LESSONS FROM PROVERBS: THE SIN OF ADULTERY

INTRODUCTION.

1. The wiles and dangers of a “foolish woman” are set forth in Proverbs 2-9. Each chapter (2-8) begins with the admonition for “my son” to heed his father’s advice (cf. 4:1).

2. These chapters contrast wisdom and the scarlet woman.

a. Wisdom is personified as a woman whose rewards are great (2:1f; 3:13f; 4:6).

b. In contrast is the “strange woman” or “adulteress” whose ways lead to ruin (2:16-19).

3. Such warnings are especially needed by the young, and especially in today’s permissive world.

I. There are warnings of the deceitfulness of the wicked (7:1-23).

A. The harlot tries to lure the young man. She knows the young man’s inclinations.

1. She flatters with her words (7:5).

2. She knows those that are naïve and takes advantage (7:6-9).

3. She is forward and aggressive (7:10-15).

4. She entices him with fair speech (7:16-21).

5. He follows her to his own ruin (7:22-23).

B. Lust begins in the eye.

1. David looked on Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:2f).

2. Jesus taught that the lustful look constitutes heart-adultery, and should be stopped there (Matt. 5:27-28).

3. Peter warned of those who have “eyes full of adultery” (2 Pet. 2:14).

C. These proverbs should serve as a warning to young ladies as much as to young men. This kind of behavior encourages young men in the wrong way. Sadly, the description of the harlot in these verses – the woman of the street – too easily fits how many women in today’s world dress and act on a regular basis.

II. Giving in to the lusts of the flesh has its consequences.

A. Bitterness (5:1-4)

B. Death (5:5-6)

C. Loss of wealth and strength (5:7-10)

D. Loss of health (5:11) – e.g., STDs

E. Utter ruin (5:12-14)

F. Enslaved to sin (5:20-23)

G. Punishment (6:24-31; cf. Lev. 20:10)

H. Personal disgrace and loss of honor (6:32-33)

I. Wrath (6:34-35)

J. Adultery violates God’s established order that joins two persons as one flesh for life (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5). When mutual love and trust are destroyed, the bond of the relationship is destroyed. It is not based on love, but on lust. Love seeks the good of the one loved – it is kind, gentle, loyal, and unselfish. Lust is self-centered, base, unsettled, seeking its own advantage and its own gratification. Love protects and ennobles; lust exploits, takes what it wants, then rejects it. Lust destroys what was once virtuous and beautiful.

K. The insidious work of the adulterer is that, once the person has yielded to lust, the defense is removed. The result is a self-excusing attitude that says, “I have done no wrong” (30:20).

III. Here is wise advise for the married (5:15-20).

A. Enjoy the wife of your youth. Avoid “foreign entanglements” (5:15-18).

B. Marriage is good. Sexual desire and gratification are good (Heb. 13:4).

C. Find satisfaction at home (5:19).

D. 1 Cor. 7:2-5

CONCLUSION.

1. Take to heart these sober warnings. They are words of wisdom.

2. Invitation.