January 4, 2024

Who Is the Forbidden Woman in Proverbs?

Proverbs 5

Brandon Salmon
Thursday's Devo

January 4, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 4, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 4, 2024

Thursday's Devo

January 4, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 5:23

He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.

Proverbs 5

Warning Against Adultery

1  My son, be attentive to my wisdom;
    incline your ear to my understanding,
2  that you may keep discretion,
    and your lips may guard knowledge.
3  For the lips of a forbidden 1 5:3 Hebrew strange; also verse 20 woman drip honey,
    and her speech 2 5:3 Hebrew palate is smoother than oil,
4  but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
    sharp as a two-edged sword.
5  Her feet go down to death;
    her steps follow the path to 3 5:5 Hebrew lay hold of Sheol;
6  she does not ponder the path of life;
    her ways wander, and she does not know it.

7  And now, O sons, listen to me,
    and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
8  Keep your way far from her,
    and do not go near the door of her house,
9  lest you give your honor to others
    and your years to the merciless,
10  lest strangers take their fill of your strength,
    and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,
11  and at the end of your life you groan,
    when your flesh and body are consumed,
12  and you say, “How I hated discipline,
    and my heart despised reproof!
13  I did not listen to the voice of my teachers
    or incline my ear to my instructors.
14  I am at the brink of utter ruin
    in the assembled congregation.”

15  Drink water from your own cistern,
    flowing water from your own well.
16  Should your springs be scattered abroad,
    streams of water in the streets?
17  Let them be for yourself alone,
    and not for strangers with you.
18  Let your fountain be blessed,
    and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
19      a lovely deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;
    be intoxicated 4 5:19 Hebrew be led astray; also verse 20 always in her love.
20  Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman
    and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? 5 5:20 Hebrew a foreign woman
21  For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD,
    and he ponders 6 5:21 Or makes level all his paths.
22  The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
    and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
23  He dies for lack of discipline,
    and because of his great folly he is led astray.

Footnotes

[1] 5:3 Hebrew strange; also verse 20
[2] 5:3 Hebrew palate
[3] 5:5 Hebrew lay hold of
[4] 5:19 Hebrew be led astray; also verse 20
[5] 5:20 Hebrew a foreign woman
[6] 5:21 Or makes level
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #5: Cisterns

Fact: Cisterns

Cisterns (5:15) are underground chambers used to collect and store runoff water from rain and seasonal floods.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 5:2–6 The son’s lips may guard knowledge, that is, he should not speak anything that is inconsistent with true knowledge and wisdom. In contrast, the lips of a forbidden woman are flattering (they drip honey) and her words are persuasive (her speech is smoother than oil). The disastrous end of her own life proves her words to be hollow and destructive (vv. 4–6).

Study Notes

Prov. 5:7–8 This instruction is repeated throughout the book: recognize the right path and seek to stay on it. A person stays on the right path by following words of wisdom (do not depart from the words of my mouth; see 4:20–21) and by avoiding evil (keep your way far from her, 5:8; see 4:26–27).

Study Notes

Prov. 5:9–14 The man who follows after the forbidden woman will see others take away from him the things that he himself should have enjoyed later in life (honor and years, v. 9; strength and labors, v. 10). Such a wayward life also produces regret over the wasting of body and soul (vv. 11–13) and shame within the church and community (v. 14).

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #5: Cisterns

Fact: Cisterns

Cisterns (5:15) are underground chambers used to collect and store runoff water from rain and seasonal floods.

Study Notes

Prov. 5:15–18 The wife is pictured as a source of water (well, fountain, etc.). The man who is tempted to commit adultery should think about how he would feel if his wife were to do the same (Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets?). He should be faithful to her just as he wants her to be faithful to him.

Study Notes

Prov. 5:18–19 The intimacy of marriage provides the place where sexual desires are rightly expressed for the enjoyment (rejoice) and good (be blessed) of both husband and wife.

Study Notes

Prov. 5:21–23 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD reminds the righteous of how the Lord blesses the one who stays on the good path (compare 4:26). It also warns about being led astray by the forbidden woman. This can result in being held fast in . . . sin.

S3:004 Proverbs 5

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 5

As I read this chapter, I think, "That is useful for others, but it's not for me." I am happily married, have many Christian friends, and I go to church. So, who is the type to write this, let alone think it is for them? Just one of the richest and most powerful men in history, who is described in the Bible as receiving wisdom directly from God (1 Kings 3:12).

