In this Proverb, Solomon provides wise counsel to his sons. His counsel is directed toward the temptation of young men whose sexual desires are very high. Solomon speaks of the hazard of being tempted by an adulterous woman.
Solomon says to his sons, “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are her slain. Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.” Solomon was hoping his counsel would direct his sons away from such destruction in their lives. Solomon was directing his sons to resist a very strong temptation in their lives, knowing that giving in to this temptation could destroy them.
As humans we have a natural desire to sin. The temptations to sin are continually around us. Some of these temptations are very strong. Giving in to these temptations will lead us to sin. The Bible says that giving ourselves to sin will lead to death, both physically and spiritually.
Therefore, we also need wise counsel so we can avoid sin. The bible provides that wise counsel. However, we must have motivation to read the Bible. God provides us with that motivation.
God is our heavenly Father; and like our fathers here on Earth, God will discipline us for misbehavior. Afflictions in our lives are the result of our sinful behavior. We must recognize the linkage between our sins and our afflictions. Then, we will be motivated to resist temptation and avoid sin.
