We know that committing adultery (sleeping with someone else’s spouse) is one of God’s top 10 commandments he forbids us to do. Our text continues from yesterday’s theme of promiscuous sex and goes into more detail about what happens when we commit adultery. It is certainly not a pretty picture.
We are also encouraged to listen to our parents. They may not be perfect, but they have lived longer than we have and have been given wisdom we have not yet attained. Godly parents, who have followed the words of Scripture, are even more of a treasure. So, what about parents who don’t know God’s ways? Are all of their children supposed to rely on them?
When our earthly parents fall short, and they will, we can always rely on our heavenly Father for the ultimate direction. He will gladly provide us with the truth we seek if we simply ask. His word is full of wisdom and truth. We can be assured that God is always watching out for us, waiting for us to connect with him.
This passage tells us to keep our parents’ words in our heart and to rely on them as needed. While that is good advice, holding on to the truth of God’s word seems to me to be an even better choice. When we can memorize Scripture and hold it in our heart, we are able to call upon those nuggets of wisdom at just the right time. Do you have a quiver of Scripture truths saved in your heart ready to attack a struggle or question of life?
John Piper said, in one of his messages, Thy Word I Have Treasured in My Heart, “It is because the scriptures are a treasure and will be needed before the day is done to help you escape a sinful attitude and live a life that glorifies God.” Isn’t that the best way to live our lives, by glorifying God? I often make that my prayer.
We are going to stumble. That’s why God sent Jesus for us, to reconcile us to himself. The wisdom of this passage, and the whole book of Proverbs, is a good reminder of the consequences of sin, a particular sin. Adultery is something we should just not do. It’s so much easier to focus on making our marital relationships stronger. The rewards are greater, too.
So that we can avoid the embarrassment of being an utter fool, disgraced, and wounded with shame that will not go away, we should avoid adultery. We should avoid any sin that is known to us. It’s one thing to sin out of oblivion, but quite another to sin when you know it’s wrong.
Can you do better? Meditate today upon God’s love and faithfulness. Ponder anew the greatness of forgiveness and salvation.
Let’s pray … Father God, thank you for your word and how it instructs us. Help me not to gloss over these words but truly commit them to my heart. While adultery seems like a sin other people have, the basic premise of disgracing you by actions contrary to your will is my take-away today. Forgive me for falling short. Help me to be mindful of you each step I take. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
