We’re reading a chapter per day from the Book of Proverbs during the month of January. Chapter 5 is the beginning of a series of three chapters where the writer  (King Solomon) serves up some straight talk about sex, money, and success in life.   Some of the passages remind me of awkward (but really valuable) conversations I have had with my Dad over the years.

Here’s some stuff to remember as we read the next few chapters.

1.  Solomon had 500 wives and concubines.  This made God really angry at him, and his kingdom (and family) totally disintegrated after his death due to the mess he created.   You can read his warnings against prostitutes and promiscuous women as being hypocritical…or as being from someone really experienced in the pain that comes from having a lack of control sexually.

2.  So Dudes…seriously…chapters 5,6,7 are raw, real…and is some of the best advice you will find in scripture.  Take them to heart:   

 Drink water from your own well—
      share your love only with your wife

  Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
      having sex with just anyone?
 You should reserve it for yourselves.
      Never share it with strangers.

 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
      Rejoice in the wife of your youth.  Proverbs 5:15-18

3.   Ladies…I know this section seems to portray all women as being immoral and scheming.  Remember that Solomon was talking to his sons specifically in this scripture. Also, he puts great value on “the wife of your youth” (even though he must have had trouble remembering which one of his 500 wives was “the wife of his youth).  Finally, whenever Solomon describes wisdom he always uses Feminine pronouns…wisdom is always described as a woman.   If you want to make these chapters relevant to women…just replace “immoral woman” or “prostitute” with “Bad Boy”.   :-)

Wisdom: Raw.

Everyone should try it.