Warnings against Foolishness

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth

Proverbs 5:18

There is little interpretation needed for Proverbs 5, 6 and 7 other than to make a blanket statement, “Do not stray.”

Faithfulness, trust, belonging, commitment, strength, deep friendship, loving family and other such ideals are the benefits of monogamy. Others look at you with respect.

This advice to Solomon’s son provides wisdom, comprehension and prudence. Following his advice to remain true to your spouse, despite the temptations of the flesh, assures that your life will be happier than if you fall.

Some of the warnings seem to be about what we call today STDs. Others are more about damage to your spirit. The temptress may not realize what she does to your soul but nonetheless, the harm is done.

Foolishness, folly, weakness, becoming ensnared, poverty of spirit or material, deceit, impulsiveness, and sure punishment are what may follow if Solomon’s advice isn’t taken to heart. The Lord sees all.

In Proverbs 6, Solomon issues warnings against foolishness. In 6:16-19 he says:

16There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him:

17haughty eyes, 

a lying tongue, 

hands that shed innocent blood,

18a heart that devises wicked schemes, 

feet that run swiftly to evil,

19a false witness who gives false testimony, 

and one who stirs up discord among brothers.

Each of these faults may come into play when someone cheats on his or her spouse.

Early in our marriage, my husband told me a little about one of his co-workers. This young man was married and often bragged to the other men at his company about his extramarital conquests. My husband couldn’t help but question whether if a man cannot be trusted by his nearest and dearest could he be trusted by his peers or the company he worked for? In endeavors outside his marriage, would he be any more reliable?

My husband kept his opinions to himself, but he never trusted this co-worker, and I agreed with him completely. Men or women who consider cheating on their spouses need to remember they will be looked on by others, and usually not with admiration, but the opposite. It shows a certain self-centeredness that doesn’t allow insight into other people’s thoughts about them. They are willing to risk their marriage to something fleeting and without meaning. This shows anything but good judgment.

Solomon’s teachings on faithfulness will lead you to greater understanding and wisdom. This insures a more complete and well-respected life, allowing you to walk in God’s good graces.