Our Holy Father Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Day 9 of the Great Fast.
Sixth Hour – Isaiah 5:7-16; Vespers – Genesis 4:8-15; Proverbs 5:1-15.
Read Proverbs 5:1-15
The passage from Proverbs warns us against the dangers of infatuation and sexual immorality, urging us instead to hold fast to wisdom. It paints a vivid picture: what may seem sweet at first—like honey from the lips of temptation—quickly turns bitter, leading to ruin. This warning is not just about physical consequences but spiritual ones as well. The path of lust is described as one that leads to Hades, severing us from true life.
At its core, this passage is about preserving the sanctity of marriage. The wisdom here is not just a warning against sexual sin but an invitation to something greater—a life of faithfulness, integrity, and love. In contrast to the fleeting pleasure of infidelity, marriage, when lived out in accordance with God’s plan, is a wellspring of life. Proverbs calls us to “drink waters from your own vessel,” a poetic way of saying that true fulfillment comes from commitment, not from wandering desires.
St. Paul echoes this in Ephesians, where he describes marriage as an icon of Christ’s love for the Church. Husbands are called to love with the same sacrificial love Christ showed on the cross, and wives are called to respond with trust and devotion. This love is not based on selfish desire but on the complete gift of self—perfect obedience and perfect sacrifice.
In a world that often distorts love and promotes fleeting pleasures, Scripture reminds us that marriage is sacred. It is a covenant, a reflection of divine love, and a path to holiness. True wisdom lies in guarding our hearts and treasuring this gift, seeking a love that is not just passionate but also faithful, life-giving, and rooted in Christ.