Proverbs chapter 6

vs 25

Again, it would seem that the two sides of the coin are represented - one started by the lust of the man looking at the woman, the other started by the wily feminine charms of the girl.

vs 26

That is an interesting statement to make. He seems to be suggesting that going to a prostitute is a much simpler affair because it involves only money, and not messing with the family of another. I guess it's true. But I don't think it means he's suggesting going to a prostitute as a solution - just that something which is generally more frowned upon turns out to be simpler than embarking on adultery.

Oh, and I don't think this verse is giving a pricing standard for prostitution either. I wonder if that's ever been tried on?

vs 27

Talk about playing with fire! This is a very worldly and down to earth sort of wisdom. Adultery may be wrong, but it's also destructive, so expect to get burned if you get involved.

vs 28

Same again, but the examples show how seriously the consequences are taken by Solomon.

vs 29

So just in case you were thinking that it was only ever the women who got punished - this verse makes it expressly clear that is not so.

vs 30

A novel notion that we all know is true. Not that we condone the thievery necessarily, but desperation can at least be understood. I wonder if God takes such things into account? Surely he would not be a righteous judge if he did not. After all, he knows mercy as well as justice.

vs 31

This is justice. It's the difference between understanding someone's actions and condoning them. The fact is that the action is still wrong, and so there's a punishment to be meted out. But the amount of shame for its commission is lessened by the understanding of the people.

vs 32

After all, you're not doing it to feed your family. And the punishment is a lot worse.

vs 33

You're lucky if you get away with blows and disgrace, and not death. Perhaps they'd mellowed out by Solomon's time. Forgot about what the Law said.

vs 34

Ahh, perhaps Solomon was referring to the beating you will receive from the husband before you get stoned to death. Still likely to happen today, too.

vs 35

So whereas you can pay back seven times what you stole and then you will be forgiven, or at least your crime will be considered paid off, there is no payment you will make to a jealous husband to avoid his wrath. Good picture of God, really.