The
book of Proverbs continually holds up two choices; the word of the world and
the word of God. Everything starts with a word. Creation started with a word
(Genesis 1:3). The ministry of Jesus began with a word, “Repent,” (Matthew
4:17). Lazarus came out of the grave with a word, “Lazarus, come forth,” (John
11:43). The last word of Jesus from the cross was an announcement of the
perfection of salvation, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) Believers will be
caught up together with the word, a shout of victory like a trumpet blast (1
Thessalonians 4:16).
Likewise, temptation begins with a word, “My
son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you
may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge. For the lips of a
forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end
she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” Proverbs 5:1 –
4. You are continually faced with which word you will believe and follow. Both
have set outcomes, predetermined outcomes. Once you begin following, you cannot
change the outcome; they are already determined, predetermined by God. You can
change direction, either for better or for bitter, but you cannot change the
outcomes. Choosing wisely is the message of Proverbs.
There is a story in Greek mythology that
illustrates the two choices. It is found in two epic stories, Homer’s Odyssey
and Jason and the Argonauts. In the Odyssey, Ulysses and his men sail around
the Aegean Sea with one adventure after another. They had heard about the
seductive songs of the Sirens. As sailors would pass by the island of the
Sirens, they would hear the most beautiful, seductive, inviting songs, which
sounded like the honey and oil of the adulteress in Proverbs five. They would
follow its irresistible allure, only to be destroyed on the rocks.
Ulysses knew of the danger and so had his men
fill their ears with bee’s wax so they could not hear the seduction. But
Ulysses wanted to hear their sensual songs, so he had himself tied fast to the
main mast of the ship. He instructed his men that no matter what he did, he was
not to be untied. As they passed by the island the songs nearly drove Ulysses
mad with lust, but his men had their ears stuffed with wax and could not hear
his angry commands, nor the Sirens deceptive invitation.
Jason, who also knew of the legend of the
Sirens, had a different method of escape. He brought Orpheus with him on the
voyage. Orpheus was known for his beautiful songs and music. They said that no
other on earth who could sing and play like Orpheus. His songs had healing
powers according to the myth. Jason was betting that the songs of Orpheus would
drown out the deceptive and destructive songs of the Sirens.
As Jason and his crew drew near the islands of
the Sirens, before the first notes of their seduction began, Orpheus was already
playing his songs of peaceful beauty. As the sailors enjoyed the music of their
beloved Orpheus, they did not even notice the allure of the Sirens, and escaped
while singing with Orpheus and enjoying his music.
The message is clear: God’s word has an eternal
beauty and grace that is not of this world. The sweetness of God’s word with
the oil of the Holy Spirit makes the rotting slop of the world, the flesh, and
the devil go unnoticed. Religion will seek to stuff your ears with bee’s wax or
tie you up with restrictive rules. Neither will last very long. According to
Colossians 2:23, the rules of religion “…are of no value in stopping the
indulgences of the flesh.” Something greater is offered in a personal
relationship with God, through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. With your eyes
on Jesus, and your ear tuned to His word, you will sail past temptation and not
even notice it’s deceptive lie, allowing God to satisfy your desires as you
enjoy His presence and feast on His word, forever. Hallelujah!!!
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