DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday, January 8, 2025, By fearing Jehovah one turns away from evil (Prov. 16:6).

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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

By fearing Jehovah one turns away from evil (Prov. 16:6).

Satan's world is obsessed with sex and pornography (Eph. 4:19). That is why it is essential that we fear Jehovah and turn away from evil. Chapter 9 of Proverbs talks about two symbolic women. One represents wisdom and the other, folly. Both address the inexperienced, “those who lack common sense.” It is as if they are invited to enter their house and enjoy a meal (Prov. 9:1, 4-6). But the two invitations have very different results. Let's talk about the invitation of “the foolish woman” (Prov. 9:13-18). He boldly shouts: “Anyone who is inexperienced, let him come here!” This way it invites the inexperienced to enjoy a good meal. And how do those who enter your house end up? “There are those who are powerless in death.” The book of Proverbs warns us of the dangers of the “wayward woman” and the “immoral woman.” He tells us: “His house sinks into death” (Prov. 2:11-19). Proverbs 5:3-10 also tells us to beware of another “wayward woman.” He says of her: “Her feet descend to death.” w23.06 21, 22 paras. 6, 7.

Which two symbolic women will we talk about in this article?

Next we are going to analyze chapter 9 of Proverbs, which contains practical lessons for everyone, men and women. In this chapter, we talk about two symbolic women. One represents wisdom and the other, folly. As we study the next few paragraphs, let us keep in mind that Satan's world is obsessed with sex and pornography (Eph. 4:19). That is why it is essential that we continue learning to fear Jehovah and turn away from evil (Prov. 16:6). The two women we are going to talk about address the inexperienced, “those who lack common sense.” It is as if they are invited to come into their house and enjoy a meal (Prov. 9:1, 5, 6, 13, 16, 17). But the two invitations have very different results. What are they? Let's see.

According to Proverbs 9:13-18, how do the guests of “the foolish woman” end up? (See also the image).

Let's start by talking about the invitation of “the foolish woman” (read Proverbs 9:13-18). He boldly shouts: “Anyone who is inexperienced, let him come here!” This way it invites the inexperienced to enjoy a good meal. And how do those who enter your house end up? “There are those who are powerless in death.” It is not the first time that Proverbs tells us about a woman like this. In previous chapters he warns us of the dangers of the “misguided woman” and the “immoral woman.” He tells us: “His house sinks into death” (Prov. 2:11-19). Proverbs 5:3-10 also tells us to beware of another “wayward woman.” He says of her: “Her feet descend to death.”

What decision do those who hear the voice of “the foolish woman” have to make?

Everyone who hears the voice of “the foolish woman” has to make a decision: accept her invitation or reject it. When could something like this happen? For example, when we are tempted to commit a sexual sin or if a pornographic image suddenly appears before us. What decision will we make in that situation?

Why should we avoid immoral sexual behavior?

There are compelling reasons to avoid immoral sexual behavior. According to the book of Proverbs, “the foolish woman” says: “Stolen waters are sweet.” What do the “stolen waters” represent? In the Bible, sexual relations within marriage are compared to cooling waters (Prov. 5:15-18). A man and woman who are legally married can enjoy sexual relations that are appropriate. But “stolen waters” are very different. They probably represent immoral sexual relations, which violate God's law. Usually, people who practice sexual immorality do so secretly, just like a thief when he steals. These “stolen waters” may seem very sweet to those who think they are keeping their bad behavior a secret. But they deceive themselves. Jehovah sees everything, he is not deceived. There is nothing more bitter than losing their approval; there is nothing sweet about it (1 Cor. 6:9, 10).

And that's not all. Those who lead a sexually immoral life may feel shame, lose self-esteem, have unwanted pregnancies, or destroy their family. Obviously, the wisest thing to do is to reject the invitation of “the foolish woman.” Many who fall into sexual immorality not only die spiritually, but also contract diseases that lead to literal death (Prov. 7:23, 26). Verse 18 closes chapter 9 with these words: “His guests are in the depths of the Tomb.” So how is it possible that so many people accept an invitation with such a tragic ending? (Prov. 9:13-18).

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