A Simple Death – Proverbs in Practice
“Simple” is something we like, former procrastinators. We aspire to achieve “simple” in family function and schedules. Decorators tell how to achieve the clean lines of “simple.” Those are desirable. But there’s another “simple” that we must never be – the simple person who is easily influenced because she completely lacks understanding. She doesn’t get it – doesn’t grasp scriptural warning. She is not on guard, so she walks right into trouble that is totally avoidable. The effects are long lasting.
We’ll sum up Proverbs chapters 5, 6, 7 this way: Be wise, be alert; stay on the path of righteousness by looking only where you need to be. Faithfulness to your husband avoids long-lasting consequences of great magnitude for yourself and others.
For the procrastinator especially, this passage is a loud signal to stop where you are and immediately exit this path. Do not delay to explain. Do not think you’re in control. Do not wait for another moment. Repent – turn – Run to where you are supposed to be. If your heart does not want to repent, run to where you’re supposed to be anyway. Then get with God and deal with repentance. (2 Timothy 2:25-26)
The scripture is worded for men but also applies to women.
5:1-7 – Pay attention, guard yourself from the man who’s not your husband. He sounds good but leads to death.
5:8-14 – Stay away from him and anywhere he is. You’ll give away your honor, years, strength, efforts. You will regret it in body, mind, spirit.
5:15-20 – Find blessing and rejoicing in your own husband.
5:21-23 – God sees all we do. Sin is binding. Self-will, lack of discipline, and folly lead us astray to death.
6:20-26 – Being corrected by discipline preserves us from evil and gives life.
6:27-35 – “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?” There WILL BE painful consequences. Adulterous behavior is self-destructive. V. 32.
7:1-9 – Value wisdom. Do not take a route that goes near the man, especially at night.
7:10-20 – Appeals to wrong are plentiful. Timing can appear “safe.”
7:21-23 – Smooth talk persuades. “All at once he follows her” is the final “okay.” He’s already chosen to walk her street, to listen to her wiles. This did not just happen. It’s a path he chose to follow. He set himself up for the final okay. A woman does the same. It costs her life.
7:24-27 – Don’t let your heart turn to him. Avoid where he goes. All he truly offers is death.
If you have experienced this death, remember there is Resurrection. Jesus lives, forgives, and restores. Our gracious God redeems! He provides no excuse for us to continue in sin, but a broken and contrite heart He will not despise. He cleanses us and His Spirit lives in us. Thank you, Jesus!
Are you on this path of the simple? Which role do you play? How will you turn?
