Be Careful Not to Drink the Water of a Stranger
Photo by Luis Tosta on Unsplash
Whose Water Are You Drinking?
The Bible is anything but boring. Sometimes it is downright strange. It’s filled with stories that rival the pop sci-fi, action, adventure, and mystery books and movies of today.
Are there boring parts of the Bible? Well, going through the Mosaic Law can be tedious but when you understand its detail and purpose within its context, new insights open up.
Some Scripture is graphic with both sexual and violent encounters that would require ratings for “mature audiences only” if put on a TV or movie screen. In poetic passages, figurative language is often graphic.
The blunt, honest account of many stories, poetry, and prose found in the Bible confounds many. The depravity of people is not sugar-coated. There’s no spiritual spin on God’s part.
The point of figurative language is to paint a picture in our minds. The illustration used makes a strong point. But the illustration itself doesn’t need an extended interpretation.
The point of Chapter 5 is clear and the latter half continues the simple admonition it began with regarding adultery and immorality. We can sum this portion up this way—don’t wander from home, be loyal, faithful, and content.
These are not old-fashioned values. Seduction by temptations is as old as humanity. The consequence of eating “forbidden fruit” has unintended and unfortunate ramifications. These consequences exceed what we can imagine.
Scripture
Drink water out of your own cistern and running water from your own well.
Why should water flow out of your spring?
Why should your streams flow into the streets?
They should be yours alone, so do not share them with strangers.
Each person’s ways are clearly seen by the Lord,
and he surveys all his actions. (Proverbs 5:15-17, 21 GW)
Simple Insights
As mentioned in a previous devo, King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). So, how can he be a trustworthy counselor about faithfulness in marriage?
Solomon knew the powerful influence of women. They turned this wise man’s heart away from his devotion to the Lord—the One True and Living God—to become a worshipper of deaf, dumb, and dead idols.
Solomon was unfaithful to the Lord, who appeared and spoke with him twice. Consider that for a while.
A key verse in this admonition reminds us of the all-knowing presence of the Lord—
Each person’s ways are clearly seen by the Lord, and he surveys all his actions. (Pro 5:21 GW)
He sees and knows everything about us and our life—our hearts, thoughts, attitude, and actions. No one can avoid the eventual consequences of their actions and decisions.
How can we know this is sound counsel when it comes from a man so unfaithful? He knows from experience! This is Solomon’s purpose in writing these proverbs.
Reflection—
Whether it's the influence of people who would lead you astray or the influence of the culture and ways of the world around you, you need to make wise choices. The Lord sees us and all we do and wants us to know the blessing of His favor and love.
Prayer Focus—
What seems to pull and tug at your heart? Who or what has a negative influence on you? These are things to seek the Lord about in prayer each day—asking for His guidance, His wisdom, and His mercy and grace.
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