This week we will look at the remainder of verse eleven as well of the rest of Proverb 7 about the Foolish Woman:
She’s the coarse, impulsive type,
whose feet don’t stay at home;
whose feet don’t stay at home;
rather, she stalks the streets and squares,
lurking at every streetcorner.
lurking at every streetcorner.
Being impulsive is not wise. Yes, I can hear someone saying, "I love being impulsive. It's fun." I agree in some cases. There are times when you get a great opportunity and you take it without even thinking about it. A good example would be if you were offered a spur of the moment invitation to dinner paid for by a friend. I know I'd rather eat out than cook for sure.
This verse is talking about acting on impulse, without thinking things through. It most certainly includes failing to seek G-d's guidance. (see Proverb 3:6)
It's interesting that the verse links impulsiveness with not staying at home. If you read further in this chapter, you will see that this woman is married, and her husband is out of town. Her interests are not centered in the home and her husband. She has decided to seek excitement elsewhere. She's decided to go out and party and have some fun. Obviously, she hasn't thought this through.
The verse says she was out on the streets. I don't know if there were bars back during this time, but today's equivalent of being on the streets would be going to bars and clubs. It's always been my opinion that bars are frequented by people looking for one of two things: alcohol or relationships.
Yes, I'm old fashioned and I don't apologize for it. I believe that if you have friends who like to hang out in bars and clubs, you are asking for trouble, ladies. If a man sees you there, he thinks you are there for more than alcohol. And if you are honest, you know he's right.
Affairs don't "just happen". There are steps to becoming involved with someone other than your husband. The first step is impulse: the quick decision to go out and have some fun apart from your husband. That is dangerous and it is not wise.
Thinking things through would include asking yourself: would I want my husband to do what I'm doing? Would I want him to be in this environment or situation? More importantly, would G-d approve of my thoughts and actions?
Verses thirteen through twenty-three read like a soap opera or a current television show. This woman's actions are that of a prostitute, although she probably doesn't think of herself that way.
I see many women, single and married, modeling their lives after the foolish women they see on television, movies and music videos. Those women are role models of how to be a prostitute. These are the role models many young girls are aspiring to become. How sad.
Who is teaching the young women to be G-dly, pure women? I raise my hand, even though my views are not popular. I will probably even be called judgmental, but the opinions of others do not sway me. I look to G-d for His approval, and He has commanded me to teach these truths diligently. (see Deuteronomy 6:1-9)
Dear Gail-Friends, young and old, this woman is foolish and her behavior will have consequences as we see in the remainder of the chapter:
24 So now, children, listen to me;
pay attention to what I am saying.
25 Don’t let your heart turn to her ways;
don’t stray onto her paths.
26 For many are those she has struck down dead,
numerous those she has killed.
27 Her house is the way to Sh’ol;
it leads down to the halls of death.
pay attention to what I am saying.
25 Don’t let your heart turn to her ways;
don’t stray onto her paths.
26 For many are those she has struck down dead,
numerous those she has killed.
27 Her house is the way to Sh’ol;
it leads down to the halls of death.
Proverb 7 is an example of the woman we don't want to be, while Proverb 31 is an example of the woman we are to become. I urge you to read these two chapters and evaluate your own behavior.
Proverb 7 is also an example of the type of woman we would avoid, and Proverb 31 is an example of the type of woman we would choose as a friend. Again, read the two chapters and evaluate your friends. It is not wise to hang
out with girlfriends who think the behavior of the woman in this chapter is acceptable. If
you go with a friend just because she doesn't want to go alone, you are
putting yourself in a risky situation.
Next week, I will show you some very interesting things about these two chapters related to the Torah.
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I'm linking up today with:
Spiritual Sunday
The Gathering Spot Link-Up
All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up
Modest Mom Monday Link-up
A Wise Woman Builds
Whole Hearted Wednesday
Wake Up Wednesday
Whimsical Wednesday
Hearts for Home
Favorite Things
Fab Creative Friday
Friendship Friday
Freedom Friday
