Wisdom Literature
The following assignment was very exhaustive. The instructions were as follows:
You will complete a 3-6 page, single spaced typed paper on the characteristics and cautions given of the "Strange Woman" in Proverbs. The target audience are eighth grade children who will read your paper in order for the boys to learn what type of girls to avoid and for the girls to learn how not to be. Find all the references in Proverbs that deal with the "Strange Woman" (this is King James Version terminology for an immoral woman). The Book of Proverbs describes the methods an immoral woman uses to seduce her prey--a foolish man. Your paper is to be in sentence outline format, organizing all the material in the most logical way. The reference and key phrase must be typed out under each outline point. Here is an example of a sentence outline format:
I. The physical characteristics of the "strange" (immoral) woman.
A. She attempts to make herself as sexually attractive to men as possible. “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25
B. She is identified by the way she dresses as a "hartlot". “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot. . .” Proverbs 7:10a
II. Where the "strange" (immoral) woman resides and how she conducts her business.
(Organize all the material in Proverbs that warns of the "Strange" (immoral) woman in this type sentence outline. You may add your own comments and warnings about any of the verses wherever you wish.)
Your goal is to teach what Proverbs says about the immoral woman and to let children know that immorality has awful consequences and they should choose to avoid such girls/women wherever they encounter them.
You will complete a 3-6 page, single spaced typed paper on the characteristics and cautions given of the "Strange Woman" in Proverbs. The target audience are eighth grade children who will read your paper in order for the boys to learn what type of girls to avoid and for the girls to learn how not to be. Find all the references in Proverbs that deal with the "Strange Woman" (this is King James Version terminology for an immoral woman). The Book of Proverbs describes the methods an immoral woman uses to seduce her prey--a foolish man. Your paper is to be in sentence outline format, organizing all the material in the most logical way. The reference and key phrase must be typed out under each outline point. Here is an example of a sentence outline format:
I. The physical characteristics of the "strange" (immoral) woman.
A. She attempts to make herself as sexually attractive to men as possible. “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25
B. She is identified by the way she dresses as a "hartlot". “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot. . .” Proverbs 7:10a
II. Where the "strange" (immoral) woman resides and how she conducts her business.
(Organize all the material in Proverbs that warns of the "Strange" (immoral) woman in this type sentence outline. You may add your own comments and warnings about any of the verses wherever you wish.)
Your goal is to teach what Proverbs says about the immoral woman and to let children know that immorality has awful consequences and they should choose to avoid such girls/women wherever they encounter them.
W7 Assignment: Strange Woman Paper
I. Introduction.
The bible teaches us that “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Prov 1:5) When seeking to find a mate, it is of the utmost importance to choose wisely. A wrong or poor choice in selecting a mate carries with it many consequences; that can affect the rest of our lives. This is why God has provided us with the bible. The bible is our guide or reference manual to help us make the right choices in life.
The wise counsel of scripture provides us with warnings to help us learn what type of girls to avoid and for the girls to learn how not to be. In addition, we can learn from this wise council certain things to look out for and ways to help us identify a bad choice in selecting a mate.
The book of Proverbs is one the most helpful books within the sixty-six books of the bible; to help us identify what young men should avoid, and young women should strive not to become. This type of woman in the book of Proverbs is referred to as the “strange” (immoral) woman. In light of the book of Proverbs taking the time to give us such a vivid description of this type of woman, let’s take a moment and review these descriptions.
II. The physical characteristics of the "strange" (immoral) woman.
A. She attempts to make herself as sexually attractive to men as possible. “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25
B. She is identified by the way she dresses as a "harlot". “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot. . .” Proverbs 7:10a
These verses clearly demonstrate that the “strange” woman of proverbs can be identified by her dress attire. In light of these two descriptions; as young men and women of God, we should take note that how a person dresses is of the utmost importance. A recent study has shown that only “7% of a person’s communication involves actual words spoken, 38 % involves paralanguage, and 55% involves body language.” [1]The way that a person dresses falls under the category of paralanguage. Therefore, how a person dresses communicates to others their intentions, and their character. This brings to light the question; what does your dress attire speak about you? Does it say that you are someone worth spending time with; to get to know better? Or does it speak to others that you do not have standards; and therefore are not somebody worthy of being taken seriously? Does your clothing say; this is someone that I would like to spend the rest of my life with? Or does your clothing say I am not the type of person to settle down with?
