The Sister Letters

The Proverbs Challenge Day 5 - Chapter 5

Hi, Woman of God

Welcome to Day 5 of the Challenge!I've been so blessed to read and hear about the ways God is speaking to all of us through this challenge, and we're just on day 5.Keep sharing, and if you haven't started yet, its not too late to join us and continue the rest of the month in God's Word.As always, see my study notes for today's chapter below. It's a meaty one, so let's go! 

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs Chapter 5verses 1-14 on the consequences of adultery, verses 15-20 on the protection of marriage and verse 21 on God being God.  

OBSERVATION

Verses 1-14These verses minister to me concerning the consequences of adultery. On a surface, instinctual level, we all know - believers and unbelievers alike - that it is wrong to partake in adultery in any form. But these passages go further to explain in detail the consequences of laying with a married person or stepping out of your own union to lay with someone else. It explains how sweet it may seem initially, but the consequences include forfeiting:

1. your honour (verse 9)

2. your years (verse 9)

3. your wealth (verse 10)

4. the things you've worked hard to build (verse 10)

All because of failing to understand the significance of this transgression. It's amazing how glamorised adultery is in popular culture, but what the movies don't show us is the spiritual, physical and mental anguish that comes upon the lives of those who partake in adultery. God is calling His children to be aware of this principle concerning sexual immorality, and not fall victim to the trap that has caught many great men and women before us. It is important to mention, even with all these consequences, there is nothing that God cannot restore. The soul of the person who repents of their folly and lays themselves before God can be forgiven. The example of David in the Bible is testament to this. King David suffered terrible consequences for his adultery and murder and only God knows the full extent of the repercussions across generations due to David's sin. Yet, God did not cast David away. David's repentance was accepted and he had an intimate relationship with God even after his terrible sin. At his death David was called “the anointed of the God of Jacob” (2 Samuel 23:1). Yes, God forgives and restores, but God wants us to avoid suffering the consequences of sin in the first place. He wants us to enjoy the blessings of wisdom. When you apply wisdom, you will know to avoid the immoral man or woman. When you apply understanding, you will laugh in the face of the seductress (male or female) who tries to lure you away from the beautiful path God has set before you. You will be unwavering in your convictions. Praise God for allowing us to grow in His wisdom and covering us in His grace!

Verses 15-20Immediately after the warning above, we are offered the beautiful alternative:"Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice with the wife of your youth"I observe the favour and protection that comes with enjoying your spouse only. Marriage is a blessing and a covering. I observe the emphasis on "youth" and understand that to mean that it is good to marry the right person at a youthful age, to enjoy them and to avoid the temptations mentioned above. Verse 21This verse summarises everything beautifully."For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord and He ponders all of his paths"God sees all the ways that we can go, all the decisions that we could make in this life, and all of the consequences/possible outcomes that each decision carries. Imagine being God and seeing thousands and thousands of years worth of mankind's decisions - you get pretty good at knowing the outcome of each decision.We know that there is nothing new under the sun. The fundamental issues we face today are no different than our ancestors before us, and God has seen it ALL. Obeying wisdom is to trust that God is God, and He knows what is best for my life. It is setting aside my ways for His. Help us Lord! 

APPLICATION

Verses 1-14I will continue to pray for Wisdom across every area of my life, that I do not fall victim to the seductive traps that the enemy uses against us. I will also be vocal about these truths, even where culture promotes the opposite, so that more people can be delivered from the traps of the enemy. Verses 15-20I will be mindful of the protection of a God-ordained marriage and enjoying the spouse of my youth. I'll pray often for this season of my life and continue to advise my brothers and sisters on the wisdom about relationships that can be gleaned from Your word.Verse 21I will set aside my ways for Yours, Lord. I will continue to study Your wisdom because You've seen it all, and You know best. Period.  

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank You for the wisdom You've poured out in this short chapter. Give me a deeper revelation each day of the blessing that comes with doing things your way, even when it comes to abstinence and relationships. I pray the same for all Your children. I rebuke the spirit of self-condemnation or anything in our pasts that the enemy would use to try and disqualify us from all that You have set ahead of us. I thank you for making all things new in You and birthing in us the desire of pursue Wisdom. By Your grace, I will continue to grow in Wisdom so that my mindset aligns with Your ways. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

See you tomorrow for Day 6 Follow me on Instagram at @creatortochi for updates and encouragement throughout our challenge. With my love,Tochi