YOU CAN REMAIN CHASTE IN AN IMMORAL WORLD

Beware of a Smooth Palate

The reason why thinking ability is essential in maintaining moral purity in an unclean world is that the ways of an immoral person are seductive.  Solomon warns:  "As a honeycomb the lips of a strange woman keep dripping, and her palate is smoother than oil.  But the aftereffect from her is as bitter as wormwood; it is as sharp as a two-edged sword." -Proverbs 5:3, 4.

In this proverb, the wayward person is portrayed as "a strange woman" -a prostitute.  The words with which she seduces her victim are as sweet as comb honey and smoother than olive oil.  Do not most immoral sexual advances begin this way?  For example, consider the experience of an attractive 27-year-0ld secretary named Amy.  She relates:  "This man at work gives me a lot of attention and praises me at every opportunity.  It feels nice to be noticed.  But i can clearly see that his interest in me is strictly sexual.  I am  not going to be taken in by his advances."  The flattering words of a seducer or a seductress are  usually attractive unless we recognize their true nature.  For this we need to exercise our thinking ability.

The aftereffects of immorality are as bitter as wormwood and as sharp as a two-edged sword-painful and death dealing.  A troubled conscience, an unwanted pregnancy, or a sexually transmitted disease are often the bitter consequences of such conduct.  And think of the enormous emotional pain experienced by the marriage partner of an unfaithful individual.  One act of infidelity can  inflict wounds deep enough to last  a lifetime. Yes, immorality hurts.

Commenting on the life-style of a wayward woman, the wise king continues:  "Her feet are descending to death.  Her very steps take  hold on Sheol itself.  The path of life  she does not contemplate.  Her tracks have wandered she does not know where."  (Proverbs 5:5, 6)  The immoral woman's ways lead her to death-her steps to Sheol, the common grave of mankind.  With sexually transmitted diseases, especially AIDS, running rampant, how true these words are!  Her outcome is the same as that of those who accompany her in her crooked tracks.  With heartfelt  concern, the kings urges:  "So  now, O sons, listen to me and do not turn away from the sayings of my mouth.  Keep your way far off from alongside her, and do not get near to the entrance of her house." -Proverbs 5:7, 9.

We need to stay as far away as possible from the influence of immoral people.   Why should we open ourselves to their ways by listening to debasing music, watching corrupting entertainment, or exposing ourselves to pornographic  material?  (Proverbs 6:27; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:3-5)   And how foolish to invite their attention by flirting or by being immodest in dress and grooming! -1 Timothy 45:8; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

Next time: Too High a Price

Watchtower, 2000