Finger tied with string

Proverbs 7

References: Proverbs 6, Proverbs 1:7, II Corinthians 3:3

All Day, Every Day

The king continues teaching his son as he follows the command of Deuteronomy 6:7-9.  Every moment is a teachable moment if we are attentive to what is going on around us. 

I have a bluebird that pecks on my window every morning and evening.  This determined little bird has brought me much happiness and in the process the Lord has used his beauty and instinct to convey some wisdom to me.  This little bird with its beautiful blue plumage is trying to defend his territory.  He actually sees his reflection and is in fact attacking himself.   In the process he is using precious energy and is at risk of injury.  (insert video here if possible)

Teachers Are Fallible

Solomon was wise but not always smart!  However, as a good father, Solomon is telling his son what my mom used to tell me: “Don’t do what I do, do what I say do!”  We know most lessons are caught and not taught.  Actions speak so much louder than words.   

The king tells this prince, “keep my words (lay up), keep my commandments (live), and keep the law (the apple of my eye).  Bind them around your finger (a physical reminder),  write them on your heart (mental reminder), and love the Word, law, and commandments.  (emotional reminder)  He then spins a tale to help the prince remember the lesson.  (associative reminder)

Hard Learned Lessons Shared

The story woven by the father as they walk along through the day is of a “woman” (are you surprised Solomon chose a woman) of ill-repute and how she lives only to destroy the life of his son.  He tells his offspring how this woman operates:  “draws the simple-minded and those devoid of understanding.”  This wolf in sheep’s clothing will lead him to hell and death!  She literally lays a trap by appealing to his senses and youthful lust and the need for adventure.

Written on Heart

Solomon is describing the harlot, the unfaithful Bride.  In Proverbs 6, Solomon has already told the laddie once before to do whatever he must to remember this!  He suggests memorizing the Word, writing wisdom on the door to see it going in and coming out, tying a string around a finger, and listening to instruction no matter how often repeated!  

Red light district

What Solomon is stressing spiritual adultery and how nothing can fully erase this sin’s effects on life.  The harlot looks good, flatters and teases.  But, in the end, Solomon warns she will drain the life out of you and destroy your soul.  Chasing her is simply chasing a false god.  Solomon reminds his son jealousy leads to rage and our God is a jealous God.  We like to ignore this truth.

PRAYER

Oh most gracious God, my Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of You!  Your Holy Spirit teaches me in ways I cannot comprehend.  You are pleading with me from Genesis 1:1 to Revelations’ final Amen to be Your Son’s pure and holy bride and to give Him no cause for jealousy.  Lord, as I read each Proverb I see You pleading with me, with the body (the church) to not be an unfaithful  bride.  You desire a pure bride, a virtuous woman, dearly loved by Your Son.  Father, I see how this vital lesson is exhibited in our daily lives and is a picture of spiritual adultery–the chasing of idols and self (harlot).    

Father, forgive me for not grasping this practical book of life lessons. It is really a picture of how You desire the Bride of Christ to be. Help me to do whatever it takes to remember these instructions.  Help me to discern and see the wiles of this enemy and to run from them.  I know this is important because Lord you have the writers of Proverbs repeat it over and over again.  Thank you for the patient repetition. 

Wisdom Song, by Laura Woodley Osman