The word of God says,
“My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you;
keep my commandments and live;
keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call insight your intimate friend,
to keep you from the forbidden woman,
from the adulteress with her smooth words.” Proverbs 7:1-5 ESV
If you recall, the passage above was the one we examined in the last post. (This, by the way, is another continuation of the teaching series aimed at mentoring a young man from his early age, with the intention of guiding him towards “shalom,” a life of peace as he grows.)
Today, it’s increasingly becoming common to encounter young Christian men in their early or late thirties who are well educated, possess jobs and money, yet lack much else. Many turn to Viagra as they’ve already lost their sexual vigor. As for peace, joy, and pleasure, these concepts are unfamiliar territory for them, let alone experienced realities in their lives. For many of them, the word ‘shalom’ remains entirely foreign.
Aside from its use as a greeting, what does “shalom” or “shalam” mean in Hebrew?
“The ancient Hebrew meaning of shalam was “to make something whole”. Not just regarding practical restoration of things that were lost or stolen [as described in Exodus 21:33-36]. But with an overall sense of fullness and completeness in mind, body and estate.” (From “Firm Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries” sites)
One might inquire, “Why do many young Christian men find themselves in this state of lostness across various aspects of their lives today?”
Many factors contribute including life stressors like bills and job loss. However, the primary culprit is the neglect and disregard of the spiritual dimension of their lives. Most have little or no relationship with the Word of God. How do they navigate through this difficult life as Christians?
Well, the devil and the people of this dark world consistently offer to young men alternatives, pledging to alleviate every pain they experience. The entertainment industries tirelessly, around the clock, strive to fulfill this promise primarily by sexualizing nearly everything imaginable. The Word of God doesn’t hide the truth. It straightforwardly warns a young man, the prime target of these entertainment industries, in this manner:
“The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.
She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
“Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.” Proverbs 9:13-18 ESV
Quite sobering, isn’t it?
In the previous post, we explored how wisdom counseled the young man to nurture a close relationship with the word of God, as it is the sole weapon capable of rescuing him from the snares and pitfalls of sexuality laid out to ensnare him at every turn. As we concluded our discussion in the last post, we imparted this advice to the young man:
“Without this intimate relationship [with the word of God], you become the prime target for an adulterous woman, and no one can save you from her except the word of God in your heart.”
Today, the sage continues to convey this message to the young man:
“For at the window of my house
I have looked out through my lattice,
and I have seen among the simple,
I have perceived among the youths,
a young man lacking sense,
passing along the street near her corner,
taking the road to her house
in the twilight, in the evening,
at the time of night and darkness.” Proverbs 7:6-9 ESV
“A young man lacking sense” doesn’t imply that he is stupid or a moron; rather, it indicates that he is youthful and hasn’t yet had the opportunity to learn many life lessons. He associates mainly with peers who share his youthfulness.
Every social media platform, entertainment industry, and other avenues promote an adulterous lifestyle as the key to fulfilling a young man’s dreams. Consequently, where do he and his friends decide to frequent? “Along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house!”
What?
Yes! Remember the lack of sense? They believe that this woman is the fountain of all joy, contentment, and pleasure.
And the young man, along with his friends, arrives at a location where they can encounter the woman during twilight, at night, in the darkness.
Why in the dark? What’s the issue with daylight?
Keep in mind, the woman is considered “a forbidden woman.” Even if the young man lacks “sense”, he still possesses a conscience. Thus, he thinks, “To achieve my desires, I must hide myself from both men and God in the darkness.” The darkness somehow assures him, whispering, “Don’t worry! Be happy! Here, only happiness exists! Nothing is revealed to anyone but to you alone. Meaning, no consequences whatsoever! Therefore, relax and simply indulge.”
The sage reminds the young man, God sees everything, young man.
“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord,
and he ponders all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21 ESV
If the young man’s sexual impulses are not restrained by the teachings of the word of God, he will perish without ever comprehending the true meaning of “shalom.” Instead, he will grapple with myriad insecurities, fears, depression, hopelessness, purposelessness, and various addictions that drag him into an abyss. While he may have heard others discuss sexual pleasure, for him, it remains elusive because his own God-given sexual desires, not anchored and held by the word of God, bring him no joy.
Instead, they only lead him closer to his demise . . . Contd. ///