May 28
Proverbs 5:1-7:27
If someone questions whether the Bible is practical for modern life, they do not need to look any further than the Proverbs. Solomon's instructions with his son will deal with almost every area of life, including sex. There is warning after warning regarding the consequences of sexual immorality. The critical skill Solomon wants to pass on to his son is prudence. One of the aspects of prudence is the ability to understand how our present actions will affect us in the future. Proverbs 7 describes adultery (and it would be true of sexual immorality in general) as the path to death and destruction. It is compared to an ox going to slaughter, a deer stepping into a noose, and a bird being captured in a snare. As these animals believe the bait in the trap will bring pleasure and life, so is someone heading towards sin. They focus on the immediate pleasure but fail to see the ultimate consequence of their actions.
We live in a world that tells us to follow our desires, to do whatever we want, and to live for today. In contrast, wisdom tells us to follow what is true, to do what God wants, and live for eternity. To gain this perspective, we must obey God's words, store up his commands, and value what he says. If we do not, we will find ourselves slowly (or quickly) wandering toward destruction.
Father God may your ways be my ways. Help me to resist the temptations I face, and, through your Spirit, to walk in the life you have made available to me through Jesus. Amen.
How can you better adopt prudence (taking a future focused perspective) in your decision making?
If someone questions whether the Bible is practical for modern life, they do not need to look any further than the Proverbs. Solomon's instructions with his son will deal with almost every area of life, including sex. There is warning after warning regarding the consequences of sexual immorality. The critical skill Solomon wants to pass on to his son is prudence. One of the aspects of prudence is the ability to understand how our present actions will affect us in the future. Proverbs 7 describes adultery (and it would be true of sexual immorality in general) as the path to death and destruction. It is compared to an ox going to slaughter, a deer stepping into a noose, and a bird being captured in a snare. As these animals believe the bait in the trap will bring pleasure and life, so is someone heading towards sin. They focus on the immediate pleasure but fail to see the ultimate consequence of their actions.
We live in a world that tells us to follow our desires, to do whatever we want, and to live for today. In contrast, wisdom tells us to follow what is true, to do what God wants, and live for eternity. To gain this perspective, we must obey God's words, store up his commands, and value what he says. If we do not, we will find ourselves slowly (or quickly) wandering toward destruction.
Father God may your ways be my ways. Help me to resist the temptations I face, and, through your Spirit, to walk in the life you have made available to me through Jesus. Amen.
How can you better adopt prudence (taking a future focused perspective) in your decision making?
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