While we have observed Solomon’s admonitions against sexual sin in previous messages, this next passage is perhaps the most charged. Stretching from the middle of chapter 6 and concluding at the end of chapter 7, this portion of the Proverbs is a very dire warning about allowing lust to consume us. Solomon does not beat around the bush in telling his son to be on guard against the seductive adulteress.
Though fornication may seem appetizing at first, these warnings consider the ends thereof. The one caught in the trap of lustful sin goes to the slaughter as an ox (7:22) and “does not know that it will cost him his life” (7:23). No wonder Solomon tells his son to “treasure up my commandments with you” and “bind them on your fingers” (7:1, 3). Adultery is no joke and must be dealt with very seriously.
This passage applies to all the children of God, not just men who are tempted by seductive women. All sin, and particularly sexual sin, is capable of ensnaring us and debilitating us. Because of our fleshly inclinations to run after temptation, all of us must take heed to the question, “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes and not be burned?” and consider what we allow to enter our hearts through the situations in which we allow ourselves to be. As we’ve previously considered, we are responsible for our actions.
The message of Proverbs 6:20-7:27 is extremely serious in any age, especially ours. Most of us can relate to the temptations that lead to such sinful behaviors, and none of us is exempt from falling into such snares. Our only hope is to abide in Christ, and continue to be conformed to his image!