Proverbs: The Adulterer (Prov. 5:1-14)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" Proverbs 4:23. We learned a few weeks back that the way to protect your heart is to watch your mouth, watch your eyes, use discretion and avoid distractions. This week we saw that the adulteress in most situations does the opposite. She uses her mouth for flattery (Prov. 5:3; 30:20), she has no discretion (Prov. 5:6; 7:11-12) and she is the ultimate distraction (Prov. 5:8) and we must be careful of two things: becoming her or loitering around her.

For most Christians the problem is that we often think that cheating is below us (until, of course, it is too late). King Solomon (who wrote the book of Proverbs) is described as having 1000 sexual partners, who ultimately led him away from God (1 Kings 11:3-4). The point is that the guy who wrote such staunch warnings about the adulteress in the end was captivated by her 999 times over! If the guy who wrote the book can fail, then any of us, man or woman, can become the adulterer. The following are a few next steps to guard our lives from this possibility.

First, if you are married and your relationship is on the rocks, resist the temptation to hide and continue on as if nothing is wrong. Often poor marriages result in less intimacy increasing the chances that one, or both, spouses will stray. Get help! Many marriages have survived disaster trusting in the power of Christ.

Second, if you are a woman it is really important to engage other mature women who are in Christ. Check out "Nite Out" every other Tuesday from 7:15 - 8:45 pm in The Living Room located in the DC office. The next "Nite Out" is Tuesday, November 17th. If you have any questions, feel free to email the office at connect@dconline.org or call us at 636.294.5182.

Third, for men, whether single or married, you must become a Job 31 man if you want your wife (current or future, depending on your situation) to be a Proverbs 31 woman. In Job 31: 1 Job states, "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." However, you cannot be a Job 31 man on your own strength. You can't do it! Literally. You must call on Christ, admit you can't do it and allow His power to control your eyes and thoughts. "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).