Disciplined Decisions

At first glance Proverbs 7 might appear to be a lesson in sexual morality, even considered fitting by man given Solomon's reputation for wives and concubines. Observing the age-old parenting pattern that our children exacerbate both our strengths and our weaknesses. We might find good reason from David's life to explain what could appear as Solomon's obsession with women, seemingly never enough, never content. But that surface view only misses a much deeper message that shouts loudly thru this story of the young man naively making a deliberate choice to wander down the wrong path, into the waiting arms of the prostitute.

 

Reading this same scripture 5 months ago, I asked myself who was the prostitute in my life, to whom I could so willingly submit my emotions, looking for gratification in the wrong places? At the time, puzzled over a confusing work situation that I had formerly believed was God-ordained, I struggled with the fear I could again be listening to the wrong people. I questioned my inability to discern between punishment, blessing, or natural consequences. Between prevention or predestination. Aware I could so easily be lulled into the wrong argument by pleasant communication combined with rationalization for behavior. And even then, 5 months ago, reminded of my failure in movement ahead in several different areas in which I had made decisions, so I thought. At the same time I doubted some future direction based on what I thought to be financial failure, which turned out to be an unnecessary doubt. But the fear that this was one more reason for guilt, punishment, natural consequences of lack of discipline in daily decisions overwhelmed me at the time. And I asked the Lord to keep this image of the young man in my mind as a warning, to help me focus my mind on deliberately choosing the right path with each day's simple decisions, with the discipline necessary to say no to the wrong things and yes to the right things on a daily basis.

 

Today I was impressed more than ever with Solomon's final injunction in this chapter, "
 ²⁴ Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. ²⁵ Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. ²⁶ Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. ²⁷ Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death."

It seemed to contain all the pillars of wisdom – My sons – inherited. Listen, pay attention and look, I'm saying these things to you lest your heart as well as your feet turn the wrong direction. I can almost hear him shouting, "Understand what I tell you!" It's not obvious. But it's as old as time and as universal as the spectrum of cultures throughout the world.