Solomon’s proverbs: Proverbs 5−7

Solomon wrote 3000 proverbs and collected other wise sayings: some made it into the book of Proverbs. These chapters are from the introductory section.

It’s our choice: listen to instruction or join the wicked. We can know who the wicked are by their behaviour:

^6:12-19 What are worthless and wicked people like?
They are constant liars,
signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,
a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.
Their perverted hearts plot evil,
and they constantly stir up trouble.
But they will be destroyed suddenly,
broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.

There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.

Joining the wicked is like running off with someone else’s wife:

^6:26-27 For a prostitute will bring you to poverty,
but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life.
Can a man scoop a flame into his lap
and not have his clothes catch on fire?

With the consequences of that sin:

^6:32-35 But the man who commits adultery
is an utter fool, for he destroys himself.
He will be wounded and disgraced.
His shame will never be erased.
For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
He will accept no compensation,
nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size.

We’re advised to live righteously:

^7:1-3 Follow my advice, my son;
always treasure my commands.
Obey my commands and live!
Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.