Proverbs 5.15-23

Lecture 8: Folly of Adultery, Wisdom of Marriage (5)

     (a) Introduction (1-6)

     (b) Lesson: Adultery vs. Marriage  (7-20) 

     (c) Conclusion (21-23)

1.  Admonition to stay away.  Do not go near.  vs. 7-8

2.  Consequences of immorality  vs. 9-11

3.  Regrets of immorality  vs. 12-14

How to you think about women?

Predator:  What can they do for me? Tools for self-gratification.

Protector:  How can I provide for and defend them.  Heart of a servant.

How do you demonstrate and teach this attitude toward your sons?

5. Exclusivity of sexual relationships---

 5.15  water...

 a figure of the satisfaction

compare with S.o.Sol. 4.15

Paul Kruger develops this section as an allegory consisting of a series of metaphors. He suggests that what is at issue is private versus common property. The images of the cistern, well, or fountain are used of a wife (e.g., Song 4:15) because she, like water, satisfies desires. Streams of water in the street would then mean sexual contact with a lewd woman. According to 7:12 she never stays home but is in the streets and is the property of many (P. Kruger, “Promiscuity and Marriage Fidelity? A Note on Prov 5:15-18,” JNSL 13 [1987]: 61-68).

5.16  in the streets...

You might use "kiss" as a gloss or synecdoche for the more explicit aspects.  Even young kids know that dad and mom's kisses are exclusive.

"Dad only kisses Mom.  You should only kiss your mom and your wife someday."

5.17   not another...

Some things are to be shared and some are private.  One one had you teach anatomy with the proper medical terms, and on the other explain that some parts are private.  Explain who should and should not see or touch them and for what reasons.

6.  Enraptured by your wife.

5.18  wife of your youth...  Not your current wife.  You should only have one wife.

Train yourself to esteem and desire your wife.  She is your "10".

5.19  enraptured...  Probably indicates more than a means of procreation.

KJV--ravished; NASB--exhilarated;  NKJV--enraptured;  ESV--intoxicated; NIV, NLT--captivated

 ⁴⁴ sn The verb שָׁגָה (shagah) means “to swerve; to meander; to reel” as in drunkenness; it signifies a staggering gait expressing the ecstatic joy of a captivated lover. It may also mean “to be always intoxicated with her love” (cf. NRSV).

5.20  why should you...

Porn not only is a predatory act and enters around cexhilarating yourself with a "foreign" woman, but it also trains your mind to respond to a different kind of sexual simulation pattern than you do with your wife.

Example of a dog pack around a female in heat.  Why would you be like that?

It is as much an issue of your affections as it is your body.

"Will you, _______, have _____ to be your wife/husband? Will you love her/him, comfort and keep her/him, and forsaking all other remain true to him/her as long as you both shall live?" ("I will")

"...and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

CONCLUSION: Moral considerations

5.21  The fear of the Lord is the awareness that God is watching, weighing, and rewarding all I do, say, and think.

b. God is weighing - He is evaluating us.

Psa 33:14-15 From the place of His habitation He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

Pr 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Prov 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Trans verse:

Pr 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

Merrill F. Unger said,"It dreads God's displeasure, desires his favor, reveres his holiness, submits cheerfully to his will, is grateful for his benefits, sincerely worships him, and conscientiously obeys his commandments. Fear and love must coexist in us in order that either passion; may be healthy, and that we may please and rightly serve God."

a. God is watching  - He knows all.

Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Trans verse:

Pro 5:21 For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

b. God is weighing - He is evaluating us.

Psa 33:14-15 From the place of His habitation He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.

Pr 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Prov 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Trans verse:

Pr 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Pro 5:21 For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

 b. God is weighing - He is evaluating us.
Pr 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Prov 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

c. God is rewarding - not judging only, but rewarding..
Pr 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

5.22  

entrap...

compare with Pr. 1.17-19; 6.6 NASB or ESV & 7.21-23

the cords of his sin...

Sin is addictive.  The more we say yes, the harder it is to say no.

"Sin will take you farther than you want to go and cost you more than you want to pay."  Prov. 7.22

5.23 instruction...

 †מוּסָר S4148, 4561 TWOT877b GK4592, 5036 n.m. Pr 15:10 discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction;

  1. a. discipline, correction, of God, Dt 11:2 מוּסַר י׳ the discipline of י׳ (of Y.’s wonders, as exercising a disciplinary, educating influence upon Israel, 

...of paternal discipline, correction, Pr. 1:8; 4:1; 13:1.  

2. more severely, chastening, chastisement: 

a. of God, מ׳ יהוה Pr 3:11 chastening of Yahweh;

b. of man, Pr 15:5; 23:13;
Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (2000). Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (electronic ed.) (416). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems.
The word אִוַּלְתּוֹ (’ivvalto, “his folly”) is from the root אול and is related to the noun אֶוִיל (’evil, “foolish; fool”). The noun אִוֶּלֶת (’ivvelet, “folly”) describes foolish and destructive activity. It lacks understanding, destroys what wisdom builds, and leads to destruction if it is not corrected.

The verb שָׁגָה (shagah, “to swerve; to reel”) is repeated in a negative sense. If the young man is not captivated by his wife but is captivated with a stranger in sinful acts, then his own iniquities will captivate him and he will be led to ruin.

NET Bible translation notes.

Lev 4

Leviticus
4.2  If a person sins unintentionally...  This seems like a lot of trouble for an accidental sin.  I'm not sure I would be able to raise enough bulls.  This serves to remind me of the seriousness of sin in my life.
     bull without blemish

     lay his hand on the head

     kill the bull

     priest take some blood on finger and sprinkle 7 xs in front of the veil

     priest put blood on incense altar

     pour remaining at base of altar

     fat that covers the entrails, two kidneys, fat on them by the flanks, fatty lobe on liver removed (like the      peace offering)

     burn fat on altar

     burn on wood outside the camp where ashes are dumped

 4.13  Now if the whole congregation sins...unintentionally...

     young bull

     elders lay hands on it

      kill the bull

     priest take some blood on finger and sprinkle 7 xs in front of the veil

     priest put blood on incense altar

     pour remaining at base of altar

     do with the bull as a sin offering

 4.22  When a ruler has sinned...unintentionally

     a kid, female without blemish

     lay hand on head

     kill by the place of the burnt offering

     priest take blood on his finger and put it on the horns of the altar

     pour remaining blood at base of altar 

     remove fat like on the peace offering

     burn it on the altar

     

     a lamb, female without blemish

     lay hand on head

     kill by the place of the burnt offering

     priest take blood on his finger and put it on the horns of the altar

     pour remaining blood at base of altar 

     remove fat like on the peace offering

     burn it on the altar

4.35  forgiven him...  סלח   sä·lakh'

     

.

Lev 2-3

Leviticus

2.1 grain offering...  

     pour oil on it

     Aaron burn a handful

     rest to priests

2.4  grain offering baked in oven...

     unleavened

     break in pieces and pour oil on

2.7  grain offering baked in a covered pan...

     Aaron takes a portion to burn it

     what is left is for priests

2.11  burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering to the Lord...

2.12  offering of the first fruits...

     no be burned on the altar

2.13  every offering of grain...seasoned with salt...

2.14 grain offering or your firstfruits...

     roasted on fire

     put oil on it

     lay frankincense on it

     burn part of the grain an doil, with all the fankincense

3.1    peace offering...

     without blemish

     lay his hand on the head

     kill it at the door

     priests sprinkle the blood around the altar

     fat on the entrails, two kidneys, fatty lobe on the liver removed

     burn those on the altar

3.6 peace offering...of the flock...

     without blemish

     lay his hand on the head

     kill it at the door

     priests sprinkle the blood around the altar

     fat, whole fat tail, fat on the entrails, two kidneys, fat on them by the flanks,  fatty lobe on the liver removed

     priest shall burn them on the altar

3.12  if the offering is a goat ...

     fat on the entrails, two kidneys, fat on them by the flanks, fatty lobe on the liver

     priest shall burn them on the altar

 3.17  perpetual statute...you shall eat neither fat nor blood...  It almost seems like it should be obvious to the reader why they shouldn't eat these.  Hmmm...

James 3:13-1 - Wisdom Makes Peace - 110717AM@TBC

Introduction

A. SEGWAY

B. CONTEXT

Book:

> Possibly the first book of the NT to be written, probably 45-49 AD.

> Written to the Hebrew Christians scattered throughout the empire.

> Not especially theological, more about what we do than what we believe.

> Presents Jesus as “the coming Lord.”

> Theme: “The characteristics of true faith.”

Passage:

BEFORE:

It is preceded by a discussion of the tongue (what we say). 

James 3.1-12

the tongue… ⁹ with it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

AFTER:

It is followed by a discussion of how our passions and pride create conflict and can stand between us and God.

“...a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

C. BIG IDEA: “The wisdom of faith makes peace.”

Colossians 2.3

Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

James 1.5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Look at how many words in this passage deals with our relationships with others.

13-

show  —  meekness (humility)

14-

self-seeking (jealousy)  —  envy (jealousy)  — 

selfish ambition

16-

envy (jealousy) — selfishness — confusion (disorder)

17-

peaceable — gentle — willing to yield (open to reason) — mercy

18-

makes peace

D. OUTLINE:

I. Who is Wise?  (v. 13)

II. Wisdom is not…  (vv. 14-16)

III. Wisdom is…  (v. 17)

IV. Make peace.  (v. 18)

It is interesting that our passage spends as many verses telling what godly wisdom as it does telling what wisdom is.  Why do you think that is?

I. Who is Wise?  (v. 13)

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you?

