Proverbs 5:2

Do you know how to save yourself from sexual trouble? Do you know enough to teach sexual safety to others? King Solomon taught his children often about sexual sins, their powerful temptations, and their terrible consequences (Pr 2:16-19; 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; 9:13-18; 22:14; 23:27-28; 30:19-20; 31:3; Eccl 7:26). Pay attention. Beware, reader.

Consider the context. Solomon asked his son to humbly hear his fatherly wisdom and understanding (Pr 5:1), and he called on all his children to receive his instruction and not turn away from it (Pr 5:7). What did he fear so much in their lives? The whorish woman! He knew about her flattering speech (Pr 5:3), the incredibly painful consequences of touching her (Pr 5:4-5), and how can she easily deceive and seduce most men (Pr 5:6).

Fornication and adultery are nearly forgotten sins. They are glamorized and promoted in television, movies, books, magazines, and the Internet. Many of the stars of society – whether political, performing, or athletic stars – live sexually sinful lives that are seen by most as the good life. But the Bible condemns fornication and adultery, and it calls the children of God to sexual holiness (I Cor 6:12-20; 7:1-5; I Thess 4:1-8; Heb 13:4).

Casual sex is only casual in the foolish thoughts of two sinners doing it. The trouble that certainly follows is not casual: it is painful, permanent, and pernicious. Take your pick – you will reap one or more of these results: jealousy, syphilis, divorce, herpes, ruined reputation, gonorrhea, insecurity, HIV, sexual dysfunction, vengeful father or husband, crabs, irate wife, HPV, lost virginity, guilt, unwanted pregnancy, shame, and so forth.

The proverb has a clear lesson with two parts. First, the wise instruction from God and parents is to help save you from sexual sin and pain. Second, the wise instruction from God and parents is to help you save others from sexual sin and pain. Have you learned enough to save yourself? Have you learned enough to save others? Does wisdom guide your life and supply your speech for others? Your future and that of others depend on it.

God has revealed wonderful wisdom to mankind (Deut 29:29). It is your duty to hear and apply those words to your own life (Ps 119:11,128). And it is your duty to hear and apply those words to others’ lives (Pr 22:17-21; Jas 5:19-20). The perpetuity of truth on earth and the prosperity and success of God’s children depend on you having sexual wisdom yourself and also communicating it to children and others to protect and prosper them.

If you are a parent, have you taught and warned your children? Do you monitor their lives sufficiently to keep them from sexual sins in a generation with easy communication and transportation? If you are a pastor, do you preach against it, as Solomon did in his book of Proverbs? If you are an uncle or grandparent, you also can get involved to help those in your family tree avoid sexual sins and the evil consequences that follow them.

For all persons, have you accepted the sexual instruction and warnings of parents? Pastors? Counselors? Scripture? Most do not teach it today, but you can find many and severe warnings in the Bible. Do you know God’s answers to sexual questions? Are you ready to give an answer for your faith (Pr 22:17-21)? Get ready, for you will certainly encounter those that need clear, definitive, and persuasive answers.