We find Solomon imparting valuable lessons to his sons. He warns against the alluring snare of the adulterous woman, whose enticing words may lead one into a downward spiral. The father paints a vivid picture of the consequences that await those who ignore wisdom's call. Yet a profound truth emerges in Proverbs 5:23: "He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray."

This verse is a poignant reminder of the power of discipline and the danger of ignoring it. Lack of discipline opens the door to reckless choices, leading us far from God's righteousness. When we allow short-term satisfaction and passions to dictate our actions, we become susceptible to temptations that promise pleasure but deliver only pain.

The temptation of sin will always chase you, no matter your age, gender, salary, or social circle. We are promised this, as Peter stated: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) And Proverbs 5:3 warns us that sin can be as smooth as oil and as sweet as honey.

Against all temptations, can we tackle them alone? Of course not. That leads to destruction. Whether it be failing relationships because of adultery, unhealthy life choices as a result of a poor diet, or losing your life from alcohol addiction. We are reminded here and by Paul (Ephesians 6:13-18) that we can follow God's way daily with faith, prayer, and salvation. We are not promised a perfect life, but His Word and the Holy Spirit help guide our minds to tackle temptation in the way that Jesus Himself would.

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. What is a short-term pleasure you have fallen victim to in the past that led you astray in the long term? What ways did you learn to resist it?

2. When you are being pulled away from God's path, were you lacking in consistent prayer, time in the Word, or communication with close Christian friends?

3. Would those close to you think that you struggle with contentment in your life?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

HS

Hugh Stephenson

Good morning Brandon. Good morning all my JTJ siblings. Brandon- I love this wisdom from you in your devo- “When we allow short-term satisfaction and passions to dictate our actions, we become susceptible to temptations that promise pleasure but deliver only pain.” Well said. ———————————— Great intro and Summary from the ESV SB Prov. 1:8–9:18 A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom. This section describes the two paths implied in 1:7: the wise (grounded in the fear of the Lord) and the foolish (despising such wisdom and instruction). The appeals consist of: (1) a father (and mother in 1:8; 6:20) exhorting a son to seek wisdom (e.g., 2:1–22) and warning him against the ruin that comes from folly (e.g., 6:1–19); (2) Wisdom (personified as a woman) calling on all who will listen to seek her (1:20–33; 8:1–36); and (3) a final contrast of the two paths represented by Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly (9:1–18). The purpose of the section is to instruct the young and simple to embrace wisdom and to instill in them the desire to discern and persevere in the path of wisdom. ESV Study Bible Notes) 5:1–23 Eighth Paternal Appeal: Sexuality. After the introductory words in vv. 1–2, the entire appeal concerns matters of sexual morality. -First, the immoral woman is introduced: she is alluring but deadly (vv. 3–6). -An exhortation to stay far from such promiscuous women follows (vv. 7–14). -The text then gives a brief but powerful presentation of the essentials of biblical teaching on sexual ethics. It asserts that sexual pleasure is good but that it must be confined to marriage (vv. 15–20). -The passage concludes with a brief account of the woes that befall the immoral man (vv. 21–23). This illustrates the principle of “concreteness” (see Introduction: Literary Features). Of course other sexual dangers exist (such as a woman being tempted by an immoral man, temptations to homosexual conduct, incest, or sexual abuse of children), and the wise person applies this counsel by making the appropriate adaptations.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

What does God want me to know, to take in like bread and water, to make part of my spiritual DNA? -He is the creator of the universe. -He spoke the world into existence. -He created me to love me and bless me. -He wants the best for me. -He wants a deep and abiding relationship with me that is based and grounded in fully surrendered obedience to Him. -He has a highly specific purpose for me and has gifted me to fulfill this purpose. -He gives me energy to run the race He has marked out for me. -He has prepared good works in advance for me. -He knows I will constantly fail and fall short. -He sent His only Son to live a perfect life as my example. Then die the death that I deserve as fully justifiable punishment for all my evil thoughts, words, and deeds. And then, to direct and guide me, -He sends me the Holy Spirit. Surely there are many things that He wants me to know!!! I see in Proverbs His practical teaching and application of everything I need to know. So much so that He equipped the wisest king who ever lived to write 9 of the 31 chapters of this book. And this king conveys God’s message to me: “Be teachable.” That’s the path on the narrow road and through the small gate of Matthew 7:13-14. Knowing Him to the point of deep reverential awe will bring me to wisdom. That’s what I see in these appeals. He also teaches me the great danger of sexual sin. It’s incredibly destructive. In these first 9 chapters there are extended appeals against sexual sin in chapters 5,6 and 7. Paul urges me- “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body”. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). I WAS BOUGHT WITH A PRICE! The highest price paid for anything ever! He tells me I am worth it. “From a wretched rebel to the righteous rescued”. I would add- sexual sin has immense consequences. It pulls me away from Him. If there is one sin I wish I could have never committed that is the one. The healing process has been longer and tougher than any other because that’s how devastating the sin is. I have grown to hate sexual sin more than any other mistake or bad decision in my life. All that said, here is the truth that gives me hope- spoken by Hillsong and Lauren Daigle https://youtu.be/lKw6uqtGFfo?si=MtdmA8ZSZKtMAA4R https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI?si=fRsZpDTWSZhX4PoB
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 5:3 “Many a man has fallen in love with a girl in a light so dim he would not have chosen a suit by it.” — Maurice Chevalier “The average man is more interested in a woman who is interested in him than he is in a woman with beautiful legs.” — Marlene Dietrich
MS

