Marriage Based on Fidelity and Honesty

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. (Proverbs 5:21-23, NIV) [Read Proverbs 5].

The collection of wise sayings which make up the Book of Proverbs as we have it, although attributed to Solomon, were probably written over a long period of time and were for the purpose of instruction. Imagine a school in which these were taught. That is why “my son” is addressed, especially at the beginning of chapters 2 through 7. These Proverbs clearly teach how God’s people are to relate to God and to others. Such important topics as honesty, sobriety, hard work, compassion, humility and trust are covered. If followed, the instructions given will lead to a richer and more meaningful life. And in today’s chapter for consideration, Proverbs 5, the topic for teaching in the School of the Sage covers marriage relationships based on purity, honesty and fidelity and fleeing from adultery.

Wisdom calls for purity and honesty in all marriage relationships. This lesson in sex education gives both warnings and commendations. The wise man warns the younger men about discretion in the most intimate of life’s relationships, that of husband and wife. Folly lies in wait to tempt and entice young men, and although written from the male’s perspective, the implication is there for the woman to practice fidelity as well. The writer of Proverbs, in poetic metaphor, admonishes: “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well” (Proverbs 5:15). Further, the young men were taught: “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.” (verse 18). In this symbolism, the wife is described as a cistern, well or fountain. This was a tribute and honor to her position, for water was a precious commodity in the desert landscape of the Hebrew nation. The God-given institution of marriage was God’s plan from the beginning for man and wife. It precluded seeking adulterous relationships outside of marriage. Faithfulness, fidelity and honor definitely are the paths of a successful marriage. Such a relationship will be blessed by the Lord and bring great happiness to the committed couple. On the other hand, the folly of infidelity leads only to unhappiness and even to death. This death speaks of a spiritual dimension, or being out of the will and plan of God. Without personal discipline and exercising moral choices under God, we do not have life. Choose, instead, God’s way for marriage which is love, purity, fidelity, and honesty. “May you ever be captivated by her (his) love” (v. 19b) is the ideal for the marriage relationship.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, July 2, 2010