To deliver you from the adulterous woman, from the loose woman who has flattered you with her words; who leaves the husband from her younger days, and has ignored her marriage covenant made before God. For she has set her house by death, and her paths by the place of the departed spirits.
(Proverbs 2:16-18)
Solomon was keenly aware of Old Testament law that said that it is wrong for a person to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20:14). Proverbs expands on God’s simple plan: sexual relationships are to be between a husband and wife only. Sexual immorality, unfaithfulness, illicit sexual affairs, and alternative lifestyles are not God’s ideal for His creation. Sex outside of marriage comes at a great price and cannot be experienced without hurting people and sexual intercourse outside of marital vows can never be considered “safe.”
Solomon tells us that a person’s sex life is in full view of God and that one’s sexual activities are examined (Proverbs 5:21). A natural interest in the opposite sex and a healthy sex life within marriage are to be celebrated, but premarital or recreational or casual or any other kind of sex outside the covenant of marriage hurts those immediately involved as well as others.
Are you satisfied with your sex life? Does your sexual relationship meet Solomon’s criteria for success? Can a sexual partner bring you lasting happiness? Have you considered all of the ramifications of “casual” sex?