Proverbs 7:20 – “He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the seductive woman assures the young man that her husband is not only gone on a journey but also that he has taken enough money to be away for a significant amount of time. The phrase “till full moon” indicates that he will not return for several days, maybe even weeks. This is meant to convince the young man that there is no risk of being caught. She is trying to remove any remaining doubts or fears he might have about getting involved with her. Her words are designed to make him believe that they have plenty of time to indulge in their desires without facing any consequences.
Historical Context
In the culture of ancient Israel, the full moon was used to mark time, often indicating a period of about a month. The mention of a husband going on a long trip with a purse full of money suggests a planned business journey or trade expedition, which would have been a common practice at the time. Men would often be away for extended periods, leaving their households behind. However, using her husband’s absence as an opportunity to commit adultery would have been seen as a serious betrayal, both morally and socially. In a society that valued faithfulness in marriage, this behavior would have been seen as scandalous.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse illustrates how temptation often seeks to reassure us that there are no immediate consequences for sinful actions. The woman’s words reveal how sin tries to create a false sense of security, making us believe that we can get away with wrongdoing without being caught. However, God’s Word teaches us that nothing is hidden from Him, and there will always be consequences for sin, even if they are not immediately apparent. This verse is a reminder that indulging in sin because we think we can escape consequences is a dangerous illusion.
Literary Analysis
The language in this verse is calm and persuasive. The woman uses the idea of time—“till full moon”—to create a sense of freedom and opportunity. By mentioning that her husband has taken his money and won’t be back soon, she is removing the young man’s fear of being discovered. Solomon uses this dialogue to highlight how temptation often uses the promise of secrecy and delayed consequences to make sin seem more appealing. The tone is deceptively comforting, aiming to lure the listener into a false sense of security.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 5:21-22 – “For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths. The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.”
- Ecclesiastes 8:11 – “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.”
- Hebrews 4:13 – “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
These verses emphasize that even when we think we can hide our actions, God sees everything. The illusion of getting away with sin is just that—an illusion.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Proverbs 7:20 is a reminder to be cautious of the mindset that we can engage in sinful behavior without facing consequences. The world often encourages us to believe that if we can do something in secret, then it’s harmless. This verse challenges us to remember that God sees everything, even when no one else does. It’s a call to live with integrity, making choices that align with God’s will, regardless of whether we think we can get away with something in the moment.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His desire for us to live righteous lives, free from the consequences of hidden sins. By warning us against the deception of secrecy, God is protecting us from the pain and regret that inevitably follow sinful actions. God knows that when we think we can hide our actions, we are only setting ourselves up for future heartache. His guidance is meant to keep us on a path that leads to true joy and peace, not the temporary pleasure that comes with hidden sins.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus spoke about the importance of living transparently before God. In Luke 12:2-3, He said, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” Jesus emphasized that everything done in secret will eventually be brought to light. By following Jesus, we learn the importance of living with integrity, knowing that God is always aware of our actions. Jesus calls us to live in a way that honors God, not just when others are watching, but also when we are alone.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to believe that you can get away with sin because no one is watching?
- How can you remind yourself that God sees everything you do, even in secret?
- What practical steps can you take to live with integrity, both publicly and privately?
- How can focusing on Jesus’ teachings help you resist the temptation to compromise your values when you think you won’t be caught?
- How can you encourage others to live honestly and transparently, even when it’s difficult?
Reflecting on these questions can help you grow in your commitment to live according to God’s truth, making choices that are pleasing to Him, and resisting the temptation to indulge in hidden sins.