Prov 7:16 I have spread my couch with coverings, coloured linens from Egyptian linen;
At one point in a business I was working in I was charged with selling an iconic piece of equipment. It was well known in the industry and had been designed for a purpose and had been used in that purpose. But now, the rest of the system that this piece depended on was scrapped, and this was all that was left.
I emailed out to the industry leaders to see who was interested in perhaps owning this – it would be a great piece to have outside a large business – it was iconic, well known, and spoke to innovation and progress.
There were several companies interested, all with deep pockets.
So I set about asking for bids. And some really good bids came in. I decided to let everyone involved know that we had several bids of the same value, and that we would now run a closed envelope round, where after the closing date the envelopes would be opened and the highest bid would have the right to buy the item.
The phone went one day and one of the companies managers asked me what I thought the highest bid would be – which I thought was a bit cheeky, but ok – but I was not going to tell him. Then he said “if an envelope for you with $10000 was on your desk tomorrow would that make any difference to who you would pick”.
I politely declined to continue the discussion, and went straight to the boardroom where the owner and Chairperson were meeting and I let them know what had just happened.
There was the briefest moment however, when the offer was made, when I imagined what it would be like to have an extra $10000 to spend on my wife and family. (and we were doing it tough at this point). But I immediately knew that my conscience would never be at ease, and the cost to me would always outweigh any perceived benefit.
KNOWLEDGE
The symbolism in proverbs of a married woman enticing a young man into her bed – is counterbalanced by wisdom being also portrayed as a woman. This symbolism illustrates the seductive and destructive nature of sin. It’s relatable. It’s a warning, it indicates the consequences, and it contrasts with the earlier teaching on wisdom, where we are instructed to listen to the father.
UNDERSTANDING – Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
The word used for “couch” in Hebrew is pronounced “‘eres'”, and has the meaning of bed, couch, a place for rest or repose. We see the same word used in Job 7:13 when he is looking to find somewhere to rest from his discomfort.
In the LXX the Greek word used is κλίνην [klinene] which in the New Testament is κλίνη [kline] which is used nine times and is always translated as “bed”. There is no doubt that picture being painted is of a young man being seduced by a married woman.
WISDOM – It’s almost too late for the young man in this proverb, he has gone looking for what his heart desires and has already been up close and personal, the actions have been justified, and now the sin says come deeper, enjoy more. Yet, with God there is always a way out, it’s never too late to turn back to him, and the sooner we do, the better for all.
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Strategic Thinking can be used to bless or to curse, the responsibility lies with the person. This talent finds a way forwards, and makes a way for others to be involved, quickly spotting patterns, whether in process or behaviour.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – I have covered my place of rest completely with coverings, embroidered fabrics of Egyptian red linen.
I have spread – I have covered
my couch – my place of rest
with coverings, – completely with coverings,
coloured linens – embroidered fabrics
from Egyptian linen – from Egyptian red linen.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Help me to listen to you and guard my heart well each day.
To chat to me as a professional coach/mentor – [email protected]
I so love feedback – please do scroll down and use a few moments to encourage me?