PROVERBS 5:21-23
For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.
That Elusive Quality
This chapter can be summed up in a single modern proverb. “Think with your head and not your pants!” The sexual drive is all about choosing self-control. But then so is every physical drive that defines living in human skin.
Physical desire for food and water, touch and sex, warmth and air is as elemental and good (see Dan’s reflection below!) as the use of sight and hearing. One cannot be human and avoid the defining influence of such things. Unfortunately, the way I choose to interact with these influences often produces less human wholeness than more.
With a growing (pun intended) number of Americans I eat too much of some things – gimme more carbs! – and drink too much sugar and caffeine. I know this. And I continue. Solomon’s right. As long as I continue down this path I will “die for lack of self-control,” if by death we mean a shorter life span.
Self-control. Thou art an elusive and slippery quality. The moment I think I have you, you slip from my grasp.
Interestingly, the New Testament (Ephesians 5:22f) teaches that self-control is finally possessed as a result of giving up self control (note the lack of a hyphen!) to the Holy Spirit. The more he is in control the more I am able to control my physical drives and use them in ways that truly bring life.
I have been committed to a life of Holy Spirit filling and control. However, I need to invest more of my energy and time to the Holy Spirit’s influence if I am to possess this final and, perhaps, most precious gift.
Spirit of God, lead me to create more and better uninterruptible times each day, week, and month where I focus myself consciously on who you are and what you are all about. – Mike Leamon
PROVERBS 5:18-20
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love.
Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
In Genesis we read the story of the Adam’s and Eve’s sins and the resulting shame that came when they realized they were naked. Prior to the apple debacle they were unashamedly comfortable with their nudity, but afterwards there was a conscious effort to shield their bodies from each other and God.
God’s plan for a man and wife is demonstrated in the pre-fall interactions of Adam and Eve. Naked and unashamed they enjoyed looking and touching each other’s bodies. There was enjoyment in the blessing of physical intimacy. God has created both men and women with a desire for the other. Physical beauty is appealing because made us to appreciate the body of the opposite sex.
Desire run wild reaches for satisfaction and pleasure wherever it is available. Controlled desire finds a greater blessing in being captivated by the shared body of one’s spouse. When Adam and Eve sought satisfaction in the fruit of the forbidden tree they experienced pain and shame. Seeking sexual satisfaction in anyone other than my spouse leads to shame and pain in my life.
God who created sex and beauty help me to always find my satisfaction in my wife. Help me to create an open atmosphere of comfort and joy with my wife that enables us to be captivated by the body of the other and find sexual fulfillment in our union together. Thank you for the beauty of my wife. - Dan Jones
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