Christian Leaders’ Guide to The Art of Wisdom – Chapter 5
In the New Testament every “sin list” but one starts with sexual immorality– and that one has sexual immorality and homosexuality at the center, that is to say, the most critical position in this particular list.
Clearly teaching on this subject will be age specific. Likewise with adults, particularly a mixed gender group, one must exercise extreme caution – if you have more than three adults, in modern America, the odds are one of them has suffered from another’s sexual misconduct.
But Proverbs is primarily about wisdom – this is a picture of all sin. It draws you in with sweet smoothness, and kills with bitter hatred. Even Paul’s warning in 1 Cor 6:12-20 is as much about sin in general as it is about sexual misconduct.
Verses 1-2 – James 1:19
Verses 3-6 – Rev 17:1ff, Heb 12:15-16, 2 Thes 2:9-10
Verses 7-14 – Matt 6:13, 1 Cor 6:12-20, Eph 5:11, Rom 6:21, Heb 13:4, 7, 2 Pet 2:9-22
Verses 15-17 – 1 Cor 7:2-5
Verses 18-21 – Heb 4:12-13, Rev 2:20-23
Verses 22-23 – 1 Cor 5:9-13, Eph 5:5-6, 2 Pet 2:15-22
Words to clarify.
Sections/proverbs to discuss. (3-6, 15&18, 22)
Solomon wants you to think deeply about – what?
Talk about the contrasting words Solomon uses to describe the “strange woman”.
What are all the reasons to stay far away from her?
This woman who can destroy you is real – but this is also a picture of wisdom and foolishness. What does this tell you about the danger of being a fool?
What would a “strange man” look like?
Copyright Rick Henderson, Th.M. 2026, SouthBeachHope@gmail.com