WISDOM’S INSTRUCTION ABOUT SEXUALITY 5:1-23

The chapter opens with an exhortation that the son

pay attention and listen to his father’s words of
wisdom [verse 1].
The reason to enforce this is stated: “That (in
order) thou mayest regard (consider) discretion (the
ability to properly behave), and that thy lips may keep
knowledge” [verse 2].
This chapter illustrates the long-range
consequences of sin, and a wise individual can see the
long-range view of sin.
 A WARNING AGAINST SEXUAL SINS [verses 3-14]
Today’s society is obsessed with sex, they are sex-crazed! The
advertising and entertainment industries use sexual stimulation as
a major motivator in advancing their various causes.
Sexual impurity is in the forefront of society and this world is
engulfed with a cloud of moral filth. The danger of a sexually
saturated society is the message that a person can act on their
sexual impulses, violating God’s moral law as set forth in God’s
Word, and escape the consequences that God has established
[Hebrews 13:4]. God has designed that sex be enjoyed only within
the realm of marriage and with the person to whom one is
married.
 One of the designs of marriage is to prevent sexual impurity or a defiled
bed [I Corinthians 7:2, 8-9].
ANY SEXUAL UNION PRIOR TO THE MARRIAGE BED IS SIN AND ANYTHING
THAT WOULD PROMOTE OR STIMULATE SUCH UNION IS SIN! Such sin is
referred to as “fornication” [I Thessalonians 4:3-5] which is “sexual
intercourse between unmarried persons”.
God’s design is chastity in marriage, and therefore the command “Thou
shalt not commit adultery” [Matthew 5:27]. “Adultery” is committed
between a married person and someone other than their spouse”.
SEXUAL EXPRESSION IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN OUTSIDE THE
MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP! God has ordained the marriage union as the only
acceptable realm where sexual needs are to be met!
 ENGAGING IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY BEFORE OR
OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE IS SELFISH
GRATIFICATION AND SIN!
1. A Warning Against The Appeal Of Sexual Impurity [verses 3-6].
In this chapter, a father is instructing his son about wise living, and because it
is a father talking to his son, the warning is about the “adulteress”.
The principles we find here apply to all kinds of sexual temptation, not just the
young man’s temptation. So the “adulteress” represents any source of sexual
temptation.
➲ “For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb (she promises
pleasure), and her mouth is smoother than oil” [verse 3]. This speaks of her fair
speeches, her enticing and flattering words. WHAT THE TEMPTATION PROMISES IS
ALWAYS BETTER THAN WHAT IT REALLY DELIVERS!
 ➲ “But (contrary to what she says) her end (the result of compliance with her)
is bitter (acidic) as wormwood, sharp (excruciating, agonizing), as a two-edged
sword. Her feet (ways) go down to death (death is a separation), her steps take
hold on hell” [verses 4-5]. This speaks of the destructiveness of her ways!

NEVER IS THE BEGINNING AS SWEET AS THE END IS BITTER!

➲ “Lest (to avoid the risk of) thou shouldest ponder (contemplate) the path
of life, her ways are moveable (she appears in different forms), that thou canst not
know them” [verse 6].

2. An Exhortation Concerning Wisdom In The Light Of The Deceitfulness Of

Sexual Temptation [verse 7]. This same truth is presented in Proverbs 2:10, 11, 16;
6:20, 24; 7:1-5, and in Psalm 17:4; 119:9, 11.
 3. A Warning Concerning An Approach Toward Sexual Temptation [verse 8].

➲ “Remove thy way far from her” KEEP AT THE GREATEST DISTANCE FROM
SEXUAL TEMPTATION! Remove the way of your mind from her, the way of your
walk, and the way of conversation from her! Do not look at her, do not converse
with her.
DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN A POSITION OF BEING ENSNARED BY HER!
➲ “And come not nigh the door of her house” AVOID HER! Do not go in the way
of temptation, be fearful of temptation. AVOID QUESTIONABLE SITUATIONS! The
instruction of “wisdom” says STEER CLEAR OF SEXUAL TEMPTATION! This same
truth is taught in Proverbs 6:27-29.
Paul exhorted young Timothy “Flee (run away from, make a hasty retreat from)
youthful lusts” DO NOTHING TO ENCOURAGE OR FEED LUST!
 4. The Consequences Of Flirting With Sexual Temptation [verses 9-14].

Several consequences if you give in to the temptation.

