Posts Tagged ‘christianity’

Proverbs 08:05 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: August 8, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 08, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 8:05 – You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. 

Are people willing to take the position to admit that they are not adequate, to say I am a sinner and that I really don’t have intellectual problems?  Sometimes I think it is a joke to listen to folk with “intellectual” problems. How many times do we hear people say, “I have intellectual problems about the Bible?”  What they really have is a sin problem, and he didn’t want to give up his sin.  I have discovered that if a person has a sin problem and will turn to Christ with that problem, it is amazing how often the intellectual problems will be solved.

Wisdom calls you! Will you consider her precious gifts? She offers understanding and wisdom to the simple and foolish. Do you hear her? Or are you too busy? Or are you too proud to know you are ignorant? Or are you too rebellious to change your ways for her?

Lady Wisdom says those who reject her must love death (Pr 8:36). If you disregard her offer, you do so to your own peril. God will bring calamities into your life, and He will laugh when you tremble in fear and beg for His help (Pr 1:20-32; Ps 2:4; 37:13). He will mock your troubles and your fears. The warning is harsh, but it is truly the words of God.

Solomon continued his personification of wisdom in this chapter.  See the comments on Prov 8:1. Wisdom, the ability to judge correctly, is presented as a woman here and in other parts of this book. It has been said, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!” It is your prudence to soberly consider the gracious offer of this glorious and terrible woman.

In this verse, Lady Wisdom exhorts simple and foolish men to take the wisdom and understanding she offers. All men are born foolish and ignorant, and she implores them to take and use her wisdom. Implied is the rhetorical question, Why do you want to continue in the stupidity and lusts of your ignorance (Pr 1:22; Ex 16:28; I Kgs 18:21)? Why?

Every parent thinks this about their children, and every pastor thinks it about church members. Parents watch their children ignore instruction and rush into pain and trouble, and pastors watch members do the same. The father and preacher in this book, Solomon, by the inspiration of God, calls for you to hear his instruction and learn wisdom.

Are you offended being called simple and foolish? It should not offend you. You came into this world messing on yourself, and you will go out doing the same. Unless you take God’s offer of wisdom, you are not any better right now. The world spews pagan and perverse filth at you daily in increasing intensity – you need God’s wisdom desperately.

If wisdom is the ability to rightly judge, do you have it? If understanding is accurate discernment, do you have it? There is only one way to know. Are your thoughts and actions in perfect agreement with God’s written word? Scripture alone defines wisdom, and any thoughts to the contrary are insane (Ps 19:7; 119:130; Isaiah 8:20; I Tim 6:3-5).

You cannot know wisdom by nature; you must obtain it by instruction. You cannot find truth by rationalization; it requires revelation from the God of truth. There is no better source than these proverbs for wisdom (Pr 1:1-4). Do you fear and crave their words? The Bible is God’s book of truth (Ps 119:160; 19:9). Do you love it preached to you?

Scripture addresses every area of your life – sex, employment, speech, money, eating, children, exercise, driving, thoughts, hair, television, clothing, friends, etc. If you think or act contrary to what is written, you have not advanced beyond the diapers that recently protected you, and your thoughts are the braying of a donkey (Job 11:12; II Pet 2:12).

Why be a fool? Take the offered wisdom and understanding today! How? Humble yourself before God’s word and this warning, repent of your foolishness, repudiate your sins, admit your ignorance, and conform every thought, word, and action to His holy word. Find a Bible-preaching church that emphasizes truth and wisdom and join it.

Proverbs 25:08 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: July 25, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 25, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 25:8 What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

Slow down! Haste makes waste! And haste can put you to shame! If you are in a conflict, do not react hastily. Do not rush to action. Calm down; sit down; slow down. Consider every angle carefully, or you will miss the obvious and be put to shame by your enemy.

Conflict and strife are parts of life in a sinful world. They evoke strong passions, which cause men to rush to action. People in a fight want to rectify a situation immediately, but such haste in a conflict easily leave men exposed to the wiser reaction of an opponent. The human heart and its demand for haste must be ruled and stopped (Pr 16:32).

