Proverbs 6:23-24 tells us why the law and commandments are important and how they will keep us. In Proverbs 6:23, The commandment is a lamp, and law a light. We have seen a similar statement that follows this same sentence structure - Psalm 119:105. In that text, the Word of God are these two things, and we will not spend a lot of time revisiting this as we did in a previous blog post. Solomon is now saying the commands and law are doing the same thing. Is he being boastful? Absolutely not. For the wisdom and law that he is giving is written down for us here in the Scriptures and are inspired by God. The problem arises when those who hear and read the law and command choose not to obey. It should be mentioned that the law is broken into two parts, the ceremonial law and the moral law. While the ceremonial law was fulfilled by Jesus Christ, the moral law is carried forward for all of us through the New Testament.

The law and commandments are pointed out as the way to have life, but we also have the reproofs of instruction. We have spoken much about instruction, how it can be brought about by conversations as well as capital punishment (spankings for children for example) and how they lead to life. This is in contrast to death and becomes much more real when we consider at who’s hand (Proverbs 6:24-29). We are again confronted to the truth of Scripture when we look at these upcoming passages in light of Proverbs 5:1-14 and its respective blog posts. What was said about having an affair and being brought to destitution is truly bore out in our upcoming passages. Men, if you are thinking about, or considering having an affair, be known, you are warned. The destruction to yourself, your family, and all you hold dear is right around the corner. I know, many will argue and say,

This is consenting adults and what we do in the bedroom is none of your business, or the Bible.

What is done destroys those who were not involved: the spouse, children, friends, family. The risk affects, your health (STD’s), or some other sickness. Your posterity and memory with your family, friends, acquaintances will be shattered. You will lose any and all honor that you may have, and you will not be envied, except by a certain group that are not worth the time or energy to please in the first place. All you hold dear will be ripped out of your life. We will see how the Bible says you will be reduced to the crust of bread (Proverbs 6:26). Worth the two minutes of pleasure? A good name and testimony is worth much more.

How does one get to this point? It begins with Proverbs 6:24 and introduces us to the evil woman. Unlike the woman in Proverbs 5:3 who is simply one who has not learned the concept or importance of monogamy, this woman in Proverbs 6:24 is seeing how to entrap men to destroy them. One is done because of passion. The other because of malicious intent. When we look at the Biblical description of both, we see an interesting characteristic:

1. Proverbs 5:3; Proverbs 6:24 – They both have sweet sounding lips that look enticing, and sound so seductive (flattery for a man, especially, can get their guard down). We also find there is beauty and they adorn themselves as such (Proverbs 6:25)

2. But notice the end: Proverbs 5:5-14 – Feat go to death, steps go to hell, you are brought to destitution and others exist upon your hard labors and work; Proverbs 6:26-29, a man is brought to nothing more than a crust (How many richly kings were brought to rubble because of a one night stand?), and there is destruction as well but we will not cover that today.

Do you see the difference? I do not. So how do you know which one you are engaging with? Does it make a difference on the ending? Does it make it better? In the end, when we get to the conclusion, we are going to find how one is destroyed in Proverbs 6:27-29.

I know this one is different. We are in love.

That is called an affair fog and blinds all logic, common sense, and reason. Instead of thinking with the mind and truth of the Scriptures, you are caught in Proverbs 6:24-25. You probably started out by being flattered with words that build up the ego. Men, be careful because that can lead to the path of adultery!

There is nothing wrong about compliments, but you must be very guarded when there are many that come, and I will say, ladies, be careful of a man who dishes out compliments solely on you, without consideration of your or his marriage. From the compliments, these women move to presentation. They will present themselves very well. They will dress themselves up and will make themselves smell good. Combined with flattery, this becomes a very dangerous combination for men.

The Bible does not give out compliments to these women. They are not called ladies. They are called harlots, evil, seductresses. Let us put it in modern vernacular. You cannot put lipstick on a pig and expect to get a model. A pig is a pig is a pig. An old barn is an old barn is an old barn. A harlot is a harlot is a harlot. Not a lady. Men, you will destroy your home, your relationships, your family, your life if you allow yourself to be trapped.

This warning is important because men are more susceptible to this kind of trap than ladies are. However, there are many ladies that are also deceived so I would offer a caution to them, be careful. Men especially, if you value your name, and usually men are more driven by a desire to be respected, this will absolutely destroy any chance of respect.

We alluded to the end result and we will look deeper at the end result if Proverbs 6:23-25 is not listened to. Until then, men, keep your eyes on the Lord, your heart with your wife, and your strength to face each day in the power of the Spirit.