Sex and Temptation
Notes
Transcript
Initial Observations:
Initial Observations:
Women personified in both situations (Maybe because women are to be pursued)
Lady wisdom, sister wisdom, relative wisdom
Wayward woman or promiscuous woman
End of 6 talks about adultery.
7 the wayward woman calls
8 wisdom ALSO calls
Who are you going to chase? Who are you going to seek or pursue like you would a woman?
Instruction in 6 starts with value my teaching and 7 starts the same way. That’s not by accident.
Really important to not make explicit what the Bible makes innocent. We’re not going to dial up the sexy meter any further on this story than the text does.
Really important to not vilify women. This isnt a dont make your brother stumble. This is like a personification like lady wisdom. He is the dummy that is sniffing around THE wayward woman. She is beyond just one particular woman because she has slain many.
Quickly move from a sexy scene to something harrowing slaughter, caught, pierced liver.
NBC:
6:20-35:
Opening call to attentiveness and the promises that come with.
Be wary of enticing words and attractive looks. It entails a financial cost, community cost in the shame, plus the wrath of the husband make it not worth it.
3 comparisons:
It’s like seeing a prostitute. Do that instead because its cheaper! Lol obviously sarcasm But a wake up call that this is not the romanticized thing you’re making it out to be. It’s not romantic.
It’s like playing with fire. You dont escape getting burned. Fire and wife are similar int he Hebrew. Maybe a tee up for the sexuality series. We’re going to talk about how sexuality is a lot like fire. So much good. So much power for good. But if you screw around with it it can be SO destructive. You have to have a respect for the power of sexuality to handle it properly.
It’s also like a thief taking something that belongs to someone else because you are starving. When you are caught you pay the price. It’s all the more costly because this is not damaged or lost property. You can’t give back you can’t pay back what has been lost. Trust, safety, respect, connection cannot be repaid back by the adulterer.
7:1-27:
Another call to attentiveness. The prize or reward for keeping this is keeping your LIFE. We’re talking about life and death!
There is protection from the wayward wife. You need to make this a deep inward reality. Write it on your heart because this teaching needs to take that kind of depth in you.
It doesnt take away responsibility. But it makes it possible for you to obey. Call her your sister is effectively asking someone to marry you. That’s how close the teacher wants you to hold wisdom.
Story focuses on her method of seduction. Perspective of the teacher continues to press that wisdom is gained through observation and experience both yours and others.
Whatever type of affair it is its stupid, simple, it lacks sense.
Chapter 8:
Ms Wisdom Draws attention to herself like the wayward woman but makes a different offer.
She urges for our attention on three grounds:
truth and justice of what she says
practical value of what she says
She was involved with God in the very creation of the world.
Seems like proverbs is intentionally contrasting these 2 women. We probably can’t preach this without talking about both of them.
Things I want to know more about:
I want to have something to say about those calls for attention.
What does Aarons book say about 6-8
Definitely want to have more on 7:6-9 seems like this is where his fate is sealed
t chart comparison between the 2 women
How to explain the personification of wisdom and what lust? Adultery?
Need a lot to say on the cost because writer is trying to wake us up! 7:21-27
What vows is she talking about. Certainly not her marriage vows. Tactful way to talk about the lets have our fill of love. That isnt distracting
more on the make wisdom your sister thing.
BKC:
Not the first time Solomon has called for this son to adhere to his father and mothers teaching.
Notes that this teaching should be informed or rooted in God’s Law then it will serve much like God’s word as lamp and light.
Discipline helps lead to the ‘way of life’
This wisdom taught by parents is helpful in protecting from adultery.
Immoral woman (literally woman of evil) might be the prostitute in 6:26.
The wayward wife on the other hand is different. Adulteress literally a wife of a man
noḵrîyâh ‘Wayward’ shows up in 2:16, 5:3, 5:20, 7:5, 22:14, 23:27 they speak smoothly and seductively
6:25 warns against lust. Lusting after a physically attractive and sexually promiscuous woman married or unmarried is wrong. Jesus speaks in a similar way. Matt 5:28
Matthew 5:28 (NIV)
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
The men who have fallen into the sin of adultery have started with lustful looking. This is why Jesus and proverbs speak on this topic starting there in lust.
This sexual immorality is costly! Prostitutes can be had for bread but a wayward wife can take ones life bringing him to ruin and death.
