fire in the bosom

An important reminder of the dangers of adultery from Proverbs 6!

20 My son, keep your father’s command, 
      And do not forsake the law of your mother. 
21 Bind them continually upon your heart; 
      Tie them around your neck. 
22 When you roam, they will lead you; 
      When you sleep, they will keep you; 
      And when you awake, they will speak with you. 
23 For the commandment 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. 
25 Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, 
      Nor let her allure you with her eyelids. 
26 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. 
30 People do not despise a thief 
      If he steals to satisfy himself 
      when he is starving. 
31 Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; 
      He may have to give up all the substance
      of his house. 
32 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.

Comment: The events of last week still weigh heavily upon my heart.