Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?
--Proverbs 6:27-28 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on September 22, 2013 of Proverbs 6:20-29; Hebrews 1; Isaiah 9-10.
In his sixth chapter of Proverbs, our wise teacher cautions us against standing liable for another person's financial obligations, rebukes the slothful person, the sluggard, reveals the true character of the wicked man, and warns us to avoid adultery. Indeed, the section surrounding today's focus verses is based on the seventh commandment: "You shall not commit adultery." (Please see Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18.) Sin must have been tugging at Solomon's heart as he wrote this chapter. Verses 16 through 19 list six, yes seven things the Lord hates, his seeming confusion of the count actually indicating that this short list is not all inclusive. Paul gives a longer list in Galatians 5:19-21, including more of what we traditionally refer to as the Seven Deadly Sins (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride).
Today's passage was written specifically to address adultery and its inescapable consequences. If we commit this sin, Solomon tells us, we will pay a price, without exception. In both verses he likens the ultimate punishment for adultery to being burned by the effects of fire. His warning brings to mind the old adage very often applied to those engaging in extramarital affairs: "If you play with fire, you're going to be burned." He even notes at the end of the chapter that the innocent spouses wronged by the adulterous pair will be filled with insatiable jealousy and rage that can never be compensated for. Another strike against adulterers.
But this passage is equally applicable not just to adultery but to any sin, any offense against God, anything we think, do, or say that is not right in His eyes. We simply cannot sin and expect to get away with it. We may be able to fool man, but we could never fool God. If we play with fire, we will be burned. And sin we will for we are mere mortal humans and can never be completely righteous in our own light. Fortunately for us, our heavenly Father is ever loving, ever gracious, ever faithful, ever merciful. He knows we could never be sinless, that we will always be tempted to play with fire. So He provided us with divine fire insurance. He sent His Son to us, that anyone who believes in Him, who confesses and repents of their sins and seeks forgiveness, can be spared from the eternal blaze and saved. God will forgive us if we follow this formula, even for adultery. Jesus keeps us from being burned. He is our protection from everlasting fire. Amen.
Father in heaven, please forgive us our sins. Lead us not into temptation, and keep us from playing with fire. Thank You for sacrificing Your Son on our behalf, our Salvation and our Protection. We pray in His most holy name, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Today's passage was written specifically to address adultery and its inescapable consequences. If we commit this sin, Solomon tells us, we will pay a price, without exception. In both verses he likens the ultimate punishment for adultery to being burned by the effects of fire. His warning brings to mind the old adage very often applied to those engaging in extramarital affairs: "If you play with fire, you're going to be burned." He even notes at the end of the chapter that the innocent spouses wronged by the adulterous pair will be filled with insatiable jealousy and rage that can never be compensated for. Another strike against adulterers.
But this passage is equally applicable not just to adultery but to any sin, any offense against God, anything we think, do, or say that is not right in His eyes. We simply cannot sin and expect to get away with it. We may be able to fool man, but we could never fool God. If we play with fire, we will be burned. And sin we will for we are mere mortal humans and can never be completely righteous in our own light. Fortunately for us, our heavenly Father is ever loving, ever gracious, ever faithful, ever merciful. He knows we could never be sinless, that we will always be tempted to play with fire. So He provided us with divine fire insurance. He sent His Son to us, that anyone who believes in Him, who confesses and repents of their sins and seeks forgiveness, can be spared from the eternal blaze and saved. God will forgive us if we follow this formula, even for adultery. Jesus keeps us from being burned. He is our protection from everlasting fire. Amen.
Father in heaven, please forgive us our sins. Lead us not into temptation, and keep us from playing with fire. Thank You for sacrificing Your Son on our behalf, our Salvation and our Protection. We pray in His most holy name, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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