How can Proverbs 5:20 guide us in maintaining marital faithfulness? The Verse at the Center “Why, my son, should you be intoxicated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of a stranger?” (Proverbs 5:20) What “Intoxicated” Means for Us Today • The Hebrew term points to being led astray, captured, or staggered as if drunk. • It warns that infidelity dulls spiritual alertness and sound judgment. • Picture a mind clouded by alcohol—so sin clouds discernment and muffles the Spirit’s warnings (cf. 1 Peter 5:8). Guarding the Heart Before the Hands • Jesus pushes the battle line inward: “Everyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). • Faithfulness starts with inner vigilance—capturing thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5) and fleeing lust (2 Timothy 2:22). • Refuse the first sip of “intoxication” (lingering glance, secret chat, emotional fantasy). Cultivating Delight in Your Spouse • Proverbs 5:18–19 urges rejoicing in “the wife of your youth.” • Practical ways: – Schedule unrushed time together—conversation, laughter, shared hobbies. – Speak thankful, affirming words daily (Proverbs 18:21). – Tend physical intimacy as God-given, holy, and exclusive (1 Corinthians 7:3–5). • A well-watered garden leaves no thirst for foreign wells. Building Protective Boundaries • “Keep your way far from her” (Proverbs 5:8). • Modern applications: – Transparency with phone, computer, finances. – Never meeting alone in private with someone who could become a temptation. – Welcoming mutual accountability—trusted friends who can ask hard questions (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). • These guards are not legalistic walls but loving fences safeguarding joy. Remembering God’s Witness and Discipline • “A man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD” (Proverbs 5:21). • Hebrews 4:13 reminds us nothing is hidden; this fuels holy fear and honest living. • Hebrews 13:4 promises honor for marriage yet warns that “God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” • Awareness of divine oversight motivates integrity even when no one else sees. Looking to the Gospel for Power • Failure is not final. Confession brings cleansing (1 John 1:9). • In Christ we have new desires and strength to walk in purity (Galatians 5:16). • The Spirit enables us to “put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13) and to love our spouse “as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25). Key Takeaways • Do not toy with temptation; sever the first draw toward intoxication. • Nourish delight in your spouse; satisfaction is God’s antidote to wandering eyes. • Set clear, proactive boundaries; wisdom acts before trouble begins. • Live conscious of God’s constant gaze and sure discipline. • Lean on the gospel’s power; grace forgives past failures and energizes future faithfulness. |
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