Drains strength [6:32-33], costs money, cuts lives short, and fills one with regrets
[verses 12-14].

SUCH IS THE PICTURE OF SIN!

The lesson is that sin does not satisfy, but leads to more sin, enslaves, degrades,
humiliates, and steals away joy [Hebrews 11:25].
]
REMEMBER THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING [Galatians 6:7-8].

BE FEARFUL OF TEMPTATION [Matthew 6:13}.

 REMEDIES AGAINST SEXUAL SIN
•1. Build A Good Marriage [verses 15-20].
The father, instructing his son, uses the metaphor of water to describe sexuality.
He encourages his son to STAY WITHIN THE SEXUAL BOUNDARIES OF MARRIAGE!
verses 18-19. “Let thy fountain be blessed” [verse 18].
• MAKE YOUR WIFE HAPPY BY KEEPING TO HER AND FROM OTHERS! Behaving in a
loving and respectful manner to the wife. Husbands are to love their wives
[Ephesians 5:25]. Older women are to teach the younger wives to love their
husbands [Titus 2:4]. The love of husband and wife is a love of priority, a sacrificial
love, a purifying love, and a caring love. This mutual love between husband and wife
is a love that shows itself in appreciation, in caring, in provision, in sharing, in
esteem, in help, in consideration, in co-operation, in commitment, in
communication, and in pleasing one another! It is a love that delights in the
company of one another!
THIS MUTUAL LOVE KEEPS FROM THE TEMPTATION OF SEXUAL IMPURITY!
 REMEDIES AGAINST SEXUAL SIN
•1. Build A Good Marriage [verses 15-20]. The father, instructing his son, uses the
metaphor of water to describe sexuality. He encourages his son to STAY WITHIN
THE SEXUAL BOUNDARIES OF MARRIAGE! verses 18-19. “Let thy fountain be
blessed” [verse 18].
• MAKE YOUR WIFE HAPPY BY KEEPING TO HER AND FROM OTHERS! Behaving in a
loving and respectful manner to the wife. Husbands are to love their wives
[Ephesians 5:25], and the older women are to teach the younger wives to love their
husbands [Titus 2:4]. The love of husband and wife is a love of priority, a sacrificial
love, a purifying love, and a caring love. This mutual love between husband and
wife is a love that shows itself in appreciation, in caring, in provision, in sharing, in
esteem, in help, in consideration, in co-operation, in commitment, in
communication, and in pleasing one another! It is a love that delights in the
company of one another! THIS MUTUAL LOVE KEEPS FROM THE TEMPTATION OF
SEXUAL IMPURITY!
•➲ “Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe (always to appear lovely), let her
breasts satisfy thee at all times (she is his source of satisfaction, husbands and
wives must be each other’s satisfaction), and be thou ravished (enchanted,
captivated) always with her love” [verse 19]. Husbands and wives are to delight in
loving one another, and being loved by one another.
•A MUTUAL CAPTIVATION WILL KEEP FROM THE TEMPTATION OF SEXUAL
IMPURITY! In verse 20 the question is asked why one would be so foolish to leave
the wholesome fountain for the poisoned and forbidden waters? 2. Remember
That Everything Is Observed By The Lord [verse 21]. This truth is taught in II
Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 11:4; Jeremiah 32:19; Amos 9:8]. 3. Remember That Our
Sinful Choices Have The Potential Of Ensnaring Us For The Rest Of Our Lives [verses
22-23]. This is what Paul taught in Romans 6:16. This chapter condemns sexual
immorality and stresses the importance of the boundaries of marriage and contains
instruction that will save one’s life. The warnings, directions, and exhortations in
this chapter are for both male and female in all societies.
WISDOM’S WARNINGS OF PITFALLS 6:1-35

The words “my son” occur in verses 1, 3, 20 and express the

concern in which the words are written.

The chapter contains some warnings concerning specific

dangers, dangers that all are faced with from time to time.

These are words that will enable one to order their affairs with
discretion and are for direction in common life.
 A WARNING AGAINST FOOLISH FINANCIAL ENTANGLEMENTS [verses 1-5]

These verses warn against becoming a “surety” (guarantee or collateral) for

another, that is, making oneself liable for someone else’s debt should that person
be unable or unwilling to pay it. The warning here is, that for a person to secure
another’s loan by means of his own estate and reputation can be both an
encumbrance and a trap. Suretyship involves financial obligation, and there is
always a risk in committing financial resources to another, for suretyship may end in
suffering and disappointment [Proverbs 11:15]. It is therefore wise to carefully
consider the circumstances of the one you are becoming “surety” for, and one’s
own circumstances [Proverbs 17:18].
Solomon is warning against overextending ourselves and acting irresponsibly with
our money.
 
