Proverbs 6:20-35

²⁰ My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

²¹ Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

²² When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

Instruction from godly parents is to be integral to the young Christian.  Holding tightly to such counsel, will be a boon to resisting the world, the flesh, and the devil!

²³ For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

²⁴ To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

²⁵ Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

²⁶ For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

Often people blame the man in instances of adultery.  Certainly – in cases where the female is underage, he is 100% responsible.  But – in the sin of two adults – both are responsible.  Women who pursue married men are considered whores in the Bible.  Not long ago in our culture – women who did such things were called home-wreckers.  Now they are glorified in the media,  and money is thrown at them for their evil doings.

²⁷ Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

²⁸ Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

²⁹ So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

The Proverb summarizes in the next six verse, by comparing adultery to stealing bread.  If one steals because he is starving, it is more easily forgiven.  If one steals when one has plenty – it is deserving of revenge.

³⁰ Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

³¹ But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

³² But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

³³ A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

³⁴ For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

³⁵ He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

Why is fidelity in marriage stressed over and over again in the Bible?  Because the marriage between one man and one women is God ordained, and is intended to picture the relationship between Christ and His church. 

Isaiah 61:10

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.