I remember the song from Sunday School…
O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
There’s a Father up above
And He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see
Do you remember this song? It cautions us to watch what what our eyes see, ears hear, hands do, feet go, and mouth say… 5 Warnings. 5 Actions. 5 Entry points into our life. But is it enough?
These Actions lead us to our heart, soul and mind, learning, acquiring and building the character of who we are. And who we will become. They are not the 5 Senses (sight, hear, touch, smell, taste), but they do represent the way of our life. The traveling of our person through life.
In Proverbs 5, Solomon takes on the serious task of warning his children, and it would seem the focus is on his sons, to watch out for immoral people.
Remove your way far from her, And do not go near the door of her house, (Proverbs 5:8 NKJV)
Yet, it would seem he personally struggled with this himself. Could it be that he lived with what was started by his father, David? It was a different time, but the hunger was still to live moral lives – even when the pull of the siren song was so strong.
Through the years it has been my observation that the person who teaches or speaks against a specific sin struggles with the temptation of said sin. I then wonder about this chapter and his strong focus to his children to not be tempted along the same path as himself. Listen to his instruction and put yourself in his position.
And say: “How I have hated instruction, And my heart despised correction! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, Nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! I was on the verge of total ruin, In the midst of the assembly and congregation.” (Proverbs 5:12-14 NKJV)
In front of everyone, on the verge of total ruin!
Think on it. Selah.
Too often we head down a path, and probably blinded by our actions and direction. Others see it, but their words are ignored, even hated. We know it internally, but our heart despises the correction of words and thought.
A long time ago I learned, when others spend a moment to correct you even when you know for a fact they are wrong, take a moment and delve into the internal matters of heart, soul and mind. Are you sure? Remember, instructions can come from the most inane source.
Finally, take joy in your own marital relationship. Do not go seeking strange water. What you have at home is better than what you will ever find in the wild (Just ask the Prodigal!).
Drink water from your own cistern, And running water from your own well. (Proverbs 5:15 NKJV)
Do well. Live long. Prosper. Just saying!