Proverbs 23:27-28
“For a prostitute is a deep pit; an adulteress is a narrow well. She lies in wait like a robber and increases the traitors among mankind.”
As I mentioned yesterday, it is a challenge to raise children in a fallen world. There are snares and pitfalls we need to avoid. There are temptations and seductions we must stay away from. The are lies and deceptions we must recognize and reject.
“Prostitute” and “the forbidden woman” are metaphors the book of Proverbs uses to describe the seductive dangers of a fallen world.
“The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.” (Proverbs 22.14)
“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.” (Proverbs 5.20-21)
The enemy uses attractive lies to deceive and seduce us. The world will lie to you. It will tell you what you want to hear. As you navigate the world, you have to be careful. Very careful.
Proverbs challenges you with a direct question: Why would you want to be under the influence and control of someone or something that wants to do you harm? That is how the seductive traps of the world work. This is the nature of false religion, idolatry, materialism, greed, and certain political philosophies. They intoxicate you and impair your judgment. They seduce you into embracing them, and then lead you astray. The attractive lies of the world are pleasurable in the beginning, but eventually they kill you.
The Lord is watching. You might be seduced and intoxicated, but the Lord is not. You may not see clearly, but the Lord does. That is why we must trust God’s standards. That is why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Turn away from the intoxicating deceit of the forbidden woman and turn to God’s truth.
The message is clear: Don’t be foolish. Don’t be led astray by the lust and lies of the forbidden woman, no matter what form she takes. Be very careful; it will be a form that you will find attractive.