A passionate response is usually a poor response. It is better to let passions cool before planning any action. The mind is usually not fully engaged, when the heart is pounding and the emotions are raging. Cool off first, before you do anything or even plan anything. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (Jas 1:19-20).

A multitude of counselors makes for safety in war (Pr 20:18; 24:6). What blessed wisdom! And they cannot be any counselors; they must be wise, experienced, and sober. They should be uninvolved third parties, who can think objectively and wisely. They should have experience in battle, and they do not need to be close friends. Friendship blinds eyes and stops ears, so seek counselors who will not be inflamed with you.

Unless you are very careful, small conflicts will escalate quickly into much larger wars (Pr 17:14). Responding foolishly without due deliberation is the mark of a fool, and such a reaction usually deserves punishment (Pr 18:6). Forcing wrath will bring forth more strife, just as surely as the churning of milk brings forth butter (Pr 30:33). Slow down!

Kings go to battle slowly. Jesus said, “Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace” (Luke 14:31-32).

If you have ever slept on a conflict, with a mind toward fearing God and loving wisdom, you woke in the morning with a very different perspective than what you went to bed with. This is wisdom. By allowing some time to pass, your passions cooled, your mind had time to clear foolish emotions, and the Holy Spirit could direct you. Amen.

Spiritual Training 31 May 2013

Posted: May 31, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Romans 13:12-14 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

The night refers to the present evil time. The day refers to the time of Christ’s return. Some people are surprised that Paul lists dissension and jealousy with the gross and obvious sins of orgies, drunkenness, and sexual immorality. Like Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount (Mattew 5-7), Paul considers attitudes as important as actions. Just as hatred leads to murder, so jealousy leads to strife and lust to adultery. When Christ returns, he wants to find his people clean on the inside as well as on the outside.

Lets Bring it home: How do we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ? First we identify with Christ by being baptized (Galatians 3:27). This shows our solidarity with other Christians and with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Second, we exemplify the qualities Jesus showed while he was here on earth (love, humility, truth, service). In a sense, we role-play what Jesus would do in our situation (Ephesians 4:24-32; Colossians 3:10-17). We also must not give our desires any opportunity to lead us into sin. Avoid those situations that open the door to gratifying sinful desires.

Wisdom for the Soul: Proverbs 23:22

Posted: May 23, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Disrespectful Children, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 23, Rebellious Children, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Honor your parents. Your life depends on it. Parents will weaken with age, but you still should honor them. God ordained parents, and He handpicked yours. He will generously reward those who honor parents (Eph 6:2-3), but He will destroy rebels (Pr 20:20; 30:17).

God planned for children to arrive in life helpless, so they do. He also planned they would grow to successful maturity under the affectionate care, instruction, and rule of parents. But this wise family relationship also depends on children honoring their parents.

God created the offices of father and mother, but He also chose the very persons who are your father and mother! When the great God brought you into existence, He did not ask you or your parents. He planned and executed a blind date for the three of you based on His perfect knowledge of all circumstances and possible outcomes of the arrangement. Humble yourself before your God-chosen parents. Obey them. Honor them. Love them.

The law of God and the rule of nature are to reverence fathers (Ex 20:12; Lev 19:3; Mal 1:6; Eph 6:1-3; Heb 12:9). The LORD commanded death for offenders, even for speaking lightly or showing facial disrespect (Deut 27:16; Pr 30:17). Proper growth and maturity to face life, the orderliness of society, and the peace of homes depend on honor to fathers. It is dangerous times when this basic standard is compromised (Isaiah 3:5; II Tim 3:1-2).

Daily life with a father for 20-30 years exposes you to his faults and weaknesses, which can lead to familiarity. But the God of heaven has a warning for you – I chose that man who brought you into existence, and I expect you to listen to him and obey him as you would Me! Do not let familiarity dull his honor, because I chose him as a god for your life. If you despise him, you despise Me! And I will not accept such scornful rebellion!

