TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s not uncommon for women to receive jewelry on Valentine’s Day. In past generations, women frequently received heart-shaped lockets that contained a small photograph of the beloved. These lockets would be passed along to the next generation.

Like a precious locket, wisdom is a beautiful adornment for anyone–male or female. Unlike jewelry, wisdom guides and watches over its wearer. Once again, this passage begins with the familiar exhortation to heed the parents’ teaching. The constant repetition of “keep,” “listen,” “obey,” “pay attention,” and the like underscores the necessity of continually reminding oneself of God’s words. These instructions aren’t to be read once and then forgotten. These words of life are to be read and reread again.

A very important aspect of wisdom is revealed in this passage. We often think of wisdom in terms of what we should do when we are stuck and uncertain how to proceed. Indeed James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God . . . and it will be given to him.” But notice that verse 22 of our passage today says we’ll be guided and guarded by wisdom as we walk into various situations and even when we sleep.

This is another way of saying that when we treasure God’s wisdom in our hearts, it will impact every aspect of our lives. In fact, wisdom will be like someone speaking to us (v. 22).

This image of guiding wisdom is compared to a lamp, or more specifically a light that illumines the right path when it comes to sexual propriety. Verses 24-29 echo many of the truths presented in Proverbs 5. Once again we see the power of words to entrap and the dire consequences for those who dishonor their marriage vows. Even today, we hear this same idea: “If you play with fire, you’ll get burned.” Unlike a hungry person who steals food (yet still must repay), the person who is hungry for another’s spouse has no defense. Indeed, this individual will receive shame and wrath.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The clear teaching of today’s passage is to avoid adultery. As noted earlier, the Bible is clear about this, and it vividly portrays the dangers of marital unfaithfulness.

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