Today's Reading:

Proverbs 5
Proverbs 6
Proverbs 7
Proverbs 8

God created man and woman exclusively as a couple, uniting them in the covenant of marriage. This is where sexual intimacy becomes the fountain of joy- not the path to ruin (adultery). Drink from your own cistern, rejoice in your wife like you did when she was young…be intoxicated always in her love (Proverbs 5:15-19).

Marriage is God’s good gift. It is meant to be a place of joy, tender faithfulness, and deep satisfaction. Just like Christ loves the Church with a never-ending, sacrificial love, husbands and wives are called to cherish each other with the same kind of committed affection. When a spouse feels truly loved, seen, and valued, the marriage reflects the beauty of God’s covenant with us.

How can you make your spouse (or significant other) feel deeply loved this week in the same way God loves you: sacrificially, faithfully, and with joy? What is one small, intentional act of love you can do to strengthen your marriage and honor God’s design?

Proverbs continued the father’s instructions with a warning to stay sexually pure, especially in regard to adultery. The wisdom from chapter 5 was a man-to-man conversation to avoid the “forbidden” or “strange” woman (an adulteress or prostitute) because it will cause you to lose your honor and dignity. Avoidance is a wisdom strategy. Instead, “drink from your own cistern” (your wife at home) and keep intimacy private. Cisterns in ancient days were privately owned and highly valued, which is how your wife should be treated. Regret will come with sin, but only when it is too late. Marriage is where your true fulfillment comes from. God sees all paths; your sin leads you astray and ultimately to death.

Chapter 6 was about practical warnings for everyday wisdom in: finances, laziness, wickedness and adultery. Do not co-sign on debts. Generosity is good, but financial agreements are risky. The other person’s irresponsibility will fall on you.

The ant works hard and can lift 10-50 times its body weight. You must be self-motivated because no one can force you to see wisdom and work hard. Laziness is a form of folly and has consequences, like being poor.

The wicked troublemaker has corrupt speech, winks or signals at their deception, and they make evil plans with deceit. But God will come and judge. Even a thief who steals has to pay 7 times restitution (a number of completeness), and the consequences of adultery are far worse. Jealousy is fierce and unforgiving.

There are 7 things that the Lord hates:

1. Haughty eyes (pride)
2. Lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. Hearts that make wicked plans
5. Feet that run to evil
6. A false witness who lies
7. A person who deliberately makes conflicts and mistrust by spreading gossip and lies.

In Chapter 7, the father said to keep wisdom like family, it will guard against the adulterous woman. The father saw a simple young man (lacking sense) being lured by a prostitute through lies. He showed a lack of resistance, and these small choices led him down the path of ruin. She led him and seduced him, but he followed. As the opposite in chapter 8 shows that wisdom is a public invitation accessible to all and offers life. Choose instruction over silver, gold, or jewels as wisdom’s words are noble, right and true. She (wisdom) loves those who love her and will bring riches, honor, wealth and righteousness. Wisdom had a role even before creation, right next to God. Blessed are those who keep wisdom’s ways.

Today's Discussion question:

How can you make your spouse (or significant other) feel deeply loved this week in the same way God loves you: sacrificially, faithfully, and with joy? What is one small, intentional act of love you can do to strengthen your marriage and honor God’s design?

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