Proverbs 5

Read Proverbs 5:1 – 6. In this chapter, Solomon warns his son what he stands to lose, should he someday abandon his heart and his wife to pursue another woman. She will entice him. Her words will be smooth. Her lips will drip honey. But it will all eventually go bad, ultimately leading to relational and spiritual death. One intriguing phrase is found in Verse Six, which says, “Her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.” People who do not follow God often lack the capacity to realize the depth of their aimlessness. In which area of your life do you feel least capable of recognizing God’s direction?

Read Proverbs 5:7 – 14. Solomon says to his sons, “Listen to me. Pay attention. Do what I say. Choose to stay far away from women who are giving any kind of signal that they are available to you. Stay away from her house. Go to a different restaurant. Move your gym membership. Ask for another assignment at work, or you may lose your reputation, your dignity, your wealth, and the results of your hard work.” As Christians, we sometimes approach sin with the idea that it’s OK to get as close as possible as long as we don’t cross a certain line. We say, “Stealing is a big deal. Neglecting to report certain income isn’t.” Or, “It’s OK to think lustful thoughts about her, as long as I don’t touch.” Solomon said, “Stay as far from temptation as possible. Don’t even walk near.” Which sins do you find yourself tempted to approach closely? How can you avoid them?

Read Proverbs 5:15 – 20. Solomon said, “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.” In the ancient Middle East, running water or water protected from contamination in a cistern was precious and rare. To let a spring overflow in the street wasn’t just wasteful, it was wrong. It showed great stupidity, even evil. What’s more, private ownership of cisterns or wells was rare for all but the wealthy. Solomon puts those images together. “Your wife is like a private well with clean running water, a treasure you can’t afford to lose.” What keeps you from enjoying your spouse fully?

Read Proverbs 5:21 – 23. Solomon brings the whole discussion back into God’s realm, reminding his sons that they ultimately answer to God for their choices. He points out the unfortunate natural consequences of sin, that it eventually ensnares the sinner too. Put yourself for a moment into Solomon’s shoes. Think of the young people who watch your choices. Perhaps they are your children or younger adults outside of your family, who look at your life for cues about what a Christian does. What is your lifestyle teaching younger believers about dabbling in or approaching sin too closely?

Take a moment to inventory the temptations you’ve faced in the past 48 hours. Which ones did you successfully avoid? Which ones ensnared you? Confess those sins, agreeing with God that they are evil, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist them.