Lesson 12 Proverbs

Abstain from Fornication The book of Proverbs presents practical wisdom throughout. The topic of sexual immorality is no doubt practical, applicable, current, and awkward to discuss. The topic is one where a modern proverb is highly applicable. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In spite of modern opinion fornication (sexual immorality) is sinful for everyone. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 – “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral…, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,… will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Abstain from Fornication In spite of modern opinion fornication (sexual immorality) is sinful for everyone. (cont.) Gal. 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,…orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Its nature pulls at our basic instincts, but is not insurmountable. 1 Cor. 6:11 – “…and such were some of you.” David in spite of his sin with Bathsheba was still considered to be a man after God’s own heart.

Abstain from Fornication Sexual immorality dates to the earliest of times. It was highly likely a motivator for the Great Flood in Noah’s day. Gen 6:5 – “…every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Gen. 15:16 – “…iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” They were known for idol worship and ritual fornication as part of their worship.” Gen. 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for this wickedness. The allowance for polygamy under the old law did not come without problems. Entire codes of conduct are outlined under old law.

Fornication Has Consequences Solomon addresses chapter 2 to “my son”. Pr. 2:16-18 – “So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life.” Pr. 5:4 – “For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol; she does not ponder the path of life; her ways wander, and she does not know it.”

Fornication Has Consequences Pr. 6:27-35 – “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.”

Fornication Has Consequences Pr. 6:27-35 – “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.”

Fornication Has Consequences The sin of fornication separates a person from God. Gal. 5:19-21 – “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Pr. 15:3 – “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” The sin of fornication endangers the physical body. Pr. 5:11 – “You mourn at last, when your flesh and body are consumed.”

Fornication Has Consequences The sin of fornication damages emotions. Ps. 32:3-4– “When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer.” King David Fornication damages marriages. Resentment Trust Emotional pain Poorer living standards

Fornication is not Gratifying Heb. 11:24-25 – “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” Heb. 13:4 – “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” Pr. 5:15-20 – “Drink water from your own cistern…”

Lust Leads to Fornication Pr. 6:25 – “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart” Abstain from Pornography Its purpose is to entice lust. Sexual foreplay is intended for marriage. Pr. 5:18-19 – “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” Activities that provide opportunities for lasciviousness Dancing, swimming, water parks, workout venues How are we dressed, and what are we thinking?

Lust Leads to Fornication Drinking Consider King David’s attempt to encourage Uriah to go be with his wife by getting him drunk. Avoid drugs that lower our inhibitions. Avoid venues where moral behavior is in the minority

Conclusion 2 Thes. 3:3 - “But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.” 1 Cor. 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”