The subject of adultery and marital
infidelity is dealt with yet again in Proverbs 7. One gets the feeling that the
teacher wants to leave no stone un-turned regarding this issue. Why? He knows
the depravity of the human heart and the crushing consequence of marital
infidelity. These plus man’s vulnerability to flattery, make talking about it
again necessary. Wisdom and understanding are the two basic necessities to keep
a man from this snare. With them one can then evaluate the flattering words of
a deceptive woman and enable him to respond appropriately. The importance of
having the wisdom of God, and the godly counsel of both the father and the
mother can never be over-emphasized. Even if talking about it become a dread.
It is certainly worth the while, if it can prevent one’s marriage from being
destroyed by adultery.
Verses 5-12 underscore the
necessity to take the right path in life. From his observation, Solomon realizes
how lacking good sense the naïve wanders down the path to the house of the
adulteress. Senselessly, he is oblivious to the peril that he had placed
himself in. Allowing his passion to go unchecked, he becomes oblivious of his
incapability to reason perceptively. He enters into the temptation he cannot
cope, lured by the disguise of the temptress. Her dressing, her mannerism, her
words were all calculated to bait the un-discerning and gullible man to satisfy
her own evil passion. Solomon wasn’t talking about a common prostitute but a
licentious wife whose unbridled lust had led her to act like a harlot.
In verses 13-20, we see the extent
the adulteress took to bait the man. Boldly she seizes the victim and kisses
him passionately, and brazenly invites him to her house. She will entice the man and get him to
accompany her in a meal. Giving the
victim a false sense of privilege, she tells him how she has passed by others
to get to him. The temptress even describes her luxuriously adorned bed to audaciously
invite him to a sexual tryst. She even has perfumed her bed with all kinds of
sweet fragrance to make the sexual encounter irresistible. Verse 18 tells us
that without any moral restrain, she shamelessly invites him to sleep with her.
And to allay his fear of being discovered by her husband, she told him that her
husband has gone on a long journey and would not be home soon. So, he need not
fear the consequence of him finding out.
In verses 21-27, we are warned not to be baited to
the destructive end of the temptress’ snare. We must wise up to her seduction
and act discerningly and discreetly. How? By being mindful of the warning given
through God’s Word. By seeking to know God and His instruction. By not being
distracted from obeying them. Let us bring the instructions of God to bear in our
daily living. Remember we must acknowledge him in all our ways, so that He will
direct our path.
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