If our minds are not governed by God, either the world or our flesh will take dominion. God is the only pure Antidote for the problem of sin. Many times Scripture refers to any sin as adultery [a metaphor], because it leads to ruin and causes us to be unfaithful to God to whom we have promised [covenant] our lives and allegiance. Satan is a liar and a thief; let’s not forget sin is his weapon of mass destruction. We must take a stand and resist the enemy of evil (Eph 6:10-18).
In our passage today from Proverbs Chapter 7, Solomon continues to educate or inform his son (and all readers) about the schemes of Satan to rob, kill, and destroy moral integrity before God. I think we would be shocked if we knew the full measure of influence the media has on our minds. Television, movies, and websites may offer forms of education, an update of events, and entertainment, but we must be careful with what we choose to view or take in. Most of what is offered for general audiences has the potential to negatively influence the soul of humanity in some fashion. The rating system of movies and television programs is deceptive; if it is not the nudity that stirs lust in the heart, it is the language that desensitizes the mind, or the overarching very obvious theme that glamorizes low and foolish living.
Let’s talk for a minute about pornography, because I am startled by how many people do not understand this horrific trap of Satan. In fact, according to christianity.com nearly 40 million Americans are regular visitors to porn sites [55% married men and 25% married women admit they watch porn at least once a month]. Fifty-six percent of divorces involve one party having an obsessive interest in porn. Lastly, ninety-four percent of children will see porn by the age of 14. Pornography is a sin that infects the mind and causes lust; it is outside the normal sexual relations of marriage designed by God and therefore fits in the category of adultery. Satan is a pro at taking what God has created to be a beautiful blessing of intimacy and twist it into something perverted, evil, and destructive. It causes marital trust issues that are very difficult to overcome. Because Satan knows the moral weakness of humans, he comes as a spiritual predator to devour men, women, and children. Guard yourself!
Proverbs 7 NLT Another Warning about Immoral Women
1
Follow my advice, my son;
always treasure my commands.
2
Obey my commands and live!
Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
3
Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4
Love wisdom like a sister;
make insight a beloved member of your family.
5
Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
6
While I was at the window of my house,
looking through the curtain,
7
I saw some naive young men,
and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8
He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
strolling down the path by her house.
9
It was at twilight, in the evening,
as deep darkness fell.
10
The woman approached him,
seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11
She was the brash, rebellious type,
never content to stay at home.
12
She is often in the streets and markets,
soliciting at every corner.
13
She threw her arms around him and kissed him,
and with a brazen look she said,
14
“I’ve just made my peace offerings
and fulfilled my vows.
15
You’re the one I was looking for!
I came out to find you, and here you are!
16
My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,
with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17
I’ve perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18
Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
19
for my husband is not home.
He’s away on a long trip.
20
He has taken a wallet full of money with him
and won’t return until later this month.”
21
So she seduced him with her pretty speech
and enticed him with her flattery.
22
He followed her at once,
like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
23
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.
24
So listen to me, my sons,
and pay attention to my words.
25
Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26
For she has been the ruin of many;
many men have been her victims.
27
Her house is the road to the grave.
Her bedroom is the den of death.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for our reading which helps us identify the sin that seeks to destroy us. David and Solomon fell prey to sexual sin and they faced the consequences. Thank you for the Wisdom of Solomon to teach his son and us about the subtle yet ruthless work of evil to destroy our lives and relationships through sin. Holy Spirit, please help us guard our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.