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Nice Eyes, Nice Words . . . No Thank You!

Read

20Obey the teaching

of your parents—

21always keep it in mind

and never forget it.

22Their teaching will guide you

when you walk,

protect you when you sleep,

and talk to you

when you are awake.

23The Law of the Lord is a lamp,

and its teachings

shine brightly.

Correction and self-control

will lead you through life.

24They will protect you

from the flattering words

of someone else's wife.

25Don't let yourself be attracted

by the charm and lovely eyes

of someone like that.

26A woman who sells her love

can be bought for as little

as the price of a meal.

But making love

to another man's wife

will cost you everything.

27If you carry burning coals,

you burn your clothes;

28if you step on hot coals,

you burn your feet.

29And if you go to bed

with another man's wife,

you pay the price.

30We don't put up with thieves,

not even with one who steals

for something to eat.

31And thieves who get caught

must pay back

seven times what was stolen

and lose everything.

32But if you go to bed

with another man's wife,

you will destroy yourself

by your own stupidity.

33You will be beaten

and forever disgraced,

34because a jealous husband

can be furious and merciless

when he takes revenge.

35He won't let you pay him off,

no matter what you offer.

Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.
See this passage in other languages or Bible versions

Reflect

Walking through a forest in the dead of night on a narrow path requires a good flashlight shining out in front. Pointing the light behind me is useless. I liken this picture to heeding the instruction of godly parents.

The road to following the wisdom and instruction that is given us leads to paths where life is good and honorable. The alternative, by contrast, is the complete opposite.

It is curious that the path that is clearly warned against is sexual relationships with someone who is not your spouse. The ramifications of swerving from this path of faithfulness are heavy and the consequences are clearly and unapologetically spelled out for the reader.

It is not insignificant that the words of instruction are all kept near and in view – “near your heart”, “tied around your neck”, “when you walk”, “when you sleep”, “when you awake”. These truths act like the flashlight along the way. Truth needs to be in the foremost of our minds. The Word of God is a “lamp to (our) feet and a light for (our) path”. We need to be sure to walk with his Word flooding our hearts and heeding its truths daily.

The problem of adultery is rife in the world today and creeps into the church. It is like an unwelcomed guest who harms the lives of those who allow it near. Families must then deal with the added challenge of shame and forgiveness. With Christ, overcoming these challenges is clearly possible. Better by far, though, to just not walk the path in the first place. Verse 27 warns that adultery is not unlike “dragging hot coals onto your lap – it cannot be done without burning your clothes.”

Respond

Heavenly Father, you are truth and your Holy Spirit indeed guides me every step of the way. Instruct me along the path today. Alert me to every enticement that passes my way. May I exercise wisdom that has been taught to me today and every day. May I know your presence that truly satisfies my soul. Amen.

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Donna Dyck

Donna and her husband Bill are parents of 4 adult children and have 9 grandchildren. They have been pastoring at Toronto Alliance church for 28 years. Donna has written 2 books, Confessions of a Not So Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors wife. She has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and events over the years. She and her husband have just written a Devotional called Hope for an Unwanted Journey which will be published soon and is for parents, especially those who are walking through the valley of addiction or mental illness with their loved ones.

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adultery, enticement, temptation


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