Who are we captivated by?
TODAY'S PROVERB: Why, my son, be captivated by a seducing woman? Why embrace a foreigner’s bosom? Proverb 5:20
The next three chapters deal with seduction, adultery, and fornication. Entanglements that can destroy our life and the lives around us.
Before we "blink" past this chapter, or the two that follow, let's see what the LORD may have for us.
With a bit of heat to my cheeks, I'd like to focus on the word, bosom.
The definition of bosom as a noun is pretty straight forward--it's a woman's chest. The adjective is: close or intimate or inseparable or faithful.
It's the adjective I'd like to focus on today.
If you've ever read the Anne of Green Gables series, or watched the shows, or watched the early Tom Hanks show, Bosom Buddies, "bosom" friends were people that were best friends. Simpatico. Siblings of the heart.
Which can be a delightful, fulfilling thing. However, sometimes we have bosom friendships that aren't healthy. Friendships that shouldn't hold such a place of intimacy--they should be "foreign" to our lives. These "foreign" relationships can seduce us away from our family, and even the LORD. OR, we have friendships that have lost their Biblical boundaries and need some course correction.
Here are 5 Caution Signs of an Unhealthy "Bosom" Friendship:
1. COMMUNICATION. Communications that are one-sided most of the time, aren't healthy. Both parties should feel they're being heard. Sometimes there are seasons where one friend needs more, but over time it should regulate. It might take an intentional discussion to right the course.
2. GOSSIP. If our conversations consist of gossip--even if it is "only from time-to-time"--know that those conversations inject negativity into the sacred space between us. It inevitably seeps into our heart and mind. Not good. Stop it.
3. HONESTY. Of course what we say should be true and honest, but what I'm speaking about is whether or not we feel we CAN be honest. To be able to be ourselves. If we can't be honest or be honest about our feelings to the other person, it's a red flag. Discover the "why" so it can be resolved.
4. ISOLATION/JEALOUSY. If we or the other person is jealous of other relationships--including family--this is a big red flag. If we're the one feeling the jealousy, step back and do some soul-searching with the LORD. If the other party is tugging you away, then find out why. There may be simple reasons they feel this way and it's easy to remedy.
5. DISRESPECTING FAMILY. This is one of those dangerous caution signs. We all have problems with our family--parents, spouse, kids. A "friend" who encourages negativity with our family is not healthy. A "bosom" friend should love our family, too and always try to work with us to seek a resolution. Any person that seduces us away from resolving a conflict is a "foreigner" to our journey. It also means we need to be responsible in what we share. We mustn't be disrespectful of those we love either.
If our "bosom" friendship has one or more of these cautionary signs, it doesn't mean we have to sever the friendship. It DOES mean there needs to be some course correction. Good old-fashion Biblical rules put in place.
Should this person be unwilling or unable to change, it may be necessary to distance yourself. To move on.
Keeping away from "foreign" friends will go a long way in protecting us from being seduced or captivated by sin. And, that's a good thing.
May we walk away from seduction and the "foreign" friend, my friends.
Proverbs 5:20, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
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