Proverbs in July: Chapter 5

I am doing Chapter 5 solo (and late, although I have continued to keep up daily, I am just now blogging about this chapter). I would not be real with myself or my readers if I just stopped writing or skipped writing about certain chapters which I did not fully grasp. That is not being honest about my journey, to growth, both spiritual and personal.

Chapter 5: Warning Against Adultery

It sounds simple enough right? Perhaps to simple, perhaps it just down out right is what it is, a warning against the wayward woman. As I was reading (which I continued to re-read again and again hoping to gain a more clear understanding) I couldn’t help but to think this was a huge metaphor, not only for adultery, but for sin in general.

“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.”

-Proverbs 5:3-4

For me personally this could be metaphorically speaking of the devil/Satan who can appeal to anyone as their deepest desires, their every hope and dream, but in the end being a trap to lure you into his deceit.

I kept reading it in this way, but I was uncertain.

However in verses 15-17 :Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.

I can understand metaphorically to mean to drink from your own cistern/ running water from your own well, indulge with the lady that is your own (wife). “Never be shared with strangers”, women who are not your own. Never share yourself with another woman outside of your own.

So then in that sense I can see it specifically referring to adultery literally. I guess I am just jumping ahead because most of all it confuses me that this is addressed to me, about women, but what about warning women of strange men.

Well these are my thoughts upon chapter 5. Nothing deep and insightful; more inquisitive and curious.

The Book of Proverbs July Challenge: Days 3 & 4!!!

31 Days in July…. 31 Chapters in the Book of Proverbs.

I started on July 1st and just had this brilliant idea to blog about some of my thoughts throughout this, some self realizations, and simply my spiritual journey. This will be a recap of the past 4 days, since I just decided to write about it.

I shall start with today, day 4, and count down, since chapter 4 is the most fresh on my mind at the time.

For me this chapter was very similar to chapter 1, explaining the importance of wisdom and understanding, encouraging “us” to walk in righteousness, and to resist evil.
A key theme in this chapter is to hold on to “wisdom and understanding” and to never forget it, for it is the way of life.

One verse that stuck with me was verse 24, “Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips”

It made me reflect on what corruption I have allowed to creep from my mind onto my tongue.

Yesterday day 3…Chapter 3 was probably the most eye opening chapter for me thus far. As they would say “It gave me LIFE!” I think I read it twice, if not 3 times, it gave me chills.

Still focusing on wisdom, it also talked about trusting in God, not leaning towards our own understandings (3:5).

Verse six really stuck with me: “In all ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight”

How easy is it to act out of fear, do things that we wouldn’t normally do, say things that we probably shouldn’t, all for the fear of surviving. What verse 6 says to me, is to follow God’s path, do right in all things, and God will take care of the rest. There is no need to fear or worry about the outcome when you are following His path.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in
-Proverbs 3:11-12

Verses 21-31 goes on to list things that we should and should not do, showing us how to be wise, how to love, and how to trust.

Touching on 3:31 “Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.”

Notice how sometimes it seems that good things come so easily to bad people, non believers?

Theives get the fast money, while honest people humbly struggle to make ends meet?
Well verse 31 tells us not to envy the violent or fall to their ways. Why?

Verses 33 & 34 tells us: “The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”

So originally I planned to fill you in on all 4 days, counting back, but this is getting a bit lengthy, and I wouldn’t want to bore you or lose your interest, so I shall continue with Chapters 1 &2 in a later post. Chapter 3 was so exhilerating I think it is only right to end on a good note 🙂

“The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.”
-Proverbs 3:35

Be wise, trust in our Lord, and follow His path, for it is rewarding, reassuring, and promising.
Proverbs Chapter 3 was everything!!!