Michael Scaman

Solomon lived with the heartache of sexual misconduct and was even the product of it. He lost several half brothers like Amnon and Absolom to it . There are even three Tamars in the Bible all suffering from male sexual misconduct in one way or another. Daughter in law of Judah, daughter of David, child of Absolom who had a father who could not cope with anger issues related to his sister's abuse by Ammon. Solomon advises from the school of hard knocks. Advice from Proverbs 4 as if summarized as psychological advice "Drawing wisdom from Proverbs 4, let it be known that engaging in sexual misconduct not only violates ethical principles but also jeopardizes emotional well-being. Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Respect boundaries, as the path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining brighter until the full light of day. Disregarding consent and ethical conduct leads down a treacherous path, where shadows of guilt and shame loom. Choose the path of wisdom, for it preserves the sanctity of relationships and nurtures the flourishing of the human spirit. Remember, a vigilant heart guides one away from the pitfalls of misconduct, fostering a life of integrity and virtue." Example of Psychologist Agreeing (but lets put an asterisk by this): Carl Jung, a prominent Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, integrated spirituality into his theories, emphasizing the importance of individuation and personal growth. Some aspects of his work may resonate with the idea of guarding one's heart and pursuing a path of wisdom. A modern Jungian being Jordon Peterson. Some find some of Jung's works like 'the Red book" Biblically problematic with the spirit character 'Philemon' and there was a series by Ligonier Ministries founded by R C Sproul called Dr. Peter Jones shows that there are only two possible religions. that touched on that. A particular concern in the series was the philosophy of Carl Jung. Lesson learned is that something approximating a Biblical view in some respects may fall seriously short in other aspects. Example of Psychologist Disagreeing: B.F. Skinner, a behaviorist, focused on observable behaviors and rejected the consideration of unobservable mental processes. His approach was more empirical and less inclined toward incorporating religious or philosophical teachings directly into psychological advice. In terms of a modern writer or thinker who shares some similarities with B.F. Skinner's behaviorist perspective, one could consider Steven Pinker. Pinker is a cognitive scientist, linguist, and popular science writer who has advocated for a scientific and empirical understanding of human behavior. Like Skinner, Pinker emphasizes the role of genetics, environment, and observable behaviors in shaping human actions. Popular preachers consistently in alignment with Proverbs 4 include: John Piper: A prominent Reformed Baptist preacher, John Piper emphasizes the importance of biblical values and has spoken extensively on topics related to sexuality and the pursuit of holiness. His teachings often focus on aligning one's life with biblical principles. Beth Moore: As a well-known evangelical Bible teacher, Beth Moore emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and living a life in accordance with biblical teachings. She often addresses issues related to relationships and personal conduct, encouraging believers to pursue a Christ-centered life. Tim Keller: Timothy Keller, a Presbyterian pastor and author, is known for his thoughtful and practical approach to Christian living. He often provides biblical perspectives on various issues, including sexuality, and encourages individuals to seek wisdom from the Scriptures in navigating life's challenges.
GJ

