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Avoiding the Harlot (Appendices). Obviously, in Prov.5,6,7 , much of the instruction is male-oriented , “my son… avoid the harlot.” This morning, we also covered several points regarding the female’s presentation of herself (dress and conduct).
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Avoiding the Harlot (Appendices) Obviously, in Prov.5,6,7, much of the instruction is male-oriented, “my son… avoid the harlot.” This morning, we also covered several points regarding the female’s presentation of herself (dress and conduct). However, there were a few things in the text (primarily 7:1-27) that weren’t covered in the previous lesson- partly because of time considerations, and partly because they just weren’t really amenable to the points we were then considering. Let’s take a quick look at a few of these “extra” considerations.
Other Points of Consideration from Prov.7:1-27 • The naïve, young, and lacking sense male is certainly not guiltless: • He went “near her corner”- indicating he already knew whereshe was, v.8aJas.4:17. • He also took “the way to her house”- so he was deliberatein his action, v.8b Rom.13:11-14. • He did also this under the cover of darkness for concealment- so he knew his activity was wrong, v.9Eph.5:5-17. Avoiding the Harlot, Appendices
Other Points of Consideration from Prov.7:1-27 • The woman is not a “harlot”- she is “dressedas a harlot,” v.10b. • In fact, she has a husband, v.19; (NASV marginal says, “my husband…” ). In that sense, she may have indeed been (or currently be) a “respectable” woman! • But though married, this woman actedlike a “harlot,” vv.11-13. • Therefore, these warnings more specifically address “the strange woman” or “an adulteress,” cf. 2:16; 5:3,20; 6:24,26; 7:5. • The “respectability” of being married obviously did not affect her, or those drawn to her, the way(s) that it should have, Heb.13:4! Avoiding the Harlot, Appendices
Other Points of Consideration from Prov.7:1-27 • The woman is also “cunning of heart” v.10c. • Her suitor may be naïve, but she isn’t, cp. 2Tim.3:6. • She says she is even “religious,” v.14 2Tim.3:1-5. • She also says she’s earnest in her affections and desires,v.15. (Did she say the same to her husband?) • She says she’s made all the necessary preparations for the tryst, vv.16-18; • And that they won’t get caught, vv.19-20. What difference would that make if she is “religious” and “earnest” as she claims? Avoiding the Harlot, Appendices
Other Points of Consideration from Prov.7:1-27 • The real warning is not about “harlots”- surely those are so painfully obvious as to be unnecessary. Instead, the warning is against: • Those who employ the “ways”of a harlot, v.25a; • Those who trod the “paths” of a harlot, ” v.25b14. • Thus, the warning is actually against those who dress like, v.10b; think like, v.10c; act like, vv.11-13; feign goodness like, v.14; pretend earnestness like, v.15; prepare like, vv.16-17; andreason like,vv.18-20 a Harlot! Avoid the Harlot- beingtempted by, oracting like,one!