Playing with Fire

We have all heard the phrase, “You are playing with fire!” It is not wise to place ourselves near danger, yet how often do we approach the very boundaries we have been called to avoid?

As I have been reading these chapters in Proverbs, I have been shocked by how often and how openly Solomon discusses the allure of sexual temptation.

Proverbs 5:3–4

3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
and her mouth is smoother than oil.
4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
as dangerous as a double-edged sword.

Proverbs 5:8

Stay away from her!
Don’t go near the door of her house!

Proverbs 5:20

Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

Proverbs 6:25

Don’t lust for her beauty.
Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.

Then, now, and forever, men and women will be tempted by intimacy with what is forbidden. We seek what is not ours and give ourselves to what promises pleasure but ends in pain.

While all these warnings are important, I especially appreciate the practical wisdom of Proverbs 6:27–28:

27 Can a man scoop a flame into his lap
and not have his clothes catch on fire?
28 Can he walk on hot coals
and not blister his feet?

Solomon is saying, “Quit playing with fire because you are going to get burned!”

Where are you playing with fire?

Where are you approaching immorality simply in the name of interest or intrigue?

Where are you crossing lines you never imagined you would cross?

Quit playing with fire! Flee sexual immorality! The end is poison. Don’t go near it. Don’t lust after what is not true love.

The sad reality is that Solomon knew all of this to be true and yet is fully immersed in seeking out the pleasure of others. This is a constant fight that must be seriously taken or else it will take you!

If you are struggling in this area, please reach out to me at jordan@fbcfb.org to get help and move toward healing. There can be victory. There is hope. I want to help you in the fight!