JULY 2 PROBERBS 5-9

July 2, 2014

Proverbs 5-9

We are privileged to listen in on the words a father (Solomon) shared with his son (Rehaboam). The principles in these words of warning are just as applicable to daughters as they are to sons.

There are three discernible sections in today’s chapters:

Warnings about the alluring call of an adulterous woman. Proverbs 5-7

In Proverbs 5, Solomon warns his son that “the lips of a forbidden woman drip with honey,” (5:3) but to give in to her may spell the end of his life (5:11). Instead, he should “rejoice in the wife of his youth” and be faithful to her. “For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord.” (5:21)

In Proverbs 6, both father and mother warn the son (6:20) in much the same way. The commandments, they say, are “to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulterer.” (6:24) To dally with her is to “carry fire next to one’s chest” (6:27) and risk “destruction.” (6:32)

In Proverbs 7, we read a parable. The adulterous woman is bigger than life, a sort of symbol for the seductive power of foolishness. But the lesson remains the same. Here, we actually listen to her honey-soaked words (7:14-21). Here, we read that the young fool will indeed lose his life (7:23).

Encouragements about the call of wisdom. Proverbs 8-9. If the adulteress calls, we can rest assured that wisdom calls, as well. Here, Godly wisdom is personified; she calls to men (8:4) with words of truth, righteousness and wisdom (8:5-11); and anyone can find her who seeks her (8:17). She has been the Lord’s special possession since the beginning (8:22-23). Proverbs 9 summarize the way of wisdom and the way of folly.


Practical warnings in Proverbs 6:1-19. In the midst of all the woman-talk, the Father gives practical warnings against indebtedness (6:1-5), laziness (6:6-11), deceitfulness (6:12-15), and the six things the Lord hates (6:16-19). Try guessing them before you look at them!

Tomorrow, we enter the section of Proverbs entitled: “The Proverbs of Solomon.”

Your fellow traveler through the Word,

Pastor Gary