The book of proverbs also shows us the importance of listening to the words and speech of others in order to warn us of their character.
III. The "strange" (immoral) woman’s words are not to be trusted.
A. Her words are empty and have no meaning, or truth to them. “To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.” Prov 2:16
B. Her words seem like the truth, or a good thing, but in actuality; they are poisonous and can infect your character. “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.” Prov 5:3-4
C. Her false words are used for the sole purpose of deceiving you. “For the commandment (God’s decrees) is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress.” Prov 6:23-24
D. Her words are not sincere. “Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your nearest kin, 5 that they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.” Prov 7:4-5
E. Her words show that she is a master at seeming religious and spiritual, but she has no true love for God. She is a wolf; in sheep’s clothing. “I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. 16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love.” Prov 7:14-18
F. You should flee from her presence; her very speech has the power to subdue you. It is better to separate yourself from her. “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.” Prov 7:21
G. All of the “strange” woman’s words are empty and without substance, and all who put their trust in this perverse speech will suffer. “The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.” Prov 22:14
H. She is a blatant Liar. “This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, "I have done no wickedness." Prov 30:20
These passages in Proverbs teach us a multitude of lessons about the “strange” woman’s words. The young man of God would do well to have nothing to do with such a woman. In addition, the young woman of God should have no part in conversation with a woman such as this either; this woman’s words can be equally poisoning to a young woman as well.
The book of Proverbs also teaches us “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Prov 23:7) In today’s language, this passage clearly teaches us “that you are what you eat.” To put it yet another way; garbage goes in, garbage comes out. We must consistently choose to think biblical thoughts. We are surely not able to do that hanging around with a male or female who speaks in the same way that the “strange” woman of Proverbs does.
The book of Proverbs also gives us a description of the environment that the “strange” woman chooses to operate in.
IV. Where the "strange" (immoral) woman resides and how she conducts her business.
A. She tries to trick and entrap you. “For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress?” Prov 5:20
B. She tends to conduct her sinfulness in the cover of the night. “And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, 8 passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house 9 in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night”. Prov 7:7-9
C. She is the type of woman who has no accountability. “She was loud and rebellious; her feet would not stay at home. 12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner”. Prov 7:11-12
These few verses teach us that this woman has no respect for God’s parental authority structure. In addition, she is never at home and wanders the streets at night. There is nothing good that occurs in the late hours of the night except sinful behavior, and trouble. This is why we should only see other people whom we wish to date in light of the following standards:
1. The young man or woman; is a Christian.
2. The young man or woman submits to their God-given parental authority structure.
3. The young man or woman is always home at a reasonable time.
These three standards can teach us something very valuable about a potential life mate. First, if they do not honor their parents; why would they honor you? Second, if they do not return home to their parents at a reasonable time; why would they return home to their future spouse at a reasonable time? These are important things to note, when seeking a mate.
The book of Proverbs also teaches that involvement in this type of relationship goes against God’s chosen avenue of Holy matrimony.
V. The "strange" (immoral) woman dishonors God’s purpose for marriage.
A. This type of relationship goes against the reveled will of God. “Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.” Prov 2:17
B. If we get involved in this type of relationship; not only will we be guilty of sin, but we will also be hurt (burned) in the process. This warning is for our protection. “For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. 27 Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? 29 so is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.” Prov 6:26-29
C. Not only will we dishonor ourselves, and God’s sanctity of marriage, but we run the risk of physical harm from an angry spouse. This could lead us on a trip to the hospital, jail, and even the morgue. “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. 33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is a husband's fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.” Prov 6:32-35
D. If you ever have to go around a spouse’s back to do something; it is wrong. You may have tricked yourself into believing that you have gone around God’s back, and He did not see it; but He has. Just because someone may never know; does not mean that God doesn’t know. “Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. 19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day." Prov 7:18-20
All of the previous sections verses have clearly taught us that such a relationship can hurt us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even physically. However, there are worse things than this. The book of proverbs also teaches us that this type of relationship can harm us eternally.