The thing you should be most content about is your father. God chose him. God chose his ability, education, wealth, intelligence, looks, personality, opportunities, successes, and failures for His own glory and your perfection. No other father would have worked as well for you! The eternal counsel of heaven connected you two, and any discontentment or disrespect from you is treason against the design of a benevolent and sovereign God.

Hearken to your father. Listen to him, and obey his advice. He knows more about life than you can grasp, even if it were explained to you. He knows you better than you know yourself. He cares about you and your future more than you do. Your short-term view of things is foolish and vain. His affection for you, his desire for your success, his sense of responsibility, and his experience and knowledge come together to form his advice. Save yourself a great deal of pain in life and judgment from God – hearken unto your father.

Isaac submitted to his father tying him on an altar as a sacrifice (Gen 22:9)! Jacob obeyed his father to travel far away and pick a wife from cousins (Gen 28:1-5). Joseph honored his father and sought his blessing on his children (Gen 48:8-14). Moses, ruler in Israel, reverenced his father-in-law, a Midianite (Ex 18:7-12). And the Rechabites carefully obeyed a distant grandfather, though he had lived 300 years earlier (Jer 35:6-10)!

With age your father will lose his strength and wisdom, but he is still the one God chose to beget you. His declining abilities are no grounds for you to disrespect him. He might not have the power any longer to enforce his rule, but by this time you should be more conscious of his authority and right over you than ever before. Respect him in old age out of principle and thankfulness, rather than out of childish fear or habit or necessity.

Blind and hardened fools disobey their fathers, and the sin is compared to the perverse depravity of sodomy (Rom 1:30). Such a child is a terrible calamity to parents (Pr 17:25; 19:26). The perilous times of the last days have arrived, when even Christians allow children to disobey and dishonor their parents (II Tim 3:1-2). Their permissive approach to life and religion, choosing fables instead of doctrine, will destroy them (II Tim 4:3-4).

Your mother was introduced to you in the prime of her life. She was attractive, energetic, and intelligent. It was bearing and bringing you up that dulled those traits. Her body gave you every nutrient for growth for nine months before you were born, and for nine months or more after you were born. A lifeline tied you to her before you were born, and you cried for her after being born, as if you still needed and wanted that lifeline.

She loved you and did more for you than ten wives could or would. She patiently adored, pampered, praised, and doted on you in ways a wife will not. She was a tireless servant in providing food, clothing, bedding, and countless other comforts for your existence, though you never gave her even a “thank you” for years! She suffered through your infatuation with boyfriends, who combined and squared would never do as much for you.

She was the weaker sex in her prime, in God’s opinion (I Pet 3:7). But as she gets older, taking care of you and then worrying about you, she will lose more strength and wit. She will fear things she once mocked. She will forget names, places, and how to do simple tasks. She spent herself caring for you, and now there is little left. What will you do? Ignore her in her weakened condition, or give her greater glory and honor and care?

If you hurt her in any way in her old age, the God of heaven will take retribution now and in the world to come (Pr 20:20; 30:17; Rev 21:8). If you do not fully take care of her in old age, then you have denied the religion of Jesus Christ and are worse than a pagan infidel, no matter what church you attend, or what Bible version you read (I Tim 5:4,8).

Ruth obeyed and tenderly served her mother-in-law Naomi in her old age (Ruth 2:17-23). Solomon, with regal authority and glory like no other, honored his mother with a seat at his right hand and promised to not reject her request (I Kgs 2:19-20)! And the Lord Jesus Christ, though greatly stressed with the torments of crucifixion and the reconciliation of His people, gave assignment to John for the tender care of His mother (John 19:26-27).

If you are a child, you have just read your duty. Let it be your great pleasure to attentively heed your father’s advice, whether in his presence or on the other side of his grave. What should you do this very day to honor your aging mother? See to it quickly! If your parents are far away, you can call, email, mail, or visit. If they are inaccessible, what about your in-laws? If you have honored your parents, what about any grandparents?

If you are a parent, and your children show you little or none of this honor or care, humble yourself before the God of heaven and confess your sinful indulgence, careless inconsistency, reversal of roles, overbearing criticism, or permissive environment that cost you the esteemed position of beloved parents (Pr 22:6; 31:28). The merciful God of heaven is able to help you recover lost years, if you repent in humility (Joel 2:12-27).

