As we have seen, the word “whoso” is found 54 times in the King James Version, with exactly half of these being found in the book of Proverbs. Some of these 27 occurrences in Proverbs serve as the basis for our current study.
Proverbs 6:20-35 deals with the subject of adultery. By inspiration the sagacious Solomon spoke of the perils of committing such an act. He began this section by instructing his son (by the way, Rehoboam is the only one mentioned by name in Scripture- I Kgs. 11:43) to keep the instruction of his parents close to heart regarding this matter in particular (vss. 20-24). He next addressed the dangers of committing such an immoral act, merely from the physical standpoint (vss. 25-29). Finally, he drew a parallel of sorts with one who steals food in order to feed himself when he is hungry. Regarding such a man, Solomon reveals that he is guilty of wrong and would have to make restoration if discovered. One who would steal because he was hungry would be overlooked by most, however, simply because of the state in which he currently found himself (vs. 30). Most would not harshly condemn such an individual, knowing that he himself might be but a step away from such poverty.
However, there is no such a situation or excuse for one to commit adultery. In contrast to the former, Solomon stated of the latter, “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul” (vs. 32). He (nor she) will garner any sympathy due to the heinousness of the act and the lack of any reason whatsoever for it. Ostensibly, “A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.” (vss. 33-35).
In a day and age in which premarital and extra-marital sex is not merely tolerated, but frequently glamorized, men need to return to the Biblical standards of morality. Doing so would save many individuals, families, congregations, communities and even a nation from despair, depression, physical altercations, mental anguish and, most of all, the condemnation of their Creator. To be sure, “whoso committeth adultery” is indeed void of understanding, and headed for immeasurable heartache.
-Eddy
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