Verses 8-9:

He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her houseat twilight, as the day was fading,
as the dark of night set in.

Chapter 7 is another chapter dedicated to warning against adultery, just like Chapter 5. I think this is an interesting set of verses because it sets the stage for the “youth” to fall into temptation. Verse 7 calls him “a youth who lacked judgment.” I think it’s this lack of judgement that really sets him up for failure.

But verses 8 and 9 really tell the story of where he went wrong.  First of all, in verse 8, we learn that he is headed “in the direction of her house.” Bad idea number one. We know that we need to flee from temptation, not run towards it. Second, verse 9 mentions that this was at twilight, as it was getting dark. And we have to remember that “back in the day” they didn’t have electricity or nice street lamps to light the way home. And yet, he’s out and about headed towards the house of the adulteress.

This is bad news.  You’ll have to read the rest of the Proverb in order to know what happens, but I think you already know the result…

Verses 3-4:

For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.

It’s interesting to me that there is an entire chapter dedicated to the warnings against adultery. I think all too few Christians (especially Christian men) read this passage. The temptation is to go after the sweetness of honey or the smoothness of oil, “but in the end” the result is bitter and painful.

This is totally true of all sin, though, not just adultery. It always seems pleasurable at the time (otherwise, why would we do it?) but the consequences are quite dire. Some are immediate–like guilt; others take longer to develop–like STDs or ruined familes and friendships, and even the ultimate consequence of sin: Death. But the point is that  in the end, nothing good can come from sin. In this case, nothing good comes from adultery.

Verse 7:

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

This seems contrary to the story in Matthew 13:44 of the Parable of the Treasure. That man spent all he had on a treasure which is a metaphore for the Kingdom of Heaven. I’m not entirely sure that “wisdom is supreme” in light of this parable. It seems that the Kingdom of Heaven is supreme.

Though I have to wonder if getting wisdom would lead to finding the Kingdom of Heaven.

Verse 11:

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,

I think it’s often difficult to discern between God’s “discipline” and the “trials and tribulations” that God allows us to go through for our benefit. Obviously, discipline is tied directly to our wrong-doing, but I think it’s still easy to confuse the two.

Regardless, it’s important for us to not despise the times of discipline that do occur in our lives. Or the times when He rebukes us, it’s important not to resent them. After all, ultimately, it’s all for our good.

Verse 6:

For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

In keeping with yesterday’s post, it seems I now know my parent’s secret.  They must’ve gotten all their wisdom from God 🙂

In all seriousness, God’s wisdom is a very powerful thing. James chapter 1 admonishes us to ask for it if we lack it.  What I’ve discovered in my own walk with God is that His “gift” of wisdom is rarely a nice, neat package that arrives in the mail which we can simply ingest and become wise. Quite often, God’s gift of wisdom is a lengthy process. It’s the process of discovering–with His direction and influence–wisdom.

Here’s a more concrete example:

Having been married just over 6 months (187 days for those keeping track), I’m still learning how to be a good husband to Charlene. I’ve prayed for wisdom on how to be a good husband, but I’ve never had a moment where the skies opened up, a bright light shone on me, and I had it all figured out. It’s been a process; a process of messing up, learning from my mistakes, and doing it better the next time. Hopefully, I’m becoming more wise each time. It’s a slow process, but I’d say I’m a wiser husband than I was when we got married. And theoretically, I’m a wiser husband today than I was as a fiancé a year ago. (You’ll have to ask Charlene for the truth, I suppose.)

In any case, we do need to ask God for wisdom. He’s the one who gives it, and He gives it freely to all who ask.

After a horrible August of posting on Proverbs, I’m trying to get back on the horse here in September.  So as to not blow through the whole month with apologies, I give you Proverbs 1:

Verse 8:

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

This proverb has served me quite well throughout my years. I’m pretty blessed to have the parents I have. They’re both pretty wise and generally have good advice. That’s not to say that they’re perfect, but I think they do a pretty good job.

The teaching and instruction they instilled in me since I was young have served me quite well.

Thanks, Dad and Mom!