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| Photo courtesy of Gastev |
Review
This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
Well, another 27 verses speaking about the immoral woman. Let's be clear though - the warning is against any immoral person, female or male.
In verse 2, I hear Solomon, with amazing foresight, warning against internet porn. Some quick stats -
- There are over 25,000,000 porn websites (approximately 1 out of every 12 sites)
- Every second of every day, there are over 28,000 people who are spending over $3,000 on porn
- There are 2,500,000,000 pornographic emails sent out each day (approximately 8% of all emails)
- The most popular day of the week to view online porn? Sunday
Here's the deal about pornography.... No one in real life looks like that, behaves like that, or performs like that. The problem is, when you watch porn, you take the fantasy being sold to you and then compare it to true life. And after spending time with your "fantasy mate," there's no chance your spouse can compare. So while you might be getting a little bit of pleasure for a short period of time, you're just setting yourself for a lifetime of disappointment, not to mention an unsatisfied heart that's always looking for the next "big thrill." And that's so not a road you want to travel.
Key Verses For Me
Proverbs 7:2 - Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
Quote
If the church would stop consuming (porn), we would put a huge dent in it. - Craig Gross, founder of XXXchurch.com
Related Scriptures
Psalm 119:37 - Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.
Matthew 5:28 - But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, please protect and guide my eyes, my mind, and my thoughts. I want to be focused on You rather than on the distractions of the opposite sex.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
NOTE: I do apologize to those of you who are having problems posting comments. I am working on resolving all issues with this blog. Until then, feel free to continue to comment on Facebook, via email, text, in person, or via phone conversations.
Verse 7 jumps out at me today. I love the fact that the scripture keeps talking about using common sense. It is not about the school you attended to get your education. It is about following God's commands and using the common sense that He gave you.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this chapter, the very beginning of verse 21 keeps sticking out to me: "So she seduced him….” While I agree wholeheartedly that we are not to allow ourselves to submit to immorality, I also feel that it’s important we are not the REASON someone else submits to immorality (and that goes for men and women!). Obviously, if we are purposely seducing someone, that’s wrong. But what about the things we do that we don’t necessarily think about as being seductive? We need to be careful about what we say, what we wear, how we act, etc. Even everyday things come into play – the kinds of magazines we read (anyone seen Cosmo these days?) or the kinds of movies we watch. And we need to be careful about what we share with others too – If a friend of yours is an alcoholic, you wouldn’t take him/her to a bar, right? Well, suggesting a risqué movie or TV show or lending them a “questionable” magazine or book could be just as harmful to someone who struggles with sexual temptation – but you might not even realize that it’s a struggle for them. Satan is a weasel – he can take even the most innocent of intentions from one person and turn it into potential sin in another person’s life. So not cool. But all the more reason for us to be constantly mindful of God’s instructions….
ReplyDeleteVerse 7:4 "Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman".
ReplyDeleteDo you want to live by God's word, the way, the truth and the light or by Satin's beguiling ways that entrap us with his "smooth talk" leading you to a path of destruction? Solomon has an abundance to say on adultery. Long story short, it is so very wrong in God's eyes and "He is watching you". Satin "laughs" at God and you. He is so satisfied to entrap you. Yet, you don't see it. But you can avoid it. God tells us to run "fast" from the adulteress and how to avoid sexual sins. Let wisdom (God's instructions) pierce your heart and lock it there never to escape. Only then will we void of the devil and his hoodwinking. A quote from shakespear: "Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive." If you choose you can continue to tangle your web to the extent that you'll never find your way out of it or you give your heart to God and be free.
Verse 7:4-5 When we choose wisdom as an intimate friend, wisdom protects from the folly of immorality - sin.
ReplyDeleteThe first part of the chapter is telling us the importance of keeping God's word near and in our hearts to protect us and keep us from the sin of immorality or any sin.
Although this chapter is in reference to sexual immorality; as I read the rest of the chapter I picture the woman as Satan himself. Luring us with craftiness, rebellion, luxury, things that are pleasing to the eye, provocative, things that tempt us to easily be swayed. Satan is crafty and flattering in his speech and when we don't hold onto the Wisdom of His word we fall prey to all the seemingly wonderful things Satan is offering us. We are easily led by the enticing speech of Satan into what appears to be something beautiful but is instead a bed of destruction.
Enjoying the reading, as well as the wisdom of each of you! We're not smart enough to add anything today!
ReplyDeleteSo I posted a really long comment yesterday and it didn't take...much to my dismay...because it was really good and Satan didn't want it to go through. I am reading daily. Will post tomorrow :). Love learning. And yes, I have thought about starting a blog....actually I would like to write a book - that's on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI so thoroughly enjoy each and every one of you sharing your personal insights. That's one of the greatest parts of this endeavor - multiple eyes and hearts on the same passage of Scripture, and the Holy Spirit sharing with each of us different verses to retain.
ReplyDeleteThank you friends!