“Who Lacks Understanding?”
The seventh of the Ten Commandments given by God through Moses states: “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14). This law is stated both clearly and concisely. And while the Israelite nation was together in the wilderness, it probably remained enforceable, since we don’t hear of any problems of that kind until the time of the Judges. Although no specific penalty was attached to the original ordinances, one was declared in the Book of Leviticus: “The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.” (20:10). Nothing theologically difficult can be seen in this law, either.
By the time of King Solomon, adultery seems to have become commonplace, which indicates that the death penalty for the transgression was not being practiced. Solomon warns against both adultery and the immoral woman in Proverbs 2:16-22, 5:3-23, 6:23-35, and 7:6-27. Up until this book, we have learned that adultery is a sin that violates the will of a holy God—that it is, therefore, objectively and morally wrong. Second, we saw that such a sin is worthy of death. An additional, pertinent fact surfaces in Proverbs 6:32: “He who commits adultery lacks sense” (ESV). Perhaps those contemplating the sin ought to consider this point carefully, and ask: “How wise am I?”
Actually, the use of the word sense is more of a paraphrase than a translation. The Hebrew word [3820] is translated “heart” 508 out of 593 times it appears. It is rendered “understanding” 10 times and “wisdom” 6. The KJV said that such a man “lacketh understanding.” Why? A jealous husband may wound him or cause his name to be dishonored. One cannot anticipate the severity of his vengeance, and he may not be interested in monetary compensation (Pr. 6:33-35). So, if God’s commandment fails to motivate someone to refrain from the sin, and the punishment is not practiced any more, some practical reasons still exist not to give in to temptation.
Someone might feel rather smug at this point, saying, “I would never get caught in such a situation.” Excellent! But have you been contemplating it in your mind? Jesus said that “whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28). Why did Jesus give this warning? If no actual sin is committed and the idea stays within the confines of the mind, what harm is done? Possibly, Jesus said these words because He knew where the sin of adultery originates. Most people do not wake up in the morning and decide, “I think I’ll commit adultery today.” No, it usually begins in the heart, and once the heart has entertained the sinful action, it is much easier to give in if an opportunity should arise. All Christians should avoid the literal transgression, as well as the lack of “understanding” that leads to it.