Write It Down

Proverbs 7:1-3

“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.”

iProverbs?

If gadgets had been around in Solomon’s day perhaps the book of Proverbs would have been marketed as an application that could be installed on a computer or smartphone, like an application that could flash up important reminders throughout the day, or even wake its owner with a Proverb for the day. You could argue that Proverbial Thought goes some way to meeting the idea of an electronic version of Proverbs.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) Solomon had no other choice but to write it all down. The problem with this rather old-fashioned method is the need to emphasize certain teachings to ensure that the message is heeded and remembered.

Graphic Reminders

Proverbs 7 contains some rather graphic reminders about immorality, apparently directed at young men but equally applicable to men and women of any age. The first three verses provide instructions on how to use the wisdom contained within the verses that follow. The real danger is that you might not like what you read in Proverbs 7, or you may think that Proverbs 7 does not apply to you. It does! Danger is all around and we need to be sure that we recognize dangerous situations, and then do our best to avoid them.

Solomon is not making suggestions that we may choose to ignore if we so wish. He makes it very clear that these are commands or orders that are to be followed. While society may challenge such rules, the wisdom expressed in Proverbs is essential for society to function as it should. These are words of life (verse 2). Immorality does not enhance life, but brings pain, hurt, self-loathing. Look back in history at how immorality triggered the downfall of ancient civilizations. Why should ours be any different?

Nothing has changed since Proverbs 7 was written. Take these words, these instructions for life, and write them deep within your heart as Solomon intended. Please do not be offended at the posts that follow as they seek to apply ancient truths to a modern world where they are still relevant and vitally important.