Proverbs 5 - 8.12.21

Scripture - What stood out?

Proverbs 5:22-23

The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,

    and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.

He dies for lack of discipline,

    and because of his great folly he is led astray.

Observation - What does it say?

This fifth chapter continues King Solomon’s wise words and sayings. This particular chapter focuses on adultery and its pitfalls. The strategy against adultery? The disciplined life of one who follows instruction, otherwise:

Proverbs 5

11 and at the end of your life you groan,

    when your flesh and body are consumed,

12 and you say, “How I hated discipline,

    and my heart despised reproof!

13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers

    or incline my ear to my instructors.

14 I am at the brink of utter ruin

    in the assembled congregation.”

Understanding - What does it mean?

Obey God! Know the word of God! Live a disciplined life of obedience in God’s instruction!

Whether you are reading the old testament or the new, the bible is filled with teachings from God. While Proverbs 5 warns us against adultery echoing one of the commandments, it also warns us about a life that lacks discipline. Essentially King Solomon is telling his readers “Listen to me! Listen to what I have learned so you may also grow in wisdom!”

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

    fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?

Help me to rightly uphold your words in my home Lord.

Lord as my family prepares to gather for yet one more family meeting. May I be the first one to be disciplined in Your instruction. My knowledge of you is lacking. My wisdom is incomplete. So I ask you Holy Spirit, help me to rightly divide Your Words and be a minister unto my own family. Help me to uphold the fear of the Lord, the Wisdom of God, and grant me strength and courage as I seek the discipline to obey You. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee