7-9 NLT

Simply stated, he was in a place, where he shouldn’t be, at a time when he shouldn’t be there!  Flirting with sexual sin is asking for trouble!

The message of Proverbs is clear:  we need to stay away from situations where sexual temptations may arise!  In other words, we should put into place boundaries designed to keep us as far away from sexual temptation as possible.  For some, this may mean restricting which websites our computers and devices can access.  For others, it may mean choosing to NOT chat online with members of the opposite sex.  For everyone, it would be wise to have the personal standard that we avoid situations in which we would be alone with someone of the opposite sex other than our spouse.   

Focus for Today

The temptation of sexual sin can be very powerful, so whatever avoidance steps we decide to take, we need to take them TODAY, BEFORE we find ourselves in the situation we are trying to avoid!

Remember, sin can be alluring, but it is also devastating!  Sin will fascinate you, then assassinate you!