First, I wanted to point out a theme that I've noticed in the first several chapters of this book. The author of these first nine chapters is repeatedly charging the reader with the task of wearing knowledge "around your neck" or "on your heart."
- 1:9 - "chain to adorn your neck;"
- 3:1 - "keep my commands in your heart;"
- 4:21 - "keep them [words of wisdom] in your heart;"
- 6:21 - "Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck;"
- 7:1 - "store up my commandments within you;"
- 7:3 - "Write them on the tablet of your heart."
Obviously, there is a symbolism of wearing something around your neck, and it has to do with ancient cultures having amulets that would be worn around the neck and thought to bring good luck or good fortune. By wearing it around the neck it falls right in front of the heart, protecting the wearer from bad fortune. The writer, then, is trying to impress the importance of not just reading these wisdom sayings, but also carrying them with us to protect our heart.
The second theme I'd like to point out is one of adultery. In the first seven chapters of Proverbs, two and a half of those have been solely devoted to adultery. This repetition sends a message that it is one of the primary destructive forces to wisdom (which is synonymous in this book with Holy living). In chapter 7 specifically, we can learn much about this devastating sin. Proverbs 7:14-20 is a monologue spoken by the adultress and she makes several promises: that she is holy and pleasing to God (v.14), that she finds us attractive (v.15), that it is comfortable and sensual (vv.16-17), that there doesn't need to be an end to the affair (v.18) and that no one has to know (vv.19-20). These are not lies that are uncommon today. This shows us that adultery will be tempting. We cannot make the mistake of thinking we are exempt from such a temptation. If and when the opportunity arises, either in person or otherwise, it will be tempting to take it. Reading on, however, we see that it only leads to death. "Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death." Allowing ourselves to be taken by this lets impure thoughts and motives into our heart, encroaching on God's real estate. The death referred to hear is the separation from God that occurs as a result of unholy living.
The good news is that this passage also tells us how to fight such a foe. The first way is by paying attention to that theme I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Writing God's truth on your heart is one of the most effective strategies for alleviating sin from our lives. The more we read the more we learn God's character and our heart will become more like his heart. In Ephesians, when Paul describes the armor of God, there is only one offensive weapon, "the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17). A devotional life is a critical weapon against the devil and his schemes. The second tool this passage outlines lies in verses seven and eight: "I noticed...a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down near her corner," The lack of judgment did not lie in him committing adultery, but in going near the corner where he could be tempted. This is a subtle, yet powerful statement to the power of avoiding sin in our lives, as opposed to trying to stand up to it. In a world where sexualy implicit media is everywhere, this becomes an important strategy to internalize.
Jesus sent the message that the root of sin is a heart issue, and said that even looking on a woman lustfully is the same as committing adultery in your heart. These things reduce his hold on our heart and give it to things that will cloud our spiritual judgment. The author of proverbs makes a bold statement here: Just Stay Away!
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