The majority of Proverbs 5 is a warning to Solomon’s son that the way of an adulterer is not only detrimental to his personal life, but also destructive to all relationships. One of the great tragedies in our churches today is the devastating presence and eroding effect adultery is having on our marriages and families via Internet, television programming, novels, and music with suggestive lyrics…we are bombarded with the temptation to lust at every turn. I remind my readers that Christ’s definition of adultery goes beyond the physical aspect of sexual immorality and includes the titillation of sight and thoughts. In His Sermon on the Mount Christ challenged His audience:
Matthew 5:27-28 – “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Today’s devotion focuses on the opening verses of Proverbs 5.
Proverbs 5:1-2 – “My son, attend [hearken; heed; incline] unto my wisdom [wisdom that comes by way of experience], and bow [extend; bend; incline] thine ear to my understanding [insight; discernment—between good and evil]: 2 That thou mayest regard [keep; preserve; heed] discretion [recognize evil plots and schemes], and that thy lips [language; speech] may keep [keep watch; guard; preserve] knowledge [an ability to distinguish between good and evil].”
Solomon requests what every father desires–that his son would heed his father’s instructions, learn from his experiences and flee from sexual temptations (2 Timothy 2:22). To be discerning, exercise discretion and guard his conversations is the longing of the king’s heart for his son and that of every godly father.
Suggestive, sexually charged speech dominates today’s media and finds its way into public and private conversation. Sexting, texting, emails and social media have all become platforms for a generation whose conscience is untrained to discern between good and evil. Proverbs 5 is a warning to all men and women…trifle with sexual sins and you are assured of sorrow and death—death of your marriage, family, reputation and career.
Proverbs 13:15 – “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.”
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith