PROVERBS 7

Proverbs 7:4-5; 24-27

4-5 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

24-27 So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.  Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.

Our culture has worked hard to normalize promiscuity. Movies, shows, and jokes often treat it as harmless fun—something to laugh at or brush off. Whether it’s casual mentions of “hall passes” or joking about celebrity crushes, what starts as lighthearted banter can plant subtle thoughts that grow over time.

It may seem small or harmless, but the impact is real. The number of people—yes, even within the Church and even among pastors—who have had affairs is heartbreaking. And if we can stop those thoughts when they’re still small, we may be able to stop the destruction that follows.

Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 5:28:
“But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

That’s a high standard—and Jesus calls us to it, no matter what the world says.

So, how do we begin to change?

It starts with our thoughts.
It continues with our actions.
And this isn’t just for married people. If you’re single now, these same thoughts and habits don’t magically disappear when you put on a wedding ring. This kind of integrity takes intentionality, strength, and surrender.

As someone who is married, I’ve found that when I choose to take every thought captive and ask Jesus to help me see my wife through His eyes—beautiful, worthy, enough—something shifts. My love grows deeper. My appreciation increases. And my heart becomes more aligned with His.

So if those thoughts ever start to creep in, whether you’re married or dating, stop and pray:
“God, help me to see them the way You do. Help me desire Your heart above my own.”

You’ll be amazed at how much clarity—and peace—comes when you let Jesus lead your thoughts.

PRAYER

Jesus thank you for showing us how we should be. Thank you for telling us not only how to speak but how to think. Today we want you to take captive our thoughts. That would help us to see how beautiful or handsome our person is. We pray we don’t get ensnared by another person. We pray you not only nudge us but push us away from adultery. We pray that we don’t look at someone with lust. We only see them as a child of You. Jesus we pray that we all find who You have for us. Work on our hearts and our minds Jesus. We love you, in Jesus name, Amen!