“Sexual Wisdom” Chapter 5

Opening Up Proverbs

A study by Jim Newheiser

 

“Sexual Wisdom” Chapter 5

(Proverbs 5:1–23; 6:20–35; 7:1–27)

 

Introduction

Ø  Wisdom in the area of sexual relations is a major theme in Proverbs.

Ø  Ironically, Solomon was ultimately ruined by his many pagan wives.

Ø  This issue is just as relevant today as it was 3,000 years ago.

Ø  Our culture is wholly given over to sexuality. It is the main “god” of our current culture.

Ø  Proverbs speaks of moral purity in both symbolic and literal terms.

 

Sex Education Takes Place in the Home (5:1-4; 6:20-24; 7:1-5)

Ø  These three discourses are addressed from a father to a son.

Ø  Parents need to be the primary teachers on his issue.

Ø  Teach children that sex is a gift from God for joy in marriage and for bringing children into the world.

Ø  Teach children that sex (like all of God’s gifts) can be abused and used for evil.

 

The Adulteress Can Destroy You (7:6–23)

Ø  Proverbs 7 dramatically describes the temptation of a naïve young man.

o  The prey(6-9)

o  The huntress and her tactics (10-20)

ü  She besieges every sense (10-17).

ü  She lures you with the promise of ultimate sensual exhilaration (16, 18).

ü  She overcomes your doubts and fears (19-20).

o  The kill(21-23)

 

Make Wisdom Your First Love (4:5–9;7:4–5)

Ø  Lady Wisdom will deliver you from immorality.

Ø  Lady Wisdom helps you see the true nature of he seductress.

Ø  Lady Wisdom shows you why sexual immorality is wrong.

Ø  Lady Wisdom reminds you of the deadly consequences of immorality (5:4–5, 11–12, 22–23; 6:26–35; 7:22–27).

o  Sexual sin will affect you physically (5:9, 11; 6:34–35).

o  Sexual sin will ruin you financially (5:10; 6:26a, 30–31; 29:3).

o  Sexual sin will destroy your reputation (5:14; 6:33).

o  Sexual sin will break apart your family (5:16–17).

o  Your sin will find you out (6:27–29; Num. 32:23).

Ø  Lady Wisdom trains you to stay far away from sexual temptation.

 

Your Wife Can Also Protect You (5:15–23)

Ø  Your wife can also protect you from sexual immorality.

o  Find sexual happiness with your spouse (5:15–17).

o  Marital sex brings a greater joy (5:18–19).

o  Sexual happiness in marriage serves as a guard against the wiles of the adulteress (5:20–23).

o  Clarifications:

ü  Marital joy assumes a godly marriage.

ü  God and his wisdom must be your first love.

ü  If you are not wise, your wife will not protect you from temptation.

 

Conclusion

Ø  Proverbs 5-7 tells us about three women:

o  The adulteress can destroy you. 

o  Lady Wisdom will save you.

o  Your wife can help you.

Ø  Christ is our ultimate treasure.

o  We have all been unfaithful to God.

o  We all deserve God’s wrath.

o  Jesus Christ cleanses us and makes us wise.

o  Christ purifies and transforms us (1 Cor. 6:9–11; 2 Cor. 5:17).

o  He quenches our spiritual thirst and provides the ultimate satisfaction for our souls (Prov. 14:27; Isa. 12:3; Zech.13:1; John 4:14).