Proverbs 6: 20-35
In our house growing up, my parents had a beautiful stain glass lamp, the kind that just looks like it should be tucked away behind a protective barrier. Constantly, we were reminded to not play near the lamp, come close to the lamp, touch the lamp, or even breathe near the lamp. So naturally, my rambunctious curly haired little sister would get as close as possible to it. The lamp was just so pretty, so shiny, so alluring to her – how could she not gaze at its majesty?
The lure of the lamp reminds me of sin’s seduction. Proverbs 6: 20-35 gives a warning against an adulteress that draws in people with her beauty … much like a shiny breakable forbidden object to a 5 year old.
20 My son, keep your father’s commandment,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them on your heart always;
tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will lead you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you awake, they will talk with you.
Historically, children are known for rolling their eyes. Proverbs instructs us to do just the opposite. For a full life, we are to take hold of the commandments of our father and mother. Not just knowing them, but keeping those instructions close to our heart as they bring counsel and comfort.
23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,
and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
24 to preserve you from the evil woman,
from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.
25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;
26 for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread,
but a married woman hunts down a precious life.
The commandments of our father serve to guide us not as rules for rules sake, but to keep us from harm and protect us from temptations that arise. Sin is attractive. The enemy knows just how to reel you in with the beauty and allure of the adulteress. Sin is seemingly easy as your nature bends towards it, but it will cost you everything; it will cost you your life.
27 Can a man carry fire next to his chest
and his clothes not be burned?
28 Or can one walk on hot coals
and his feet not be scorched?
29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
none who touches her will go unpunished.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry,
31 but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold;
he will give all the goods of his house.
With adultery, danger is lurking around the corner. The pain listed here is physical, but it can be equated to the emotional distress and pain that comes with an immoral relationship. Not only is there pain of the heart and mind, but then the facing of an angry husband. Proverbs makes it clear that disaster is guaranteed.
32 He who commits adultery lacks sense;
he who does it destroys himself.
33 He will get wounds and dishonor,
and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy makes a man furious,
and he will not spare when he takes revenge.
35 He will accept no compensation;
he will refuse though you multiply gifts.
The message of this passage is completely clear: Sin isn’t worth it. What appears beautifully attractive, but is outside of God’s instructions is deadly. The instructions of our Father can only influence our lives if we obey them. Bind God’s commandments close to you, draw them near to your heart and He will steer you away from the traps of the adulteress.
Photography: @djaeoutlaw