If you are a Christian, you have another Father far greater than your earthly father, Almighty God Himself. He has done more for you than all natural fathers combined. You owe Him all the reverence and obedience you can possibly muster. You call on Him frequently, every time you need or want help, and He has never failed you a single time.

The sober words of truth from Peter to you about Him are these: “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” (I Pet 1:17). You should fearfully hearken to God your Father and never despise Him even far more than your earthly father and mother.

Spiritual Training 23 May 2013

Posted: May 23, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Romans, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Romans 12:14-16 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Many people use their contacts and relationships for selfish ambition. They select those people who will help them climb the social ladder. Christ demonstrated and taught that we should treat all people with respect-those of a different race, the handicapped, the poor, young and old, male and female. We must never consider others as being beneath us. Paul says we need to live in harmony with others and not be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.

Lets Bring it home: Are you able to do humble tasks with others? Do you welcome conversation with unattractive, non-prestigious people? Or do you relate only to those who will help you get ahead?

Proverbs 20:03 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 22, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 20, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 20:3 – It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

A person who is truly confident of his or her strength does not need to parade it. A truly brave person does not look for chances to prove it. A resourceful woman can find a way out of a fight. A man of endurance will avoid retaliating. Foolish people find it impossible to avoid strife. Men and women of character can. What kind of person are you?

Stop fighting! Life is too short. Peace is too precious. Noble men end fights and conflict. Love and unity are godly and profitable. Are you a peacemaker? Do you hate quarrels, strife, and trouble? Do you love quietness, rest, and harmony? End every fight you can.

Godly men hate fighting; they back out of conflicts involving themselves; they help bring peace when others are fighting. It is a credit to their reputations and religion. It is their glory (Pr 19:11). But fools, being void of godly character and integrity, provoke others in various ways to continue conflict and strife. They are obnoxious nuisances in the world.

Worldly men believe fighting is manly, because they cannot think higher than junkyard dogs. It takes far more character, discipline, and strength to resist fighting than it does to give in to the childish emotions and devilish urges that call for it. God surely inspired this proverb. Men think honor must be defended by fighting, but God honors the man who will not fight! Only proud, wicked beasts feel they must strike another blow at another.

The Pharisees, religious fundamentalists for man’s basest lusts, taught, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,” by applying a civil law to personal offences (Matt 5:38). But Jesus praised the godly man, who turns the other cheek to the man who smites one (Matt 5:39). Only base fools think they must protect their person and reputation by biting others for any hurt. Great men end controversies, forgive injuries, and befriend even enemies.

Where is fighting and strife in your life? Is it in your marriage, because neither spouse will back down and make peace? Learn the lesson of this proverb and do something honorable – humble yourself and make peace. Is there conflict between you and your children? You are the parent! Take the high road and end the conflict by making peace.

How honorable are you? Can you return a soft answer to an angry man, even when he is wrong (Pr 15:1)? Are you a little child in malice (I Cor 14:20)? Can you forgive everyone, even those quarreling with you (Col 3:12-15)? Do you hate bitterness and love tenderheartedness (Eph 4:31-32)? Can you recognize that most fighting for “principle” is really only for pride (Pr 13:10; 21:24)? Are you willing to be defrauded (I Cor 6:7)? Do you follow your heavenly Father and seek good for your enemies (Matt 5:43-48)?

If you know you offended someone, even long ago, go to them to restore the relationship (Matt 5:23-26). God will not accept your worship until you do this. If someone has offended you, the best choice is simply to forgive and forget it (Pr 19:11; Col 3:13). But if you cannot forgive them, then gently confront them alone about it (Matt 18:15-18).

Consider the greatest mediation, peacemaking, and reconciliation in history. The holy and just God of heaven was angry at all men for their sins (Ps 5:4-6; 7:11; 11:4-6). And men were filled with pride and contempt against Him, for they had chosen to follow His enemy the devil instead (Ps 10:4; 14:1-3; Eph 2:1-3). The blessed God in infinite wisdom sent the Man Christ Jesus, who stepped between both parties and took their full rage, forever making peace between God and His chosen children (Eph 1:3-14; Rom 5:6-11).

