The content of the Proverbs concerning adultery implies that temptation is inevitable, and indeed, even our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted: ‘For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4: 15).  It is important to note here that being tempted is not in itself the issue, but rather the choices we make when faced with temptation.

The writer here once again emphasises that the key to protecting ourselves from temptation is through keeping God’s commands, adhering to His teaching, and keeping our focus very much on Him – the apple of our eye (v2).

Now according to Hebrew law, adultery is intercourse with or by a married or betrothed woman and clearly violates the 7^th and 10^th commandments, and was punishable by death (Lev 20:10).  However, adultery was also used to describe as turning away from God’s laws, and a breaking of covenant promises, and was often used to describe Israel’s disobedience towards God.  Israel is described as being ’betrothed’ to God as in a marriage, and the shame and ‘adultery’ Israel commits by worshiping other Canaanite Gods is nowhere more clearly depicted than in the book of Hosea.

Having instructed the reader to adhere to God’s teaching, the writer now observes the actions of a ‘youth who lacked judgement’ (v.6-7), and who has clearly made a choice to seek out gratification under the cover of darkness (v.8-9).  The allure is obvious:  the woman is provocatively dressed; offers food, has decorated her bed with fine linens (Egyptian linen was of great value and represented wealth), and her ‘abode’ is sweetly fragranced with perfume, myrrh. Aloes, and cinnamon (v.14-17).  And now comes the crunch: ‘My husband is not at home’ (v.19) – the inference being no one will know and no one will find out!

However, we will do well to remind ourselves of a few verses we read a couple of days ago: ‘For a man’s (and woman’s) ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his (and her) paths’ (Proverbs 5: 21).

The final verses again make clear that nothing good is going to come from this wrong choice and lack of judgement – ultimately, adultery against God will only lead to death (v.27).

***

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me to always choose to follow Your words and seek Your wisdom so that I might exercise judgement and make the right choices in the face of the many temptations and challenges in life.  To Your glory. Amen.