30 Day Cleanse - Day 5

Scripture

"Now then, my sons, listen to me and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from [the adulterous] and do not go near the door of her house, or you will give your vigor to others and your years to the cruel one;" --Proverbs 5:7-9
 

Observe

Solomon tells his children to listen to and remember to follow the things he says. He warns them to stay far away from adulterers (those who have turned aside, the profane, strangers). If not, they will sacrifice their honor and give their lives to those who are cruel.

The Old Testament contains a narrative of God's chosen people (the Israelites)--from the call of Abraham (Genesis 12) to the conquering of the Promised Land (Canaan) under the headship of Joshua, starting with Jericho (Joshua 6).

Throughout history, various antagonists have entered the story of God's people.

One of the most noteworthy adversaries, however, was Israel's own choice: Intermarriage with foreign nations.

The Old Testament is full of stories that go something like this:

A godly king conquers an enemy nation with the miraculous power of God; the king has to make a choice about whether or not to destroy that nation completely or to take some of its treasure (and women) for himself; the king decides to take one (or several) ungodly (pagan) women, and the whole nation of soldiers follows suit; the pagan women lead their men into worship of foreign gods; the godly nation turns away from God, removing God's blessing; a foreign nation then conquers Israel (God's chosen people); Israel cries out to God; God liberate Israel and gives them another godly king; the godly king would go to battle....

And the process repeats again and again.

So, it is understandable why Solomon would advise his children--future kings and leaders--to stay away from adulterers (those who would lead them away from God). If they didn't, they would sacrifice their honor (literally majesty, authority), and the years on their throne(s) to the cruelty of foreign nations.

Apply

In the New Testament, Paul writes the same advice to believers:

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" --2 Corinthians 6:14

When we become Christians, we become sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:15) and heirs along with Jesus (Romans 8:17). We, like Solomon's sons, are current and future rulers of God's Kingdom.

Whereas Solomon warned his sons that intermarriage with foreign wives would cause them to sacrifice the glory of kings, God warns us (His children) that being influenced by those who have turned away from Him will cause us to not live up to the glory of God.

This does not mean that we cannot have non-Christian friends. Jesus used to hang out with "sinners" all the time.

The most important thing, however, was that wherever Jesus went, the people around Him changed--not the other way around.

Pray

God, we recognize that wisdom tells us to be careful in our relationships. It is so easy to compromise the things that we believe in when we are surrounded by people and media that don't believe in you. We live in, go to school in, and work in this world. Sometimes it feels like we can't escape it. BUT we want to be people who accurately demonstrate the glory of God--in such a way that the lives of the people around us are changed. So, please give us grace to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and help us to remember that you have overcome the world (John 16:33) when we encounter struggles. We trust that you are still fighting for us and will give us wisdom and victory in every area. Amen.

Your Turn!!!

Do you have experience in this area? How has God given you wisdom in balancing your relationships and your time? What did God speak to you through Proverbs 5? Comment below!