Please remember that these emails are going to over 100 people. I used BCC to keep your email address private. I just want to share my own personal walk with you, and yes, please hold me accountable for my actions. I love you all with the love of Jesus and there is nothing that you can do about it.

Proverbs 15:03 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 15, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 15, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 15:03 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Secret sins, services, and sorrows, are under God’s eye. This speaks comfort to saints, and terror to sinners.

Proverbs 14:01 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 15, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 14, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

A woman who has no fear of God, who is wilful and wasteful, and indulges her ease, will as certainly ruin her family, as if she plucked her house down.

Proverbs 09:12 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 9, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Proverbs 09, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 9:12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”

Your future is in your hands – in your heart and mind – for good or bad. Your response to wisdom will drastically affect your life one way or the other. Great privileges have great responsibilities. Individual liberty has individual consequences. What will happen to you?

The great choice of life, which Solomon repeated often, is the choice of wisdom. If you choose her, you will be blessed; if you reject her, you will be punished. There is no escape; your choice will be repaid. You will bear the consequences. Your wisdom cannot benefit God, nor does your folly hurt him (Job 35:5-8). You alone will bear the results.

The Preacher of the New Testament, Paul warned, “Every man shall bear his own burden” (Gal 6:5). Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; whatever you sow, that is what you will reap (Gal 6:7-8). So dear reader, you must prove your own work, and then you may have rejoicing in yourself, without measuring by others at all (Gal 6:4).

The personification of wisdom continues from the previous chapter to this climactic verse. Lady Wisdom offers you a house and wonderful feast (Pr 9:1-5). What will you do with her invitation? This is the chance of a lifetime! Blessings beyond description are offered (Pr 8:11)! Or will you ignore her and choose certain death for yourself (Pr 8:36)?

After this dramatic conclusion, you are reminded again of the foolish and whorish woman, Folly, of which there are many in the world (Pr 9:13-18). This woman intends to destroy young men. She also has a house, prepared with a perfumed bed, but she takes her foolish and unsuspecting guests to hell with her (Pr 5:3-13; 6:23-35; 7:6-23; 9:18).

Today, dear reader, you must choose. And tomorrow you must choose again. Will you humble yourself before God’s perfect words of wisdom? Or will you reject them in the pride, stubbornness, and rebellion of your foolish heart? You cannot avoid the choice. What will it be? You will govern your thoughts, words, and actions by revealed wisdom, or you will reject it and allow your habits, lusts, the world, and others to direct your life.

What does the Bible mean to you? How important is it for you to learn and obey it? The great men of Bible history craved it and diligently followed it. Do you faithfully listen to the preaching of it by a man chosen by Jesus Christ, who does not entertain at all but rather declares God’s will without apology or compromise? If not, why not? If not, you must be a scorner. Remember the warning of the proverb, “Thou alone shalt bear it.”

Ezekiel wrote, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezek 18:20). Solomon warns, “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself” (Pr 14:14). If you backslide from wisdom, the Lord will fill your life with the painful results. But the man who rejects folly will be satisfied with personal blessings.

Moses warned, “Be sure your sin will find you out,” (Num 32:23). These eight words are as certain as gravity and death. No matter what you think of sin, it has consequences. No matter where you sin, God sees and knows all (Pr 15:3; Jer 23:23-24). No matter what precautions you take to protect yourself, they will absolutely not work (Pr 11:21; 16:5).

If you play with sin, you will suffer for it; if you choose godliness, you will be blessed. The way of transgressors is hard (Pr 13:15), and you will not know how hard until it is too late (Pr 1:20-32; Ps 36:1-3). When God swears in anger, there is no deliverance, even if you try to repent (Pr 29:1; Num 14:39-45; Ps 95:7-11; Heb 4:1; 10:26-31; 12:16-17).

