How can Proverbs 7:20 be connected to the teachings of 1 Corinthians 6:18? The Setting in Proverbs 7 • Proverbs 7 paints a vivid street-level picture of temptation. An adulterous woman “dressed like a prostitute” (v. 10) flatters a young man lacking sense. • Her argument climaxes with v. 20: “He took his purse of money with him and will not return until the moon is full”. • The lure: “No one will find out. We have time. We’re safe.” What Proverbs 7:20 Reveals • False security – The absence of the husband is treated as a guarantee of secrecy. • Deliberate planning – Money for a long trip signals intent; sin often looks for windows of opportunity. • Invited passivity – The seductress urges the young man to stay, linger, and indulge. The Command in 1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body”. • “Flee” is urgent, decisive, physical action— the exact opposite of lingering. • Sexual sin uniquely damages the sinner’s own body, which in Christ is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (v. 19). Connecting the Two Passages 1. Opportunity vs. Escape – Proverbs 7:20 offers a window to sin; 1 Corinthians 6:18 commands us to create a window to escape (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). 2. Lingering vs. Fleeing – The young man lingers until “an arrow pierces his liver” (Proverbs 7:23). Paul says, “Run!” 3. Secrecy vs. Accountability – The adulteress trusts in darkness; Paul reminds us our bodies belong to the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13) and that “there is no creature hidden from His sight” (Hebrews 4:13). 4. Body as Object vs. Temple – Proverbs’ woman treats the body as a playground; Paul calls it a sanctuary. 5. Deception vs. Truth – “No consequences” is the lie (Galatians 6:7). Scripture’s truth: “God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers” (Hebrews 13:4). Practical Takeaways • Identify the setting of temptation early— when “the moon is full” seems far away. • Replace lingering thoughts with swift action: flee, shut the screen, leave the room, call a brother or sister in Christ. • View your body through gospel lenses: bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). • Guard windows of opportunity: travel, late nights, unmonitored devices. • Memorize and verbalize truth (Psalm 119:11); temptation thrives on forgotten Scripture. Further Scriptural Reinforcement • Genesis 39:12 Joseph “left his garment in her hand and fled.” • 2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness.” • Matthew 5:28 Lust begins in the heart; flight may start in the mind. • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 “This is God’s will: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality.” Concluding Encouragement When Proverbs 7 shows the slow slide into immorality, 1 Corinthians 6:18 supplies heaven’s emergency exit. The same Spirit who warns us through Solomon empowers us through Paul: we really can—and must—flee. |
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