Untitled Sermon

v. 20-24

A return to the teaching of both parents as mentioned in chapter 1. The raising of a child by both father and mother is important to the proper raising of a child.

To take the teaching of both father and mother to heart is important and leads to two things. First, they become an adornment for us. They become a signal to all who come into contact with us. Just as a crown signifies a king, the wisdom received from parents ought to be applied to our lives and others will know those who have impacted us by them.

Second, this wisdom leads us. It is useful all the time (walk, lie down, and awake) because it provides clarity for the way that we go about living our lives. Ultimately, Solomon points out that wisdom will prevent the seduction of an adulterous woman.

v. 25-29

We being with not just warning but Solomon prohibiting two things: do not desire the beauty of the adulterous woman and do not allow her to draw you in with that beauty. These two things are certainly tied together. The reason these two things are prohibited is because a woman who is married can cost more than just the price of a prostitute but could be your life.

Verses 28 and 29 ask two rhetorical questions that point to the commonly used phrase, “if you play with fire, you’ll get burned eventually.” Sex with another man’s wife will get you burned. It is clear from this instructor that there is punishment that will come for those who commit adultery.

v. 30-35

How much more foolish than the hungry thief is the adulterer because there is an option to still live unlike the hungry thief. The one who commits adultery lacks sense and only desires to destroy himself. This one will receive wounds and dishonor. There will be no turning back from it.

This comes back to the teaching of parents who desire the well being of their children. It is wisdom that will keep safe the one who might be tempted.