TODAY IN THE WORD
Joanie never thought she would have an affair. She was raised in a Christian home and sought to instill a moral foundation in her children. At first, she understood when her husband Ralph worked late; after all, money was tight. But after years of postponed dinners and little adult interaction, she felt lonely. She never thought much about her chats with an unemployed neighbor, but as time went on, she looked forward to talking with him more and more. Before long, their friendship had become an adulterous affair.

Like several previous sections, Proverbs 7 concerns the perils of adultery, but today’s passage also includes a vivid story. Like Joanie, this young man in our passage ventured into a very dangerous situation.

The young man displays his lack of judgment by visiting a place where trouble abounds, especially at night. The woman’s lack of honorable intentions is clear from her dress and the fact that we only find out later that she’s married. What’s more, she’s coarse and defiant, and has a reputation for playing around. Her comment about peace offerings (v. 14) was likely meant to lure the young man into thinking that she was properly religious. In any event, she flatters him into thinking that he’s special (v. 15), and her real motives soon become clear (v. 18). As if to allay his fears, she assures him that her husband is safely gone. Here we find the content of the smooth words alluded to elsewhere in Proverbs.

The dramatic conclusion shows that, far from a tantalizing evening, this young man is like a senseless animal led to slaughter. He doesn’t realize that his actions will cost him his life.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This is the fourth extended teaching in Proverbs concerning adultery. Marital fidelity is very important because of God’s purposes for marriage and what it teaches about His relationship with us.

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