Now that my babies are all feeling better, and I’m not feeling as ragged, I will continue with my study on Proverbs.
Proverbs 5 is a warning against falling into the temptation of adultery. The overriding idea I got from this passage is that this is not a passive problem. You need to be cautious. Be aware of the situations you are opening yourself up to. Protect yourself and your family from temptation.
Proverbs 5:3 (New International Version)
3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
Be on guard, and vigilant in maintaining your path. Keep your fingers out of the cookie jar! The path into sin is a slippery slope indeed. Keep to your own house and be aware that there are dangers waiting to trip you up.
Skipping ahead you see quite a lot of emphasis placed on this particular issue. I think it is emphasized so much because while for many sins there is a clear and definable decision made. Yes, I am going to steal this item. No, I am not going to shoot my neighbor. But the path to infidelity is rarely that clear-cut. It starts with small “innocent” things and builds on itself.
People don’t like discussing this topic much. Perhaps because if they acknowledged or thought about it, they’d find areas where they failed at this? Or maybe it’s just because it takes an effort. And we like being lazy. Honestly, I read this chapter and almost wanted to skip writing about it. It’s not comfortable. But that doesn’t make it any less real.
This reminds me of something John Acuff says, “Sin is typically a death by a thousand cuts.”
I like your thoughts here, Kim. It’s not a comfortable topic but one that needs to be talked about.
Exactly! That’s where I think it trips up so many.
Tony, that’s exactly what I was thinking. Kim…check your dm’s on twitter. You just won the book.
Woo hoo! I am psyched! I never win anything =) You rock Mr. Perkins 🙂
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Kim: you are so right about this not being a favorite to discuss in the church except, it seems, when it involves judgment of someone falling to it. Preparation is much better than mop up. Good thoughts. Glad your babies are feeling better.
It’s sad to see people struggling through that mess. And it happens so often. As you say rather than judging we need to be arming people to avoid it in the first place. If we could get more honest and open about the trouble spots, we’d likely see more people overcoming this issue without falling all the way into it.
I am so grateful that it was a quick bug and that it skipped my youngest! Thanks for the continued support and prayer!
very well done! snaps to you for shedding this light on a topic that even some churches tend to avoid. like you said it’s easier to answer say no to the big things like murder and stealing, but keeping a check on your thoughts is a little tougher. great job, sis!
Yeah this is for sure a tricky one. Thanks for the encouragement!