Dire consequences are inevitable just like its impossible to hold fire in your lap without burning your clothes or walk on coals without burning your feet. It is impossible to commit adultery with another mans wife and not be harmed. Sex outside of God’s design is dangerous.
Carl Lentz this isnt going to end well. Kinda the me 2 movement too all these guys thought they ‘got away’ with it.
People might sympathize with a starving thief and even still he has to pay back 7x and his punishment is less severe than the adulterer. There is no leniency or understanding for that stealing.
Involvement in adultery shows ones stupidity or foolishness. He goes ahead in his sin knowing that severe consequences await him. Adultery is like a moral suicide? He is despised, disgraced, and shamed.
Not even a bribe is going to get you out of this.
Chapter 7
Father had warned about the tragedy of adultery. In 7 he shows just how easy it is to be trapped by the seductive woman. Stick to my teaching! Heres the tactics of the adulteress. Beware of the trap.
Familiar plea to pay attention. Store up and guard the teaching and commands of his parents like treasure. Keep it at the center of your attention.
sister ‘intimate relative’ sometimes used for ones wife. Similarly a person should be familiar with wisdom and her ways like a sister or a wife. Wisdom and understanding keep young men from the adulteress and wayward woman. Who tempt with seductive words 6:24, 7:21 related to the word smoother.
Likely a reconstructed event from other eyewitness accounts.
Simple: naive or gullible and among those there was a young man who lacked judgement.
Not just foolish and lustful but also naive. Walking towards her house does not mean that he was purposely walking there, yet he may well have known she lived there. He was going where temptation was in the lit. Center of night same word for apple in vs 2.
As Robert L. Alden wrote, “If you want to avoid the devil, stay away from his neighborhood. If you suspect you might be vulnerable to a particular sin, take steps to avoid it”
What we find out about the woman:
Brazen in attire (dressed seductively like a prostitute)
Secretive, Crafty intent is literally secretive in heart
Loud
defiant against God’s laws and marriage vows
Habitual Pleasure seeker
Lurks (attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive)
vs 13-14 she kinda blitzes him with a kiss and then claims she has offered her sacrifices very hypocritically and portions of that were brought home for the offerer to eat and that needed to happen quickly without refrigeration. Kinda cool way God built it. You repent and then celebrate. Except she didn’t repent. She tried to use this religious action to cloud any sense of wrongdoing.
I was looking for YOU! (she was looking for anyone) imported linens spices and dirty talk basically. And we definitely wont get caught. It will be like it never happened. No one else will know about this.
Like an animal or fool oblivious to the dangers before him he is trapped with no way to escape. He is caught before he realizes that this will cost him his life.
Now then introduce the Fathers exhortation. Don’t let your heart go there (lust) dont let your body physically go near there. Not tips on resisting her in that moment. Just don’t even get close. That’s how dangerous it is. We’re more focused today on hunkering down and resisting the temptation rather than avoiding it. The fool puts themselves in bad positions to be tempted. The wise person says I will just NEVER walk by her house.
Proverbs 7:24–25 (BKC): śāṭâh Only used 6 times in the OT
The reason for all this concern is because more than just this kid have fallen for this. Many others have fallen victim on a fast highway to the grave and physical death.
ch 8 Lady wisdom invitation (vs 1-5) virtues (6-11) rewards (12-21)
Wayward woman’s ways are secretive, deceptive, and hidden. Everything about lady wisdom is out in the open and honest. The one who gives into the adulteress finds shame and disgrace while the one who esteems wisdom finds honor, reward, and prudence.
She is shouting out where people can hear her. She is coming to where you are. Please listen! Hilltops, the way, intersections, gates, entrances.
Available to anyone. But she is targeting those who haven’t responded the simple and foolish. Most in need and most likely to reject her invitation. Both the adulteress and wisdom appeal to the naive. Wisdom urges them to gain a sensibleness in ones approach to life. Fools urged to gain understanding and insight.
Listen because:
what she says is right
what she says is valuable
what she says is worthy or noble, valid, or right
The idea is wisdoms words correspond to reality So they are right
Wayward woman’s words are a fantasy. We wont get in trouble. Gods cool with this I just sacrificed for this.
What she says points in the right direction. It isn’t crooked or twisted
Take what she has to say over silver or gold. Her value exceeds material wealth. She contributes to a persons integrity and peace something silver and gold can’t do.
