Proverbs 23:26-28 – The call to sexual purity

Our relationship with God demands that we live a morally pure life, especially in the area of sexual purity. The Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 puts it this way, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from unchastity (or sexual immorality).” Sexual intimacy must be exercised within the confine of a marriage. The Bible tells us that sexual intimacy is an activity that is allowable only for a man and a woman who are married to each other.

On deeper reflection we cannot deny that the problem of sexual sin is not so much in the act, as it is in the human heart and motive. So, regarding this issue, Proverbs 23:26 calls our attention to the heart. Let’s treat this verse as a personal word of our Heavenly Father to us. He is calling for our attention in the matter of sexual purity. To give Him our heart is by way of calling for our commitment and total attention to this matter. Notice the call is for us, His children, to observe His pure ways and to walk in them. His instruction on this matter abound in the Word of God.   

Verses 27-28 indicate that there are two ways that a man can be trapped in sexual impurity. One, he can engage the service of a prostitute. Two, he can be tempted into a tryst when he is seduced by a seductress or an adulteress. Whether one engages the service of a prostitute or be involved in an illicit relationship with a seductress, there are dangers. Verse 26 refers to the danger as falling into a deep pit. This is borrowed from the hunting activity. A hunter would often create a pit to trap a prey. Once a victim falls into it there is no way to get out. Verse 27 refers to the danger of a tryst as an encounter with a robber, who operates covertly. Once a person is caught in an illicit relationship, faithfulness to one’s spouse is in question. There is no way one can remain faithful when caught in such a circumstance. Soul-tie in an adulterous relationship is a bondage that’s hard to break.

            

God wants us to live a holy and pure life. The Bible puts it explicitly in Titus 2:11-12 saying, “For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.”  Three things we must consistently take care, (1) our relationship with God, (2) our relationship with our spouse, and (3) our God’s reputation. And let’s be watchful over our life – be it the heart, the mind, the eyes, the ears or the lips.