Adultery and Idolatry Lead Only to Death

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 7:1-27. Solomon’s tenth address to his son once again picks up the warning against adultery; yet the First Commandment remains in view along with the Sixth. God gives His Word as a treasure which we look at constantly so that it reflects from our eyes. This treasure must be our constant companion, as close to us as our closest relative or friend, because temptations are always present. This is certainly true of adultery, both in Solomon’s day and ours. The forbidden woman calls the unsuspecting young man into the darkness. She shrouds her temptation in religiosity and pleasure, deceptively banishing any fear of being caught. Once the senseless one has followed her, he soon discovers that the result is only death. Solomon lays the trap bare so that his son can avoid it, lest he become like even those many strong ones who thought they could never fall. As we see that Satan’s temptations toward idolatry find many parallels to the way Solomon describes adultery, we are reminded all the more of our constant need for Jesus and His forgiveness for our sins. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one true God has so much more in this book of wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. Christians walk His way of righteousness rather than the way of wickedness because we trust that all good gifts come to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who is His wisdom made flesh for our salvation.