Proverbs 7:24-27, The Drama of Death Applied!

March 21, Proverbs 7:24-27

1 Cor. 10:11-15 “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Pr. 10:22).

The Drama of Death Applied!

Here is the Epilogue or Application of the foregoing sad, sordid story.

1. His Caution: The Father speaks: “Now that you have seen the end of sin, hear me well.” He has recounted this story to get the serious attention of his children, but especially of his sons. He is now about to drive home his message. Listen to me; attend to the words of my mouth (v.24). What I have related to you is no idle tale, but a true and tragic account of experience. It is nothing less than your path between life and death.
2. Your Conviction: Guard your mind and your ways. Don’t let your heart be turned aside (decline) to her ways (v.25). This verb turn aside (satah) is rare in Proverbs, only here and 4:15. It is turning aside, being seduced. There is a linguistic connection with the word Satan, or adversary. That should also send out a warning to those who want to keep heart and mind from Satan’s clutches. Her paths (plural) may denote that however they differ, they all end in the same pit. Experience proves that familiarity with sin weakens our abhorrence of it. “An impure thought, a polluted fancy, an idle book, filthy conversation, foolish company, theatres or places of vain resort – these are her ways” (Bridges), and this is how we are turned aside and seduced from the right path. Never leave that path no matter how strait and narrow or lonely it may seem (Pr. 4:18).
3. Her Condemnation: Open your eyes! Look beyond the delights she offers and the promises she makes and see the casualties left in this woman’s wake, for she hath cast down many wounded (v.26). We must recognise here the effects of all adultery. Wounded means to be defiled, pierced, prostituted, slain! These are scars that victims carry to their graves. Don’t think you wouldn’t fall (1 Pet. 2:11)! Many strong (atsumim) is one Hebrew word (bones), usually translated mighty. Literally, these are the mighty ones, even a great number of all her slain. Her victims make up a mighty host. In fact they are numberless! The hymn-writer puts it: “Many mighty men are lost, daring not to stand.”
4. God’s Conclusion: Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death (v.27). Look past her again, way past her, and face the awful reality that her house leads down to hell, down to the chambers of death. Look at the consequences of this way honestly, and see that they are always heading downward. Should we not flee for our lives (Rom. 6:20-21)? “The route of adultery is a short cut to death, whether at the hand of an offended husband, the contraction of disease, or just from the stress of living a double life” (Alden). Only total dependence on, and obedience to Jesus Christ, can deliver us from this house that leads to the chambers or the rooms of death. Jesus promised that His Way leads to the House of Many Mansions. He that hath ears to hear let him hear!

Thought: Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing? (2 Kg. 8:13) But he did!

Prayer: O Lord, give me the ears to hear your Word, and the heart to obey it.