This chapter is a warning against adultery and straying from the path which God has blessed.
“Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” (v20-23)
Virtually every passage in the Bible offers us the same moral choice – obey God, or don’t – it is that simple (not easy, but simple). The key ways in which Israel sinned were adultery and idolatry (which are often tied closely together). Historically, Israel pursued foreign / multiple women (Solomon included), who led them astray spiritually by causing them to worship foreign gods or diminish an existing relationship.
The wisdom in this passage is simple, though challenging to apply, especially today. Our culture has exploited and commercialized sexuality, making it so easy to fall into the adultery / idolatry trap. For some, sexual pursuits becomes an idol, something pursued more passionately than God, and can easily lead to broken marriages / relationships (not to mention separation from God).
The adulterer/adulteress and Satan are described with very similar language in the Bible – they all entice people to do something sinful, tempting them with what seems like good things (eg. pleasure, or instant gratification). Yet, the Bible is clear that pursuing sin will lead to death, no matter how pleasing it seems in the moment.
I encourage us to confess any adulterous / idolatrous behavior or desires to God, ask for forgiveness, and build safeguards into our lives which make those behaviors harder, and godly obedience easier.
Heavenly Father, our Glorious and Magnificent Creator God, we praise Your holy name. You have made us in Your image, and given us free will, which we unfortunately often abuse. We ask for Your forgiveness, and plead for Your grace and mercy. Please guide us along the paths of righteousness, keeping us close to You, and far from temptation. May You guard our hearts and minds, moment by moment, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training