Wisdom is the focus in 8:12-21 not her rewards
Wisdom is moral and mental. Gives people knowledge and discretion who’s allows them to exercise sound judgement. This gives courage. Those in authority do well to do so by God’s wisdom to lead in ways that are just.
Avalible to all but only accessed by those who love and pursue wisdom. Genuine and lasting wealth ‘the wealth of the soul’ prosperity lit. Righteousness.
She is credible because she is associated with eh lord in creation giving her authority. Not Christ We’re talking about here. It’s Gods way of doing things. That has always been around. Craftsman in creation Personified as an assistant in the Lords creative work.
32-34 listen and blessed used alternately
Kurts notes:
Proverbs 22:3 (NIV)
The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Wisdom gives life And the lords favor. Wisdom is the way of life.
like aimlessly surfing the internet and being surprised when you are caught in lust.
Shakespeare light and lust are deadly enemies
Wayward woman is like a hunter. Suggests her body could be his.
WE already know about this woman from 2:16-17
foreigner is the word for wayward not about ethnicity but the fact that she is an outsider in the community of faith. God has always been concerned with who his people marry and who they sleep with because ultimately They will worship the god their spouse or partner worships.
Typical tactics:
Aggressive: unexpected attack is core to sexual sin. Thats why you guard against it preemptively
Rationalization: shameless, religious disguise. The peace offering is a thanksgiving and free will offering. Only sacrifice where the worshipper shares a meal with God. Come have this meal with me! Sexual sin will try to get you to rationalize. “ we really love each other! God made me this way. Just this once no one will know. Well I have already gone there whats the point in not going there again.
Flattery: vs 5 and 15 Words are smooth slippery and seductive. Emphasis on his looks. Appeals to pride.
Sensuality: Sight, smell, touch, sounds. Bed is soft and beautiful. fragrances smell good and are expensive and hard to get.
Secrecy and privacy: Her final selling point is there is no consequences. No chance he returns early!
Punishment is certain:
Proverbs 6:29 (NIV)
So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
Numbers 32:23 (NIV)
“But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.
Psalm 90:8 (NIV)
You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
Psalm 139:11 (NIV)
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
1 Thessalonians 4:6–7 (NIV)
and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
Each of the animals caught:
quickly
aimlessly
unnatural and ungaurded
All ignorant of the danger.
3 defenses:
Guard your heart
heart is control center
battle starts in you
The thought you have: that wasn't really me. Yes it was. before the deed ever happens your heart has determined the direction in every area of your life.
stay away
1corinth flee
joseph physically leave the place of temptation
make it hard to sin
John Owen be killing sin or it will be killing you.
Matthew 5:29–30 (NIV)
If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Be pirates for Jesus.
Remember the consequences
write them out.
Proverbs 5:21–23 (NIV)
For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all your paths.
The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
the cords of their sins hold them fast.
For lack of discipline they will die,
led astray by their own great folly.
Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7
7:2 the apple of The Hebrew word used here, ishon, seems to refer to the small reflection seen in the pupil of someone’s eye. The phrase describes keeping something close and carefully watching over it
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7
7:4 are my sister The Hebrew word used here, achoth, does not always indicate a sibling relationship; it can also refer to a bride (Song 4:9–10; 5:1–2), which is probably its meaning here. The father advises his son to take wisdom, rather than the adulteress, as his intimate companion.
7:5 makes her words smooth
Simple unlike the fool can learn to respond to discipline. They are just gullible and fall easily into temptation
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7
7:10 a secret heart The Hebrew phrase used here, which is literally rendered as “guarded of heart,” probably indicates that this woman acts carefully to avoid being caught
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7
7:21 teachings The Hebrew word used here, leqach, also appears in Prov 5:1 and 5:13 to indicate a person listening to wise instruction or understanding. In this instance, the speech of the adulteress, rather than the father’s teaching, is what is listened to.
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7
7:26 countless are The Hebrew word used here, 'atsum, implies a great number of mighty men. A single adulteress can bring down an entire army.
7:27 Sheol See note on 1:12.
chambers of Here, the rooms in the realm of the dead contrast with the alluring and luxurious room the adulteress describes (vv. 16–17).
