The Strange Woman

A Proverbs Tour

No tour through the book of Proverbs can pass her by—the “strange woman.”  She’s mentioned many times (chapters 2, 5, 6, and 7), God’s way of telling us to take heed.  Who is this “strange woman?”  She’s an adulteress, one who doesn’t care about the covenant of marriage, but about gratifying her own flesh.  With her smooth words and devious ways, she entices a man, and if he lacks wisdom, he’ll turn down her path.

         But the pleasure is fleeting.  “In the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword” (Proverbs 5:4 NASB).  There’s no escaping the negative effects.  “Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?  Or can a man walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?” (6:27-28).  No matter how beautiful, no matter how enticing, no matter how wonderful she seems, the fruit from following this woman is the same:  her path leads to death (2:18-19).

         But this cautionary tale isn’t for men only.  We women need to examine ourselves as well.  Are we blameless in all our ways?  Do we toy with flirtatious words without regard to the covenant of marriage (whether ours or his)?  Do we wear revealing clothing and thereby tempt a man to stumble?  Do we take “friendship” with the opposite sex too far?  Have we lusted in our minds, where sin is conceived (James 1:14-15)?

         Sexual immorality isn’t fun or exciting, no matter how many heart flutters the enemy stirs in the moment.  It’s a path that leads to destruction, and we’re to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:22).

         How do we keep our ways blameless?  We cling to God, pray continually, and feast on His Word.  The teachings of Scripture are our lamp and our light, as well as our protection.  “When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you are awake, they will talk to you” (Proverbs 6:22). 

The path of life and blessing is a path of faithfulness to God and to the marital bond.

 

Heavenly Father, where I have strayed from the right path, I pray that You would forgive me and cleanse me of all sin.  Help me to flee immorality in all its forms and to pursue righteousness and godliness.  May my ways be blameless before you, that I may bring glory to Your name, in Jesus’ name, Amen.