Journal Proverbs 5 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “And now, O sons, listen to me and do not depart from the words of my mouth.
Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your honor to others and your years to the merciless; lest strangers take their fill of your strength and your labors go to the house of a foreigner and at the end of your life you groan—when your flesh and body are consumed and you say:
“How I hated discipline and my heart despised reproof!
I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.
I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.”” Prov 5:7-14
Observation: This is not about females as much as it is about being an honorable Man.
Analysis: I am stepping out on a limb with this. But it is important for me to review and for men and women to read and understand.
Being blunt, this is about sex out of wedlock as the subject BUT honorable Manhood as the target.
Manhood has been under attack for generations. What is being seen today has been seen before. The same temptations faced today are the same temptations my g-g-great grandfather faced and even further back—just to have perspective. This section of Proverbs is not just a “story”, it is the lamentation and instruction based upon experience.
While this is Solomon, I could have written this—but I would be chicken. Some of our older guys could have written this but may be chicken as well. Older men do not talk about their failures; young men don’t seek out experienced counsel—and everyone loses because of this.
Hormones are hard to resist—in either gender. But, because I am a man, I will speak to men: resist. But don’t resist only with gritty determination; there is a calling, a high calling to train for.
You are a chosen generation; a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A MAN for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies and majesty of Him who CALLED you out of darkness… (paraphrased 1 Peter 2:9)
Embrace this vision with fierce passion; find like minded men, not only of your own age but of all ages (that means older godly men seek out the younger and vice versa) not only to hold accountable (for that is defensive) but also to PURSUE the Most High God (laying down an offense).
I succumb to temptation for several reasons, many of which are linked to giving favor to the old man rather than ferociously pursuing the New Man in Christ. I fall, only to be able to rise, confess, repent, and setting my face like flint once again, I can press on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14)
Walk worthy of the Gospel.
Prayer: Lord God, when I was younger, I thought that the young man struggles with sex would fall away when I got older and married. How foolish—the struggles are consistent whatever my age is and probably will be to the day I am called away. Help me to keep my eye firmly on you, pursuing you, and surrendering daily to be transformed by you. AMEN