THE LESSON HERE IS TO ACT RESPONSIBLY WITH OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES!
WISDOM WARNS AGAINST THE PITFALL OF LAZINESS [verses 6-11]

1. The Sluggard Is Addressed [verse 6].

A “sluggard” is a term for “a habitually lazy person” and is identified
throughout the book of Proverbs:
As One Who Loves Excessive Sleep [6:9]
As One Who Is A Procrastinator [6:10; 24:33-34]
As One Who Is Irritating To Others [10:26; 24:33]
As One Who Will Neglect The Basic Necessities To Take Care Of Self [12:27]
As Wishful Thinkers [13:4; 24:34]
As Those Who Bring Trouble Into Their Lives [15:19; 19:15]
As Great Wasters [18:9]
As Those Who Refuse To Work [21:25]
As Those Filled With Excuses [20:4; 22:13; 26:13]
As Those Void Of Understanding [24:30].
 
Wisdom Points To The Ant As An Example [verses 6-8].
➲ “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” [verse 6].
To “consider” is to “think about carefully, to regard and treat in an attentive way,
to study or contemplate in order to arrive at a judgment or decision”.
Consider the ways of the “ant” for she is the most laborious of all insects!
➲ “Which having no guide, overseer or ruler, provideth for meat in the
summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” [verses 7-8]. The “ant” collects
food in proper season, has keen forethought and foresight, works quietly
without show, and works unweariedly until work is done. The “ant” works
together in systems of organization to the best good of the whole community.
Not one of them exists without a definite job to help the needs of the
community. They carry out their work without being forced to do so by a guide,
overseer, or ruler. The “ant” is a self-starter, and takes upon itself to do what is
necessary for survival.
 
 
THE LESSON OF THE ANT IS FORESIGHT, THE DUTY OF MAKING THE
BEST OF OPPORTUNITIES! The “ant” is wise enough to prepare for
both unpredictable and predictable circumstances. What we read in
these verses is not contrary to what Christ taught in Matthew 6:19.
Christ is not instructing us to avoid responsibility for the protection
and care of our families, but not to trust in such treasures.
WISDOM WARNS AGAINST THE PITFALL OF THE WICKED PERSON [verses 12-15]
1. The One Described [verse 12].
“A naughty person” meaning “someone who is disobedient, wayward, defiant,
unruly, and insubordinate” and as “a wicked man” meaning “someone who is evil,
sinful, immoral, corrupt, vile, foul and lawless”

2. The Characteristics Of Such A Person [verses 12-14]. Every member of this one’s
body “mouth” “eyes” “feet” “fingers” is an active instrument of unrighteousness
[Romans 6:13-19].
➲ “walketh with a froward mouth” [verse 12]. He speaks things that are
perverse and contrary.
➲ “He winketh with his eyes” [verse 13]. This speaks of the fact that he is
deceiving and what he does, he does with purpose and design.
➲ “He speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers” [verse 13]. He
has sinister body language, and he signals certain messages to his fellow
conspirators.
➲ “Frowardness (that which is perverse and contrary) is in his heart”
[verse 14]. The “heart” is the source of evil, and herein is the root
problem.
➲ “He deviseth (thinks up, formulates, and designs) mischief
continually” [verse 14]. He is continually planning schemes to bring about
disturbance and distress.
➲ “He soweth discord” [verse 14]. He seeks to stir up strife, conflict,
friction, hostility, antagonism, bad feeling, and dissension.