greg jones

Great deeper dive this morning. I absolutely agree with every word of it. My son, be attentive to my wisdom. Proverbs 1:1a Concerning the subject covered in Proverbs 5, Solomon’s son King Rehoboam was a good student. There is no mention of any shenanigans concerning loose women in 1 Kings chapter 12. Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from Egypt. And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away. Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:1-11 And you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! Proverbs 5:12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, “Come to me again the third day.” And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the Lord that he might fulfill his word, which the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 1 Kings 12-15 And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents. 1 Kings 5:16 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. Proverbs 5:13 But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was taskmaster over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him to death with stones. And King Rehoboam hurried to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. 1 Kings 12:16-20 I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation. Proverbs 5:14 One the things I really like about the Bible is how often you can pull out the threads of wisdom that run just beneath the surface of the words. 1 Kings 12 is the Genesis of the divided kingdom. Those Israelites really blew the chance at maintaining a unified kingdom by not giving King Rehoboam a chance. That was very unwise on their part…
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Brandon, great reflections today on Proverbs 5. I like that you highlighted 5:23 “He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.” Great way to tie it into any sin - death by lack of discipline! Q1. In my late teens and 20’s as I struggled with a pornography addiction that gave short term pleasure, and yet brought so much destruction: isolation from God and others, poor physical health, almost getting fired from my job, losing a dating relationship with my unbelieving boyfriend, and just living in shame. - there were my Proverbs 5:9 strength of my youth and my years! Fleeing from sin was only possible by first knowing I can be completely free from addiction in Christs death, burial, ressurection. Galatians 5:1 for freedom I have been set free, not to have a yoke of bondage. 1 Cor 6:9-11 reminded me that I have been washed by Christs blood. Putting Gods word, wisdom, in my heart to fight when temptation comes; along with prayer and confession has been beneficial in fleeing from sin. Q2. When I am in a period of struggling with consistent sexual sin it is directly tied to a lack of time in the word, and a lack of gathering with other to confess - face to face is most powerful; yet I know James 5:16 can take place over digital platforms. Also a lack of consistent prayer and with God, and yet as Proverbs 5:23 tells us our “ways are in full view of the Lord.”
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Jason Cromwell

It's easy to read Proverbs and take it literally, and say "I'm not ever going to a Prostitute." Solomon, like most great writers, is using Personification to show the consequences of Sin (any sin not just adultery) by using this immoral woman. I usually find it when I rely on my own righteousness. Especially when I'm doing all of the "right things."
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Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Brandon. In my 1978 version of the NIV, I find verse 9a underlined: "Lest you give your best strength to others." This warning, in the context of a chapter on sexual sin/stupidity, has become even more salient in recent years as we've discovered the dark downside of pornography use and addiction. People easily pour their energy, vitality, and creativity--their best strength--into "others," strangers, images on a screen, they are not even in relationship with. I have heard and read so many testimonies of people (especially men) who were amazed to find how much more vibrant and productive their lives became when they stopped pouring their "best strength" down the black hole of self-pleasure.
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Amy Lowther

1. I do not have a short-term pleasure that has destroyed me. I do like peppermint deserts. I eat several versions (ex: Blue Bell Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, Chic-fil-A Peppermint Shake, Starbucks Peppermint Frappuccinos) throughout the holidays. Technically, peppermint deserts are not members of the four food groups but they are good. I try to only have peppermint deserts throughout the holidays. 2. Praying is helpful. I am praying better and better everyday. Practice and consistency of praying helps. Knowing the importance of praying and experiencing the benefits of praying in daily life helps me too. I do feel more on path since I have improved in praying. 3. Occasionally. Brandon - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make an excellent point in saying “Whether it be failing relationships because of adultery, unhealthy life choices as a result of a poor diet, or losing your life from alcohol addiction. We are reminded here and by Paul (Ephesians 6:13-18) that we can follow God's way daily with faith, prayer, and salvation”. God loves our good and God loves our bad. God loves each of us learning and improving too.
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Travis Martin

Crushed the JTJ today - Brandon - can not wait to jump back into summit and share in the wisdom every week!
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Michael Scaman

Noted that Proverbs is giving advice to sons here. If we put it in a 2024 context: Negatively: In the prevailing landscape of 2024, Proverbs 5 resonates as a timely warning against the pervasive allure of online infidelity, emphasizing the grave consequences of succumbing to the virtual temptations that threaten trust, emotional well-being, and relational stability. For instance, "In the virtual realm, sweet words may flow like honey, but the bitter aftermath, akin to a double-edged sword, can shatter the foundations of trust" (Adapted from Proverbs 5:3-4). Positively: Amid the complexities of 2024, Proverbs 5 advocates for the enduring values of commitment and genuine connection in the digital age. It highlights the fulfillment derived from prioritizing fidelity and intimate bonds, with wisdom such as, "In the digital era, rejoice in the partner of your youth; let the satisfaction of authentic connection be a constant source of joy, even in the midst of evolving technologies" (Adapted from Proverbs 5:18-19).