The Fox Fairy (Proverbs 7:14-15)

I took a fascinating class when I was in college, “Chinese Literature In Translation.” It examined various motifs in Chinese literature, identifying classic archetypes depicting recurrent characters and themes. One archetype that always stood out to me was the Fox Fairy. This mischievous spirit, in the form of a fox, could assume a human female form to seduce unsuspecting men.

The Bible introduces us to a similar archetype-the adulteress. She is mentioned several times in the Book of Proverbs, perhaps nowhere as graphically as in Proverbs 7. Solomon writes of a naive man who ventures where he should know better not to go. He is willing to invite temptation and the woman, the adulteress, is more than eager to oblige. Of the many descriptions and actions used to describe her, one of the more disturbing is contained in the following verse:

I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you,  to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.

Proverbs 7:14-15 (ESV)

Under the pretext and guise of holiness, the adulteress lures the young man into an illicit relationship. Sadly, her brazenness and audacity to manipulate religion is nothing new. So much sin and evil have been perpetrated in the name of God. Fox fairy...adulteress. The names may change but the behavior is the same. Sin is sin; it has not changed since the Garden of Eden.

We need to cling and meditate upon God’s Word and promises to keep us safe from anyone who would justify their sins in the name of God. We need to seek the Holy Spirit’s protection and guidance to give us the sensitivity to know when we are being lured into a dangerous situation. And we need to keep our hearts free from idols.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.