3. The Fate Of Such An Individual [verse 15].

WISDOM WARNS AGAINST THE PITFALL OF SIN [verses 16-19]
These verses reinforce the description of the “naughty person” and
the “wicked man” [verses 12-14].
1. There Is The Warning That Sin Is Detestable In God’s Sight [verse
16].
➲ “These six things doth the LORD hate” The word “hate” conveys the
idea of “intense hostility, an aversion, a loathing” GOD ABSOLUTELY
HATES SIN!
➲ “yea, seven are an abomination to him”
The word “abomination” means “that which is detestable and
disgusting, that which is an outrage and repugnant”
Notice some things that are said to be an “abomination” in the book
of Proverbs:
 • False Balance [11:1; 20:10]. This has reference to dishonesty and
deceit in business dealings [Deuteronomy 25:13-16].
• Sacrifice Of The Wicked [15:8; 21:27]. The sacrifice that is out of
mere formality [Isaiah 1:3; 29:13].
• The Way Of The Wicked [15:9].
• The Thoughts Of The Wicked [15:26].
• Justifying The Wicked [17:15]. The Scriptures warn against such
[Proverbs 24:24; 28:4; Isaiah 5:20; Malachi 2:17; Romans 1:32].
• Condemning The Just [17:15]. When one justifies the wicked, they
at the same time condemn the just.
• Refusing To Hear The Law [28:9]. 2
2. Some Specific Sins Are Mentioned That Are Hateful And An
Abomination To God [verses 17-19].

What is mentioned here is even more definitive regarding the “naughty

person” and the “wicked man”

➲ “proud look” ➲ “lying tongue” ➲ “hands that shed innocent blood”

➲ “a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations” ➲ “feet that are swift in
running to mischief” ➲ “a false witness that speaketh lies” ➲ “he that
soweth discord among brethren”
WISDOM WARNS AGAINST THE PITFALL OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY
[verses 24-35]
Again, a father is instructing his son and because it is a father
instructing his son, the warning is about the “evil woman” [verse 24],
the “whorish woman” [verse 26], but the principles stressed here apply
to all kinds of sexual temptation, not just the young man’s temptation.
1. Some Commands Concerning Sexual Immorality [verse 25].
➲ “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart” This is what Christ
warned against [Matthew 5:27-28].
➲ “neither let (allow) her take thee with her eyelids” Do not allow
yourself to be deceived! Do not allow yourself to fall into her traps.
 
.
 
2. The Arguments That Solomon Uses To Enforce The Warning
[verses 26-35].
It Is A Sin That Will Reduce One To Poverty [verse 26]
It Is A Sin That Will Bring Ruin To That Which Is Precious [verse 26]

It Is A Sin That Puts One In Great Danger [verses 27-29]

It Is A Sin That Shows A Great Lack Of Understanding [verse 32]
It Is A Sin Which Wounds [verse 33]
It Is A Sin That Brings Great Dishonor [verse 33]
It Is A Sin That Brings The Rage Of Man [verses 34-35].
THE REMEDY AGAINST THESE PITFALLS [verses 20-23]
1. Four Commandments Concerning Instruction From God’s Word [verses 20-
21].
➲ “keep thy father’s commandments” [verse 20]. The word “keep” means
“to observe, to honor, to retain, and to guard” It is assumed here, that the father’s
commandment is in accordance with the Word of God.
➲ “forsake not the law of thy mother” [verse 20]. The word “forsake” means
“to renounce or turn away from”
➲ “Bind them (the father’s commandment, and the mother’s law) continually
upon thine heart” [verse 21]. The word “bind” conveys the idea of “wrapping
around” THE WORD OF GOD NEEDS TO BE WRAPPED AROUND THE HEART,
SQUEEZING THE HEART!
➲ “tie them about thy neck” [verse 21]. This has reference to the outward
practice. First the inward-”bind them continually upon thine heart” and then the
inward-”tie them about thy neck”
 2. The Blessings Of Instruction From The Word Of God [verses 22-23].
➲ “When thou goest it (commandment and law, the truth) shall lead
thee” [verse 22].
Instruction from God’s Word is an advisor, a helper, and a powerful
guide!
• It Shall Guide Into Knowledge Of The Lord.
• It Shall Guide Into The Knowledge Of God’s Will.
• It Shall Guide Into Paths Of Righteousness.
• It Shall Guide Into Proper Discernment.
• It Shall Guide From And Lead Away From That Which Is Sinful And
Destructive.
➲ “When thou sleepest it shall keep thee” [verse 22]. Instruction from
God’s Word serves as a guard to the life! THE WORD OF GOD HAS A
SHELTERING EFFECT!
➲ “and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee” [verse 22].
Instruction from God’s Word is a companion in life. THE WORD OF GOD
ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ON ALL OCCASIONS! That the Word
of God speaks implies that it is living, and that it is personal in its
message!
➲ “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light” [verse 23].
God’s Word serves as a light {Psalm 119:105, 130].
➲ “and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” [verse 23].
The word “reproof” means “correction” and the Word of God is
profitable for such [II Timothy 3:16; 4:2].
The word “instruction” means “a direction calling for compliance” The
“reproofs” and “instruction” of the Word of God “are the way of life”
they are the way to enjoy life! They are the way that leads to spiritual
life, and the abundant life.
This chapter reveals that in light of the many potential pitfalls, it is wise
to stay close to God’s Word in order that it may guide one’s life in a
manner that will please God. The child of God who honors God by
reading, believing, and adhering to God’s Word will walk in light with a
clear and wise understanding of circumstances and events. Walking in
accordance with God’s Word will protect the child of God from falling
into one of Satan’s many pitfalls.
GOD’S REMEDY AGAINST THE OCCASIONS OF SIN 7:1-27

