Proverbs 7: 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
In our upbringing we have been warned not to indulge in fleshly desires outside of our marriage to our spouse. Proverbs has always been a foundation book of the Bible for me as a young man. What useful tool to have in times like these to have a guidebook for what to expect as a person, especially a man. Although the scripture is the analogy of sleeping around if verse 16 is included, let’s take a deeper look at verse 17 because there is more that meets the eye here.
Staying focused and causing other people and things to become unfocused is something that man has struggled with for centuries. When hunting man has often set traps by setting out bait. Something attractive that sparks and interest to investigate often leads to entrapment.
In Proverbs 7:16 we find the complete analogy reveals the warning of the adulteress; but, did you ever think that the adulteress could be more than a person? There are so many things in life that causes us to become unfocused and entrapped in fleshly pleasures. This world and those in it can be enticed by get rich schemes, drugs, fad diets, fast food, various methods of consuming alcohol, nicotine, and prescription and over the counter drugs. They look good, they smell good, they taste good, and they promise to make you feel good. Scientists have identified the pleasure hormone in humans and indicated the place in the brain where these pleasures are recognized. Noting this is there any reason to doubt the warning of Proverbs 7:17.
So here we find the adulteress to be anything that takes us away from the will of God in our lives. Our creator gave us one temple. He made us and He wishes us to not be distracted by the rules He has set for us. This is the same distraction that happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were specifically told to leave the Tree of Life alone. Be aware of the things that take away your focus.
Min. Jerry R. Silvers
General Manager, New Praise Radio
Comments