...treasure My commands within you...write them on the tablet of your heart.
the book of proverbs chapter 7
The word write in the scripture above can also be translated inscribe.To inscribe is to engrave or etch something making a lasting mark. Looking over the last week of Proverbs it seems to first be a schooling on what is needed most in life (getting wisdom and using it). Injected in the what wisdom is and what it does for us are examples of people to watch out for- those enticing sinners, examples of how to treat others- like being good to your neighbors, avoiding uncalled for strife and the envy of wicked people.
We left off for the weekend at the end of Proverbs 4. I don't know if anyone went on to read 5 and 6 just to stay on track with matching the chapter to the date this month. What I noticed though, was days 5-7 very definitely deal with people relationships. In particular male/female with a few other relationships concerning financial matters seemingly tossed in. Also couched in chapter 6 is the note worthy list of 7 things that God hates. Take time to look that over if you didn't already.
There are things we should listen to and things we should not. There are also things we should use our mouths to speak and things we should not. There are places we may safely go and places we should avoid. There are things we should look at and keep before our eyes and things we should turn our gaze from.
If I am a man (I am not) I need to be aware that I am going to set my guard up at the ear gate and also the eye gate in the sense that words can appeal to my need for respect. Hence the warning about the harlots seductive, flattering words and the way she dresses. She may even appeal to his "religious" standards! (do not be ignorant of Satan's devices and don't think just because you may be a Christian and be married you are completely immune). Scripture basically says "run for your life" from this woman! Don't suppose you are to be her knight and rescue her from her miserable life and will remain unscathed.
As a woman, on the other hand, I need to be aware of how I affect men by my words,dress and actions. I also need to be sure I am keeping myself for my husband in all ways. (Even if and maybe even especially if I am in a strained marriage it matters how I conduct myself) If you are not currently married the scripture tells you your "Maker is your husband" Isaiah 54
Why was this woman in chapter 7 pretending to be "right with God" but offering herself to another man? Why was she making a romantic atmosphere in the home she shared with her husband for another man? Why was she preparing her appearance for another? And using her words to build another mans ego?
Look I know there could have been unmet needs for this woman but take a look at Abigail(1 Samuel 25) in her relationship with a husband who was known for being churlish (now there is a word for you to look up!) and a fool (his name even means Fool from what I understand). See how she carried herself in her relationships as a wise woman.
God does not want people to be ruined so He goes to great lengths to tell us how to avoid that. So let's inscribe His words on our hearts. Let's let them rest deep and monitor all we do and think and find the benefits of wisdom surrounding us.
Blessings!
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