VI. This woman’s path leads her and all who follow her to despair and destruction.
A. The penalty for this kind of sin is punishable by Death. “For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; 19 none who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life” Prov 2:18-19
B. The sentence of death is carried out in a place called Hell. “Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell. 6 Lest you ponder her path of life — her ways are unstable; you do not know them.” Prov 5:5-6
C. All traps have two things in common. First, they have bait. Second they are disguised. Satan uses this lustful relationship as bait to trap you into spending eternity with him. “Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.” Prov 7:22-23
D. Even if you think you are strong in the Lord it is easier to flee temptation than it is to stand and fight it. “Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; 26 for she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. 27 Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.” Prov 7:25-27
E. If you confess to be a child of God; there is nothing there for you. A little sin, is still sin, and once indulged; gives birth to death. “But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Prov 9:18
VII. Conclusion.
The serious repercussions of getting involved with such a person, or becoming such a person are too numerous to count. Rather you are a young man seeking a young woman, or a young woman who is seducing a man; the bible teaches that things do not end well for either party. We have studied the pages of scripture to help identify a bad choice in a mate. Now you owe it to yourself, your future spouse, and your future children to go and study the wise council of Scripture to find a wise choice.
VIII. References
[1] Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: Christian Perspectives and Application. Meier, Paul D. Second Edition, 1991.
I. Introduction.
The bible teaches us that “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Prov 1:5) When seeking to find a mate, it is of the utmost importance to choose wisely. A wrong or poor choice in selecting a mate carries with it many consequences; that can affect the rest of our lives. This is why God has provided us with the bible. The bible is our guide or reference manual to help us make the right choices in life.
The wise counsel of scripture provides us with warnings to help us learn what type of girls to avoid and for the girls to learn how not to be. In addition, we can learn from this wise council certain things to look out for and ways to help us identify a bad choice in selecting a mate.
The book of Proverbs is one the most helpful books within the sixty-six books of the bible; to help us identify what young men should avoid, and young women should strive not to become. This type of woman in the book of Proverbs is referred to as the “strange” (immoral) woman. In light of the book of Proverbs taking the time to give us such a vivid description of this type of woman, let’s take a moment and review these descriptions.
II. The physical characteristics of the "strange" (immoral) woman.
A. She attempts to make herself as sexually attractive to men as possible. “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.” Proverbs 6:25
B. She is identified by the way she dresses as a "harlot". “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot. . .” Proverbs 7:10a
These verses clearly demonstrate that the “strange” woman of proverbs can be identified by her dress attire. In light of these two descriptions; as young men and women of God, we should take note that how a person dresses is of the utmost importance. A recent study has shown that only “7% of a person’s communication involves actual words spoken, 38 % involves paralanguage, and 55% involves body language.” [1]The way that a person dresses falls under the category of paralanguage. Therefore, how a person dresses communicates to others their intentions, and their character. This brings to light the question; what does your dress attire speak about you? Does it say that you are someone worth spending time with; to get to know better? Or does it speak to others that you do not have standards; and therefore are not somebody worthy of being taken seriously? Does your clothing say; this is someone that I would like to spend the rest of my life with? Or does your clothing say I am not the type of person to settle down with?
The book of proverbs also shows us the importance of listening to the words and speech of others in order to warn us of their character.
III. The "strange" (immoral) woman’s words are not to be trusted.
A. Her words are empty and have no meaning, or truth to them. “To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.” Prov 2:16
B. Her words seem like the truth, or a good thing, but in actuality; they are poisonous and can infect your character. “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.” Prov 5:3-4
C. Her false words are used for the sole purpose of deceiving you. “For the commandment (God’s decrees) is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress.” Prov 6:23-24
D. Her words are not sincere. “Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your nearest kin, 5 that they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.” Prov 7:4-5
E. Her words show that she is a master at seeming religious and spiritual, but she has no true love for God. She is a wolf; in sheep’s clothing. “I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. 16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love.” Prov 7:14-18
F. You should flee from her presence; her very speech has the power to subdue you. It is better to separate yourself from her. “With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.” Prov 7:21
G. All of the “strange” woman’s words are empty and without substance, and all who put their trust in this perverse speech will suffer. “The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there.” Prov 22:14
H. She is a blatant Liar. “This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, "I have done no wickedness." Prov 30:20
These passages in Proverbs teach us a multitude of lessons about the “strange” woman’s words. The young man of God would do well to have nothing to do with such a woman. In addition, the young woman of God should have no part in conversation with a woman such as this either; this woman’s words can be equally poisoning to a young woman as well.