Lot scorned wisdom, violating this proverb; he lost great potential blessings and riches; you last see him sitting in the mouth of a cave, ruined, with his two daughters pregnant by his own folly. But Abraham chose wisdom. God called him His friend, told him he was righteous, and covered him with many blessings in a very long life. Heaven is called Abraham’s bosom, and his Seed sits at the right hand of God and provides its million!

Last, consider this contrast from Jesus Christ: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). And another, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Have you believed and been baptized Wisdom’s way?

Proverbs 6:27 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: May 6, 2013 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Proverbs 06, Spiritual Training, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Proverbs 6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?

Casual sex will burn you! There is no protection against it. Marriage makes sexual pleasure honorable, but God will judge adulterers and fornicators (Heb 13:4). But before God judges you, those that know you and your own soul will punish you as well.

You know the answer to this proverb’s question. It is an emphatic, No! A man cannot take fire close to his body and keep his clothes safe. Fire that close will not only singe his clothes, it will burn them badly. And it is just as true that a man playing around sexually with another man’s wife will burn his life. There is nothing casual about sexual sin.

Solomon warned his son about the danger of the strange woman – a whorish woman or adulteress (Pr 6:23-35). He wanted his son to know that adultery would bring severe consequences, much the same as embracing fire will certainly burn a man’s clothes. The sin of adultery will burn your life as surely as fire in your bosom will burn your clothing.

How does adultery burn a man? The main point in the warning here is the adulterer’s reputation – he will not be innocent, because this sin cannot easily be forgiven or overlooked (Pr 6:29). Men do not despise a thief, if he steals due to hunger – his crime is understandable, even though he will be punished (Pr 6:30-31). But men do not understand or accept an outsider stealing personal intimacy with their wives (Pr 6:32-35).

The proverb asks a simple question: you know the obvious answer. A rhetorical question is a powerful tool of persuasive reasoning. You have no doubt as you visualize a man embracing fire in his bosom – his clothes will surely be burned! The image is to be transferred to adultery – the man holding another man’s wife will be burned just as surely! He will suffer severe and sure consequences for violating another man’s marriage.

You know the answer to the proverb, and you know its application. But many lie about this obvious lesson! Hollywood sells movies by appealing to sexual lusts and fantasies, so they never show the consequences of adultery; instead they work it into most every movie they produce. They want you to believe that fire will not burn your clothes. They are greedy liars directed by the devil to satisfy sinful lusts to fill their covetous purses.

Some psychologists say an affair can enhance marriage. The music industry by lifestyle and lyrics suggest it as the only exciting love. Soap operas would not exist without it. Romance novels create lustful fantasies for it. Nightclubs make a place to get it started. Euphemisms like “having an affair,” “having a lover,” or “playing around” hide its consequences. They lie! Adultery will hurt you as surely as fire will burn clothes! Run!

The greatest liar about adultery is inside you – your sinful heart inherited from Adam. If you give it the least freedom, your heart will tell you that you can get away with adultery and that the pleasure is worth it. Do you know your heart is this wicked (Jer 17:9)? If you do, you are partially protected. If you do not, you need to learn it. Then you need to reject every man or input that suggests or teaches that adultery is safe. It is not safe (Heb 13:4).

If you have committed adultery, you already know this proverb is true, unless God has turned you over to a reprobate mind and shut down your conscience (Rom 1:18-32; Eph 4:17-19). If you know you are guilty, and if you know you have sinned, God can easily forgive you through the Lord Jesus Christ. Never forget that He came into this world for sinners, and forgiven prostitutes were some of His followers (I Tim 1:15; Matt 21:31).

If guilt is crushing you, remember repenting adulterers and adulteresses in the Bible. God forgave David and used him mightily after adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. The Lord Jesus accepted harlots into His kingdom, chose the adulteress of Samaria for the gospel in that city, forgave the woman taken in adultery by the Pharisees, and appeared first to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. How could He be merciful to a sin God hates? Because He took the sin of adultery on Himself on the cross of Calvary. It will never again burn those who are found in Him (Is 54:4-12; I Cor 6:9-11)!

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