As in [1:8, 10, 15; 2:1; 3:1, 11, 21; 4:10, 20; 5:1; 6:1, 3, 20] the words
“my son” occur [7:1] and are expressive of the concern and affection in
which Solomon makes his pleas.

In this chapter, as in chapters 5-6 there is a warning against and a

passionate plea concerning sexual immorality and instruction on how
to avoid the ways of sexual immorality.
I. THE DANGEROUS WAYS OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY [verses 6-23]

Again, a father is instructing his son and because it is a father

instructing his son, the warning is about “the strange woman” [verse 5],
but the warnings and principles stressed here apply to all kinds of
sexual temptation, not just the young man’s temptation. In reality, the
warnings and principles stressed here apply to all kinds of sinful
temptation. Solomon, to enforce the warning, tells a story of a young
man that fell by the enticements of sin.
1. The Person Tempted And How He Exposed Himself To Temptation
[verses 6-9].
➲ “a young man” [verse 7]. He was “a young man” and therefore
prone to “youthful lusts” [II Timothy 2:22]. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ONE
FLEE THE PASSIONS AND LUSTS THAT THEY ARE PRONE TO!
➲ “a young man void of understanding” [verse 7]. He was one who
lacked insight concerning himself, and concerning the dangers and
consequence of sin. TO BE VOID OF UNDERSTANDING PUTS ONE IN
IMMEDIATE DANGER! For this reason Solomon speaks of the need to
pursue “understanding” [2:2, 3; 4:1, 5, 7; 5:1; 9:6], and the value of
“understanding” [2:11; 3:13; 16:16, 22].
 ➲ “among the simple ones” [verse 7]. This “young man void of
understanding” KEPT BAD COMPANY! He was “among the simple ones”
HE KEPT COMPANY WITH THOSE LIKE HIMSELF! The “simple” are “the
ones who lack understanding of God, of God’s truth and will, and are
easily turned aside to error and wickedness” The “simple” are identified
with the foolish [8:5] and foolishness [14:18]. The “simple” fails to test
what he hears by the Word of God [14:15], and is oblivious to danger
[22:3; 27:12]. FOR THE SIMPLE TO COMPANY WITH THE SIMPLE IS A
RECIPE FOR DISASTER!
 ➲ “Passing through the street’ [verse 8]. He passed leisurely through
the streets, HE HAD LITTLE TO DO! This is one of the things that led to
David’s sin with Bathsheba [II Samuel 11:1].
➲ “Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way
to her house” [verse 8]. HE STEERED HIS COURSE TOWARD
TEMPTATION! He deliberately put himself in the place where he would
be tempted. He yielded to unrighteousness and gave place to the devil
[Romans 6:13; Ephesians 4:27]. IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO STAY OUT OF THE
DEVIL’S NEIGHBORHOOD!
➲ “In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night” [verse
9]. He began to move in the “twilight” and he continues through the
“evening” and “the black and dark night” HE LIKED DARKNESS!
 2. The Person Doing The Tempting [verses 10-12].
The result of this individual going “near her corner” and “the way to her house” is
recorded in verse 10 “And, behold, there met him a woman” and in verse 13 “So
she caught him, and kissed him” IF YOU GO INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF
TEMPTATION, YOU WILL FIND TEMPTATION!

