Proverbs 5:1-21 (NRSV, abridged) My child, be attentive to my wisdom... For the lips of a loose woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol... Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house; or you will give your honour to others, and your years to the merciless... at the end of your life you will groan... '... I did not listen to the voice of my teachers... Now I am at the point of utter ruin in the public assembly.' Drink water from your own cistern... rejoice in the wife of your youth... For human ways are under the eyes of the Lord, and he examines all their paths.


Are you ready for a lesson in sexual purity from Solomon? This is the man who had, among his wives, 700 princesses and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11), whom Nehemiah denounced, saying that 'foreign women made even him to sin' (Nehemiah 13:26). This is the man who wants to teach us wisdom in sexual matters?

Who, though, would you rather learn from-the person who has never been tempted and fallen into sin or the one who has fallen, been forgiven and now knows the dangers and end result of sexual sin?

Listen carefully to Solomon today (and later in our readings-he has a lot to say about sex!) as he really does know what he is talking about! Maybe you have never committed adultery or visited a prostitute or used sex selfishly. If so, you are blessed indeed, but we live in a world where sex is seen simply as another appetite to be satisfied whenever and wherever we can.

We worship in churches where, once we have left the youth organizations, the need for sexual purity is seldom mentioned. Solomon knew what it was like to groan in despair at his own weakness
(v. 11).

If you are married, take Solomon's advice in verses 15-19. Rejoice in
your partner and don't get lost because of folly (see v. 23).

Prayer

Holy Spirit of God, give me today your gift of self-control, that I may
honour you with my body. Amen