2. Immorality vs. Personal Purity Our study has been from God’s word, not Dr.Ruth, self-help books, etc. Jer.10:23 Isa.55:8-9 should make this a necessity for the child of God. Likewise, the book of Proverbs contains wonderful advice for practically all aspects of life…. Including the areas of purity and sensuality. Our text today will be 7:1-27.

3. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” Chapter seven addresses the problem of sexual immorality from the perspective of a father giving advice to his son with regard to Avoiding the Harlot. A “harlot” is what we would today call a “prostitute”- one who’s business it is to entice others and sell her/himself sexually.

4. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” I. The Protection from the Harlot, vv.1-4 A. Have the Proper Respect for God’s Word. -vv.1-3 treasure and keep words & commands. -v.4a have wisdom as a close relative. -v.4b have understanding as an intimate friend. II. The Purpose of these Instructions, v.5 A. To keep one from the Adulteress and B. From the Foreigner who flatters with words.

5. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” III.The Prey of the Adulteress, vv.6-9 A. The Naive, v.7a > 1Cor.14:20 B. The Youthful, v.7b > Eccl.12:1 C. The Young Lacking Sense, v.7c > 1Cor.13:11 D. The Ones who Put Themselves at Risk, vv.8-9 -v.8a by passing by near her corner -v.8b by taking the way to her house -v.9 by doing so at twilight, middle of the night, in the darkness Romans 13:11-14

6. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” IV.The Preparation for the Capture, v.10 A. She prepared her Body and Mind for the task. -dressed as a harlot, 1Tim.2:9-10 1Pet.3:3-4 -cunning, or subtle (KJV) of heart, Jer.11:8 Heb.3:12

7. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” V.The Procedure of the Capture, vv.11-21 A. Draws Attention to Herself, vv.11-12 -v.11a boisterous and rebellious, Titus 2:3-5 -v.11b does not remain at home, 1Thess.4:11-12 -v.12 in the streets, lurks, Prov.9:13ff 23:28 B. Boldness, v.13 -seizes and kisses -brazen face (impudent- lacking modesty; marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness) Prov.21:29

8. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” V.The Procedure of the Capture, vv.11-21 C. Flatters with Speech, v.5b, 14-15 -peace offerings and vows; seems to imply that she had prepared a feast & made vows for his health & safety, > Psalm5:9. -have come out to meet you & seek your presenceearnestly, > Psalm 78:35-36.

9. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” V.The Procedure of the Capture, vv.11-21 D. Employs Sensuality, vv.16-18 It is an attempt to entice through stimulation of the senses. -v.16 colored linens from Egypt for the eyes -v.17 aromatic fragrances for smelling -v.18a figuratively, the drink of love for tasting -v.18b delight with caresses; touching

10. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” V.The Procedure of the Capture, vv.11-21 E. Reassures to Settle and Doubts, vv.19-20 1. No chance of Detection -v.19 husband is not home, gone on long journey -v.20a taken a bag of money; won’t be back soon -v.20b at full moon; knows when to expect him 2. Think about it: If detection is a concern: -look very closely at the action; probably wrong -Eph.5:7-13Heb.4:12-13

11. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” V.The Procedure of the Capture, vv.11-21 F. She Persuades, Entices, & Seduces, v.21 VI.The Point of No Return, vv.22-23 A. He Follows, v.22a -suddenly; a poor and rash decision -follows; gives in to not only her enticements but also his unlawful desires, 1Cor.6:18-20. -Notice the comparisons of v.22: as an ox to slaughter & fool for stocks. -v.23 until arrow pierces & bird to the snare; doom.

12. Immorality vs. Personal Purity “Avoid the Harlot/Adulteress” VII.Conclusions: A. Heed Wise Counsel, v.24 -Listen to the inspired text instead of so-called experts or the unrighteous, 1Cor.6:1ff. B. Keep Your Heart, v.25 -in spite of what others do around you -in spite of what others may do to you -let it not turn away from God -let it not turn into unrighteousness C. Many are the Victims of the Adulteress, v.26 D. Her way leads down to Death, v.27