This woman is described:

➲ “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot” [verse 10].
She is described by her dress, which is suggestive, flaunting, and revealing! Her
“attire” played a part in this young man’s fall into sin!
➲ “subtil of heart” [verse 10]. She is described by her heart. The word “subtil”
means “artful and crafty” This is consistent with her flattery [verse 5]. The flatterer
insincerely lifts someone up verbally IN ORDER TO MANIPULATE THEM IN A
CERTAIN DIRECTION! Solomon warns against the flatterer [20:19; 29:5].
 ➲ “She is loud and stubborn” [verse 11]. She is described by her behavior. This
is the opposite of a “meek and quiet spirit” [I Peter 3:4], which is humble and
submissive. The source of temptation is that which is proud, defiant, rebellious, and
contrary to God.
➲ “her feet abide not in her house: Now (in the twilight, the evening and the
dark night) is she without, now in the streets” [verses 11-12]. She is described by
her place. This woman who was married [verse 19], did not stay in her God-
ordained place.

3. The Temptation [verses 13-20]. This “young man” having gone “near her corner”
and “the way to her house” [verse 8] is ensnared with temptation [verse 13].
➲ “I have peace offerings with me” [verse 14]. There was a claim of prosperity.
SIN ALWAYS PROMISES MORE THAN IT GIVES! THE TEMPTER ALWAYS HAS
PROMISES!
 ➲ “I have paid my vows” [verse 14]. There was a profession of piety. She
presented herself as something acceptable and harmless. THE TEMPTER PRESENTS
THE TEMPTATION HAS SOMETHING ACCEPTABLE!
➲ “”Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have
found thee” [verse 15]. There was flattery. THE TEMPTER WILL PRETEND TO HAVE
AN AFFECTION FOR THE TEMPTED!
➲ There was an appeal to pleasure [verses 16-18]. THE TEMPTER PROMISES
PLEASURE!
➲ There was an appeal to safety [verses 19-20]. What she said here was in
anticipation of an objection. The temper has already anticipated whatever
objections may be offered AND HAS A READY ANSWER! THE TEMPER PROMISES
THAT YOU WILL NOT GET CAUGHT!
4. The Success Of The Temptation [verses 21-23]. The temptation is successful
because the “young man” is “void of understanding” and because he has put
himself in the very midst of temptation. He yielded [verse 21], and such yielding is
destructive [verses 22-23].
.THE REMEDY AGAINST SUCH TEMPTATION [verses 1-5, 24-27]
1. Instructions Concerning The Word Of God [verses 1-5].
➲ “keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee” [verse
1]. LET THE WHOLE HEART AND LIFE BE OCCUPIED WITH THE WORD OF
GOD!
➲ “Keep my commandments and live” [verse 2]. THE WORD OF GOD
IS TO BE A DAILY MEANS OF LIFE! The Word of God must be taken as a
daily part of life [Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Joshua 1:8; Acts 17:11].
➲ “Keep............my law as the apple of thine eye” [verse 2]. The
“apple of thine eye” is the center of the eye. THE WORD OF GOD IS TO
BE THE CENTER OF LIFE! This speaks of maintaining a high regard for
the Word of God!
➲ “Bind them (the words, commandments and law) upon thine fingers” [verse 3].
LET THE WORD OF GOD BE AT HAND FOR CONSTANT USE! Have the Word of God
always in sight, and have it always ready to be put into practice.
➲ “write them upon the table of thine heart” [verse 3].

ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD TO HAVE AN INWARD PLACE!

➲ “Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman”
[verse 4]. The word “sister” was sometimes used as a synonym for one’s wife, and a
“kinswoman” speaks of a close relative. The idea is, that THE WORD OF GOD IS TO
BE FAMILIAR TO US, AND AN OBJECT OF GREAT DELIGHT!
➲ “That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which
flattereth with her words” [verse 5]. When the heart and life are governed by the
Word of God, it serves as a defense against sin.
2. There Is A Call To Listen To Godly Instruction [verse 24].

3. There Is A Warning Concerning The Ways Of Temptation [verse 25].

➲ “Let not thine heart decline to her ways” [verse 25]. One cannot follow the
way of sin without there being a spiritual decline. To “decline” is “to turn from a
straight course, to stray, to descend”
➲ “go not astray in her paths” [verse 25]. There can be no entering the paths of
sin without straying from the Word of God.

4. There Is A Call To Learn From The Ruin Of Others [verses 26-27]. As in the
preceding chapter, this chapter warns against the terrible dangers of temptation. In
the light of such there is a plea for the child of God to give heed to the instruction
of God’s Word, and to have it as a governing force in daily life. Such provides
protection from the very ways of temptation.