Walk in the Way of Life

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress" (Prov. 6:23).

The "evil"  adulteress woman is used as a type in the book of Proverbs. Solomon is trying to get his son(s) to understand that wrong woman can destroy a man.  Her power to destroy is not so much in her actions or nature, although she is corrupt and acts without honor.  The power of destruction lies in the man's choice of such a woman.  The heart of her power rests in the foolishness of the man who embraces her.  She represents the path of foolishness which leads to destruction.

Solomon says the remedy for young men, who are tempted to follow her wayward path, is to let the commandment shine light on him.  He says, "The command is a lamp and the teaching a light."  Thus, the Word of God illuminates the mind to instruct it in the right ways to go.  The command says, "Do not commit adultery" and Jesus adds, "If a man looks at a woman to lust after her, he has committed adultery in his heart."  The command warns us not to covet our neighbor's spouse (or anything else they have).

The commandment sets the boundaries for safe conduct.  We are experience some flooding in our area.  The roads have been blocked of because there is water over them.  They are not safe to pass for many reasons.  Wisdom looks at these warnings and seeks alternative roots.  Likewise, the commandment says, "These roads a dangerous."  Death awaits those who follow along these paths.  Maybe a person will beat the odds for a time, but on judgment day justice will be served.

Sometimes, we don't heed good advice, and we take some hard knocks because of it.  Solomon says, "The reproofs of discipline are the way of life."  So you drive through high water, you car stalls and now you have a big bill for towing and cleaning.  At least you lived, and hopefully learned.  Maybe you saw on the news where someone was swept away while driving through water over the road, and you thought I'll never do that again.  Reproof stings when it lands on us.  Discipline is unpleasant, but a heart corrected is a heart alive.

Solomon express universal truths: the commands of God illuminate our minds to his desires and requirements, the teachings of his Word offer us light to guide us, and discipline is a necessary corrective.  He applies these truth to sexual immorality, in general (the evil woman), and adultery, in particular (the adulteress).  Solomon knew what it was to have wondering eyes and fickle heart.  He knew how destructive loving the wrong woman (or women) could be.  So he wants to point his sons in a different direction.  In essence, he is saying, "I was a fool to neglect God's standards, and you would be a fool to follow my example in this."

Is Solomon were alive today, with his 700 wives and 300 concubines, society would expect him to be in rehab for his sexual addiction.  He would be vilified for his insatiable desire for female companionship, and he would probably agree.  He had permitted his heart to wonder without restraint.  His wisdom, knowledge, wealth, and power brought him into unprecedented fame.  His head (and his heart) swelled with foolish pride.  He lost his balance, and fell into disgrace.  Throughout Proverbs, Solomon warns against such foolishness.

Friends, the Word offers boundaries that protect.  The cones and signs that block access to flood covered roads are not there to hinder our freedom.  They are there to protect our lives, and to rescue us from what lies unseen, beneath the surface.  Likewise, the commands do not hinder our freedom.  They protect our lives, and rescue us from the dangers we cannot see.  Allow the Word to illuminate your path, and walk in the way of life.