Vs 14 Today I have fulfilled my vows & have food from my fellowship offering
They type of Fellowship offering:
Peace offering - Only one where God and the worshipper share a meal
3 kinds:
Eucharistic or thanksgiving that express gratitude for blessings recieved
(Votive) Fulfillment of a vow but expressive also of thanks for benefits received (unleavened cakes required)
Free will offerings something spontaneously devoted to God (unleavened cakes required)
Peace offering is the basic class of all fellowship offerings. others are subclasses of the peace offering. Not as restricted or specific as other offerings. Heard or flock animals male or female were allowed.
Ritual act at the temple led to a fellowship meal. God gets some the priest gets some and the worshipper gets some. Meal for you and your family and the local levite.
Participants still had to observe very strict rules of purity.
Thank offering eaten on the same day. Votive and freewill offering can be eaten the next day. Any left overs after that need to be burned before the time limit expired.
National situations led to peace offerings. End or military campaign, end of famine, or new king appointed, or time of religious revival.
3 demands of peace offering: Feast of Weeks, Completion of a Nazirite Vow, and instillation of the priesthood.
Votive would be at the completion of a vow. God I am going to give this up for you. God I am going to do this for you.
Fellowship offering is a celebration of the way God has blessed, of the partnership between God and the fulfiller of a vow, or an overwhelmed sense of worship
No sin involved so she looks pretty spiritual. Shes not looking at this vow as a new chapter in her devotion to God but like how many of us look at new years resolutions. Whew we made it through January. Wheres the donuts? I am entitled to a little stuff for me now that I have done stuff for him.
Leviticus 7:20 (NIV)
But if anyone who is unclean eats any meat of the fellowship offering belonging to the Lord, they must be cut off from their people.
Outlines:
How wisdom is valuable in persevering from sexual immorality.
Warnings against lust idleness and deceit
Wisdom isn't knowing the right stuff it is doing and valuing the right stuff.
The wise understand the cost.
strange = apostate. Heb. zūr. See note on 5:3.
The greater danger is religious rather than moral.
3. LN 15.224–15.229 (qal) step, walk, i.e., make a linear motion the distance of a walking stride (2Sa 6:13; Pr 7:8; Jer 10:5+)
Vs 10 came out with hidden intent
Vs 22 suddenly (all at once)
Vs 23 cost him his life (soul)
MHCCB
Vs 1-5:
Keep the commandments as though you cannot live without them. These come from a parent. That is the ideal way God designed it for parents to kids not everyone gets that but parents you should not be shy about teaching your kids about Gods way. adhering to it will keep them from destruction.
Keep at the center of your attention, law in heart is the eye of the soul. If the word of god dwells in us and around us so that it is always at hand. This is doing what we know is wise because it keeps us from the fatal effects of our own passions and snares of satan. Let Gods word and instructions confirm and remind us of our dread of sin.
The danger of youthful lusts. This lays out the danger of even going near temptations that lead to impurity. That person is like one dancing on the edge of a rock he just watched someone else fall off of and die.
Avoid the neighborhood of sin entirely. Be most aware of pleasant sins they are more dangerous because they easily gain the affection of the heart and close it to repentance. Dont do anything until you have considered the end of it.
OT Commentary:
Brazen face: exudes confidence and a lack of remorse or conviction. Easily deceives one to feel as though there is nothing wrong or sinful with the action to follow. Shes more open minded is the way the world would describe it. If you would just open your mind you would have more fun and not feel bad about it like me.
ECB:
Prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread and the act of adultery destroys you completely.
Intimate relationship with wisdom will protect you. This foreign woman is just bent on satisfying her desires.
Takes him by surprise.
She just took care of religious obligations. Wants to have him as her guest.
He follows willingly and obediently with all 5 senses enticed all because he lacks the 6th sense of discernment that wisdom provides.
Observations to build an outline off of:
You have to value, esteem, and cling to something otherwise you will be subject to the whyms of what others value. Vs 1-12
Same old tricks then and now vs 13-20
Surprise
rationalize
flattery
sensuality
secrecy
Wisdom is calling too. (Chapter 8)
Count the cost
The wise know the ultimate danger of sexual immorality and stay far away from anything close to it. Vs 21-27
Guard your heart
Flee
Recognize the consequences (write them out)
Treatment idea:
Jackson vs bugs. Killing ants, catching caterpillars and worms. (speaks to the trapping with ill intent) Chapter 6 you cant contain this. Its bigger and more powerful than you. SO STAY AWAY!