Immediately he went after her,
as an ox goes to the slaughter,
or as a fool to the correction of the stocks.

Proverbs 7:22 [NKJV]

This is a vivid section of Proverbs which shares Solomon’s a warning to his son about the kind of enticements used by harlots to target young men. In no way is Solomon excusing the responsibility of his son to be responsible and walk way. In fact, in the middle of this story is our key verse. Solomon tells his son, that if he yields to the harlot’s attractions, he will be like a dumb ox or bull being led to slaughter and all along thinking it was going out to pasture to enjoy a nice grazing.  

And, just in case the king’s son doesn’t resonate with the ox analogy, Solomon plainly states that his son will be like a fool who is placed in the public stocks if he commits this sexual sin in what he thinks is a private encounter.

And that is why we are looking at this verse.

Fools struggle to consider the consequences of their words or actions, especially if they think those actions will be conducted in private. This can be especially true when sexual desires are not kept in check as described throughout Proverbs. Whether it is a famous person or a person no one seems to notice, believing you can play around with sexual sin and not face the consequences is foolish! And that is especially true in today’s world of instant Internet where you are guilty until you prove yourself innocent. 

And just like in Solomon’s day, social media is very much like being put into public stocks. It only takes one person who shouts loud and clear whether in truth or not…that part doesn’t even matter. If there is ever a time for teens and twenty-somethings to use discretion and wisdom and purity in all their dealings, this is the time! 

Now, I don’t want to leave the impression that only young people are making these ox-like and foolish decisions concerning their sexuality. That is far from the case! I am actually embarrassed to see the number of women in their 60s and 70s making complete fools of themselves splashing their sexuality all over the internet. And this is not anything that is being done against them or a private encounter being made public by a scorned lover. No! These women are exhibiting themselves with photo after photo, on purpose, in the hopes of getting the most likes and shares. And then they cry “Foul” when comments become too lewd or when criticisms become too crass.

They consider themselves to be empowered women. But God says there is nothing empowering about being foolish in our behavior, particularly our sensuality. Women who exploit their sexuality on social media put themselves in the public stocks and bring upon themselves any negativity which is also public: and on and on the ugly cycle goes. Again, I am not excusing the people who make the lewd and ugly comments. They are also behaving foolishly using ungodly words to harm. Things, I would hope, they would never say to a woman’s face, they shout aloud in their comments. Shame on them!

Today’s social media obsession is very good at keeping the public stocks in the Fool’s Box!

Oh, that today’s women would take back their sexuality and place it under the protection of God’s perfect plan and true purpose for the beautiful lives for which He created them. 

And, Oh, that men would bow their knees before their Creator and serve Him in all their ways leading others by their pure example and not just by words to the Savior, Jesus the Christ.