The delicate matter of a sultry woman and a foolish man is the theme of Proverbs 7. Sexual immorality, lust and all manner of adultery have become one of the foremost sins of our nation. The tragic fall of many in church leadership has offered ample evidence that the church is not exempt from moral failures!
In the opening verses of Proverbs 7, Solomon calls upon his son to hear and remember his father’s words, heed his “do’s and don’ts”, and engrave his proverbs upon his heart and thoughts as a moral compass. Concerned with the enticements of a “strange woman” (an immoral woman; a temptress), Solomon urges his son to love godly wisdom as a sister and discernment, understanding and insight as an intimate friend (7:4).
Proverbs 7:4-5 – “Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman [friend]: 5 That they [wisdom and understanding] may keep [preserve; be a hedge] thee from the strange [immoral] woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.”
No parent can afford the luxury of failing to address the sexual perils of our deviant society. I am afraid some parents reading this blog might be following the reckless path of Lot (Genesis 13:10-13; 19:1), who moved his family from the godly company of his uncle Abraham to the wicked city of Sodom. Lot, in spite of his spiritual failures, is declared in 2 Peter 2:7-8 to be a righteous man. Lot’s life is a reminder that good men sometimes choose wrong paths at the sacrifice of their testimony and their family.
The tragic consequence of Lot being a double-minded man (James 1:8) is evidenced by the refusal of his adult children and their spouses to flee Sodom with him (Genesis 19:12-14). Lot’s decision to move his family into the city of Sodom and his failure to teach and admonished his children in godly wisdom had, in the eleventh hour, moved them to dismiss him as one who mocked.
What about you, my friend? Are you vigilant regarding the danger posed by a culture that is immoral? Are you modeling and guiding your children to take the high road in moral choices? Are you leading your family to seek the company and friendship of the godly?
Remember: Your silence today may negate tomorrow’s desperate plea for your children and grandchildren to flee to the tower of the Lord!
Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith