I can still hear my mother telling me as a young girl to be careful not to tarnish my reputation. I never really understood what the big deal was. If I was comfortable in my own skin, making the choices that I did, why should I worry about what others thought? Parents have a way of sharing their wisdom in a way that isn’t always helpful. When we are told “don’t do that” aren’t we all the more inclined to want to do it?
Perhaps I was just a disobedient child. Perhaps when your parents told you to do something, you did it. You didn’t question them or try to push the envelope. I wonder about Solomon’s children. He spends a lot of time in this chapter telling his sons to stay away from immoral women.
These women are not what they appear. They are not sweet like honey, although their allure is enticing. Solomon isn’t merely telling his son to be strong to resist temptation, he is telling him to stay away all together. That’s probably wise counsel for us, too, when it comes to temptation of any kind. It’s much easier to stay strong if we avoid being near what tempts us.
When we give in to the temptation of sexual promiscuity, we lose. We lose our honor and dignity. That spirals into a downward cycle of other losses and consequences. Is it worth the momentary pleasure to lose it all? Even today we see marriages crumble, relationships in jeopardy, lives ruined. Not to mention the stress that regret or keeping secrets can cause. Solomon was wise to point this out to his son, but the message is clearly appropriate across the ages.
The second half of today’s reading tell us exactly what we should be doing with our sexual desires. Be devoted to your own wife. Be captivated by her always. Rejoice in her. After all, she is a loving deer, a graceful doe. We can see the poetry of Solomon here with a glimpse of his writing style from another Biblical book, Song of Solomon.
How do Solomon’s words today speak to you?
Let’s pray … Lord, I am not immune to temptation, though not of a sexual nature with immoral women. But I know that is an epidemic in today’s world. Pornography alone is a big industry that seems to promote the allure of “other” women outside of the marriage covenant. I thank you that I have cleansed myself from any such activity and am totally devoted to my husband. I pray for all men who are feeling weak and lost, who believe that the attention of an immoral woman is better than no woman at all. I pray for our society Lord. May your wisdom break through. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