Let him show by good conduct

that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

wise σοφός sophos:  a) skilled in a handicraft or art

b) skilled in letters, cultivated, learned

c) forming the best plans and using the best means for their execution

understanding ἐπιστήμων epistēmōn : to be acquainted with, to understand

ylt—intelligent;  kjv—endued with knowledge;

nasb, nkjv, esv, niv, nlt—understanding;  wuest—well informed;

>>good conduct  ἀναστροφή anastrophē;  [verb form (lit.) to turn upside down, overturn; 2) turn back; 3) to turn hither and thither; (metaph.) to conduct one's self, behave one's self, live]

ylt, nasb—behaviour; kjv—conversation; nkjv, esv—good conduct; niv, nlt—good life; wuest—good and beautiful manner of life

meekness  πραΰτης praÿtēs:  mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness  

ylt, kjv, nkjv, esv, wuest,—meekness; nasb—gentleness;

niv, nlt—humility

A. Good Conduct

> “Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds.” —Ronald Blue in The Bible Knowledge Commentary

> Godly wisdom is demonstrated by actions not words.

> “With this phrase, James is saying that a wise person is someone whose life is changing in accordance with the truth of God’s Word.”  —Charles Swindoll in James: Practical and Authentic Living (Bible Study Guide)

> “Knowledge is proud that she has learned so much,

Wisdom is humble that she knows no more.”  —Marvin Vincent in Word Studies in the NT

B. Meekness

“Then gentleness meant bringing a high-spirited horse under control.  The spirit and strength of the horse weren’t lost, simply harnessed.”  —Charles Swindoll in James: Practical and Authentic Living (Bible Study Guide)

APPLICATION: Where is your focus?

(Our life is the reflection on our wisdom.)

But let each one examine his own work…and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”

Galatians 6.4a

II. Wisdom is not…  (vv. 14-16)

¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts,

do not boast and lie against the truth.

¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above,

but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist,

confusion and every evil thing are there.

A. Ambitious attitude. (14)

¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking                                 

in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

A scholar and a teacher is always under a double temptation.

(i) bitterness

bitter πικρός, pikros : 1) originally “pointed,” “sharp,” e.g., of arrows  2) then more generally of what is “sharp” or “penetrating” to the senses, a pervasive smell, “shrill” of a noise, “painful” to the feelings , esp. “bitter,” “sharp” to the taste

envy  ζῆλος   zēlos:  1) a earnest concern; 2) jealousy; 3) extremely

Zēlos need not be a bad word.

kjv, nkjv, niv—envy(ing);  ylt—zeal;

nasb, esv,  wuest, nlt—jealousy;

> One of the most difficult things in the world is to argue without passion and to meet arguments without wounding.  —Barclay, William inThe Letters of James and Peter.

> Jealousy begins with full hands but is threatened by the thought of losing what it possesses.  James is saying that an unwise person is someone who tends to be suspicious, resistant, and given to rivalry. —Charles Swindoll in James: Practical and Authentic Living (Bible Study Guide)

(ii) the temptation to arrogance.

self-seeking   ἐριθεία eritheia:  electioneering as a desire to put one's self forward: partisanship

ylt—rivalry; kjv—strife; nasb, esv, niv, nlt—selfish ambition; , nkjv—self seeking; wuest—contentiousness

> The word he uses for selfish ambition is eritheia...

It originally meant spinning for hire and was used of serving women and then it came to mean any work done for pay. 

Then it came to mean the kind of work done solely for what could be got out of it. 

Then it entered politics and came to mean that selfish ambition which was out for self and for nothing else and was ready to use any means to gain its ends.  —Barclay, William inThe Letters of James and Peter.

> They are used to being listened to and to having their words accepted. 

> All unconsciously they tend, as Shakespeare had it, to say,  "I am Sir Oracle, And when I open my lips let not dog bark!"  —The Merchant of Venice; Scene 1

—Barclay, William inThe Letters of James and Peter.

 (iii) do not boast and lie against the truth.

boast  κατακαυχάομαι katakauchaomai: to boast about something by downgrading something else

ylt, kjv—glory; nasb—be arrogant; nkjv, esv, niv, wuest, nlt—boast

> The attitude of the “worldly, faithless wisdom” argued against the message is proclaimed.

> “You’re actions are speaking so loud, I can’t hear what you are saying.”

Don’t live in a way that is degrades and misrepresents the truth of God’s word.

B. Natural orientation. (15)

¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above,

but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

(i)  earthly  ἐπίγειος epigeios: pertaining to human, earthly activity (primarily in contrast with divine activity)—‘human, of people.’ οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη, ἀλλὰ ἐπίγειος ‘this kind of wisdom does not come from God; it is characteristic of people’ or ‘this is the kind of wisdom that people produce’ Jas 3:15.

> It measures success in worldly terms; and its aims are worldly aims.  —Barclay, William inThe Letters of James and Peter.