Proverbs 7 - the Lure & Trap of Adultery

I can see now that reading through the entire book of Proverbs is going to make me revisit some past experiences that have been buried for a while. Adultery has always been a potential danger but it seems that modern times have made it more so.

Sex is used to sell even the most mundane everyday items now. Scantily clad women adorn the covers of magazines and invite us from television ads to partake and enjoy. Sex sells.

Pornography has come from being shown in rundown, seedy theaters to being readily available to anyone with a computer or internet accessible cell phone. Instead of being able to pull a girly magazine from beneath the mattress, you can't even find the evidence of cyber porn with the software available now. It has become an obsession for some that is easily hidden.

Most wives can't compete with the airbrushed, toned, tanned and exciting images of the women who are being used for pornography. Add to this that there are now websites that men can visit that feature women who are looking to have affairs with married men. Is it any wonder that so many men (and women) stray from their marriage vows.

The promise of something exciting, different and more interesting than what you have. Not once are they warning you of the sexually transmitted diseases (STD), the immorality or the harm you would be doing to your relationship and your self.

They are only interested in having you feel good in the moment and afterwards you alone deal with the shame and the consequences of your actions.

"I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen; I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon." Proverbs 7: 16-17

"With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life." Proverbs 7: 21-23

More than ever, Solomon's warnings to avoid the seduction of the adulteress must be taken to heart. It requires that you be stronger than ever in your resolve to avoid falling into the trap of adultery. Everyday we are bombarded by images and innuendos.

Heed Solomon's warnings and gain wisdom from them.

"And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to my words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death." Proverbs 7: 24-27

Resources
Day 33 - More On Adultery & What The Lord Hates

English Standard Version Bible Online - Proverbs 7