The Reality of “Stranger Danger”

 

     In a healthy baby, every biological system in its body is fully functional at birth.  Except for one.  For a newborn to mature and develop properly, the digestive, respiratory, excretory, nervous, circulatory, and other systems must be up and running properly.  Only one system is dormant in a healthy infant.

     At puberty, the final biological system—the reproductive system—is awakened by the onset of gender specific hormones.  It is at this point that all parental instruction concerning sexual purity and morality is put to a severe test.  A father’s commands and a mother’s instructions on such matters—if they are bound to the heart and tied tightly around the neck—will keep their offspring from sinful sexual behavior.

     Contrary to popular propaganda, the Scriptures do not portray premarital sex as an insignificant pratfall of youth.  The reality of the extreme danger of an illicit sexual encounter with a strange (i.e. immoral) woman is somberly described in the following terms:

  • Devastating—”A man is reduced to a crust of bread” (v. 26).
  • Dangerous—”an adulteress will prey upon his precious life” (v. 26)
  • Harmful—”Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?” (vv. 27-28).
  • Foolish—”Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding” (v. 32).
  • Destructive—“he who does so destroys his own soul” (v. 32).
  • Dishonorable—”Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away” (v. 33).

     God’s earnest warning of stranger danger will be heeded by those who keep His words and treasure His commands within their hearts; keep His commands and live (Proverbs 7:1-2).

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Author: jchowning

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