The book of Proverbs also teaches us “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Prov 23:7) In today’s language, this passage clearly teaches us “that you are what you eat.” To put it yet another way; garbage goes in, garbage comes out. We must consistently choose to think biblical thoughts. We are surely not able to do that hanging around with a male or female who speaks in the same way that the “strange” woman of Proverbs does.
The book of Proverbs also gives us a description of the environment that the “strange” woman chooses to operate in.
IV. Where the "strange" (immoral) woman resides and how she conducts her business.
A. She tries to trick and entrap you. “For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress?” Prov 5:20
B. She tends to conduct her sinfulness in the cover of the night. “And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, 8 passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house 9 in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night”. Prov 7:7-9
C. She is the type of woman who has no accountability. “She was loud and rebellious; her feet would not stay at home. 12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner”. Prov 7:11-12
These few verses teach us that this woman has no respect for God’s parental authority structure. In addition, she is never at home and wanders the streets at night. There is nothing good that occurs in the late hours of the night except sinful behavior, and trouble. This is why we should only see other people whom we wish to date in light of the following standards:
1. The young man or woman; is a Christian.
2. The young man or woman submits to their God-given parental authority structure.
3. The young man or woman is always home at a reasonable time.
These three standards can teach us something very valuable about a potential life mate. First, if they do not honor their parents; why would they honor you? Second, if they do not return home to their parents at a reasonable time; why would they return home to their future spouse at a reasonable time? These are important things to note, when seeking a mate.
The book of Proverbs also teaches that involvement in this type of relationship goes against God’s chosen avenue of Holy matrimony.
V. The "strange" (immoral) woman dishonors God’s purpose for marriage.
A. This type of relationship goes against the reveled will of God. “Who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.” Prov 2:17
B. If we get involved in this type of relationship; not only will we be guilty of sin, but we will also be hurt (burned) in the process. This warning is for our protection. “For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. 27 Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? 29 so is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.” Prov 6:26-29
C. Not only will we dishonor ourselves, and God’s sanctity of marriage, but we run the risk of physical harm from an angry spouse. This could lead us on a trip to the hospital, jail, and even the morgue. “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul. 33 Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is a husband's fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.” Prov 6:32-35
D. If you ever have to go around a spouse’s back to do something; it is wrong. You may have tricked yourself into believing that you have gone around God’s back, and He did not see it; but He has. Just because someone may never know; does not mean that God doesn’t know. “Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. 19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a long journey; 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, And will come home on the appointed day." Prov 7:18-20
All of the previous sections verses have clearly taught us that such a relationship can hurt us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even physically. However, there are worse things than this. The book of proverbs also teaches us that this type of relationship can harm us eternally.
VI. This woman’s path leads her and all who follow her to despair and destruction.
A. The penalty for this kind of sin is punishable by Death. “For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; 19 none who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life” Prov 2:18-19
B. The sentence of death is carried out in a place called Hell. “Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell. 6 Lest you ponder her path of life — her ways are unstable; you do not know them.” Prov 5:5-6
C. All traps have two things in common. First, they have bait. Second they are disguised. Satan uses this lustful relationship as bait to trap you into spending eternity with him. “Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life.” Prov 7:22-23
D. Even if you think you are strong in the Lord it is easier to flee temptation than it is to stand and fight it. “Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; 26 for she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. 27 Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.” Prov 7:25-27
E. If you confess to be a child of God; there is nothing there for you. A little sin, is still sin, and once indulged; gives birth to death. “But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Prov 9:18
VII. Conclusion.
The serious repercussions of getting involved with such a person, or becoming such a person are too numerous to count. Rather you are a young man seeking a young woman, or a young woman who is seducing a man; the bible teaches that things do not end well for either party. We have studied the pages of scripture to help identify a bad choice in a mate. Now you owe it to yourself, your future spouse, and your future children to go and study the wise council of Scripture to find a wise choice.
VIII. References
[1] Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: Christian Perspectives and Application. Meier, Paul D. Second Edition, 1991.
Teacher Feedback:
Hey Chuck:
Great paper! Lot's of good truth. This would be a good paper to share with young men and women, as well as adults.
Blessings,
Dr. Allan P. Brown
Hey Chuck:
Great paper! Lot's of good truth. This would be a good paper to share with young men and women, as well as adults.
Blessings,
Dr. Allan P. Brown