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.
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.
Donna Dyck
Donna speaks at women’s retreats, conferences and seminars with passion, using humour to effectively communicate God’s Word and her life story and to press her audience beyond the status quo into risky servanthood and authentic faith. Donna lives in downtown Toronto, Canada with her husband. She is the mother of four beautiful adult children and an Oma to three beautiful granddaughters and one grandson. "Confessions of a Not So Average Girl" is her story of growing up in a turbulent alcoholic home. "Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors Wife" describes the lessons learned over 32 years of ministry.