Ultimate sexual freedom (Proverbs 5:22)

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‎  WTT Proverbs 5:22 עַֽווֹנוֹתָ֗יו יִלְכְּדֻנ֥וֹ אֶת־הָרָשָׁ֑ע וּבְחַבְלֵ֥י חַ֜טָּאת֗וֹ יִתָּמֵֽךְ׃

Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities will capture the wicked, And he will be held with the cords of his sin.

This verse describes the consequences of those who abandon Yahweh's plan for fulfilling sexual pleasure within monogamous, heterosexual marriage. 

The normal use of ‘capture’ is typically in the context of war (e.g., Num. 21:32; 32:29; Deut. 2:34). Sin wars against the sinner (cf. 1 Pet. 2:11), eventually taking him captive and enslaving him.  The imagery of being held in the cords of his sin shows the bondage that sin creates.  Hallelujah for the freedom that following Yahweh provides!

Isn’t it profoundly ironic that the language of the sexual revolution was “free love” and sex uninhibited by antiquated taboos? The reality is that extra-marital sex leads to bondage, whereas intra-marital sex offers the ultimate sexual freedom--freedom from guilt, from fear of discovery, rejection, disease, from unfavorable comparison.

Yahweh, you make sure the wicked are captured by their iniquities. You tell me this both as comfort and warning. I’m comforted by the certainty that workers of iniquity will not escape, despite appearances.

I’m encouraged by the fact that You do not want such capture, such bondage for your sons. Thank you for the warning!



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