For on account of a prostitute one is reduced to a loaf of bread… Proverbs 6:26a, TLV
Fill in the Blank. Are you reading this blog? Thank you. Honestly, this chapter has verses few want to even glance over. But, as usual, there are some crumbs (pun intended) that might be helpful to all of us. First, I want you to imagine that this passage reads as: “For on account of [______________] one is reduced to a loaf of bread…”
Now, let’s focus on “reduced to a loaf of bread.” The commentaries that speak to this — and most focus on the prostitute/harlot part — believe it’s meant to represent someone who has been reduced to poverty. This happens because of their obsession, in this case, with adultery and/or fornication.
Okay, so most of us reading this aren’t dealing specifically with hiring those who sell their bodies, but as we discussed in previous blogs, just entertaining the idea is enough for it to be counted as sin.
But, if I thought about those obsessions that can deplete us, then it opened a wide vista of things.
Obsessions
Let’s begin with the obvious, then list those we may not have thought of:
- gambling
- addiction to drugs/alcohol
- shopping/retail therapy
- pornography
- time wasters: like gabbing/talking/chatting, social media, games, entertainment
- at the office: can affect performance which affects our wages and office climate, even our reputation
- home: pulls us from time we would spend taking care of our families
- unforgiveness: unforgiveness breeds. It begins with offense and grows until bitterness controls our lives. This will affect our health and quality of life and will continue to multiply if we don’t deal with it.
So, really, if we’re struggling to make ends meet when our resources 
are enough for us to live comfortably, perhaps there’s something that “on account of” is keeping us bound. And, it doesn’t have to be money, our quality of life can easily be affected by those things we’re bound to.
How Do We Overcome?
It can be overwhelming to try to change, especially if we’ve allowed the condition to severely affect our family, finances, and health. To begin:
- Confess and repent to the LORD. Just the act of acknowledging we have a problem and seeking forgiveness will relieve us from the weight of secrets and trying to hide our problems.
- Seek help from a professional. Whether our pastor, rabbi, counselor, or medical professional, we don’t have to fight alone.
- Be discerning about confidants. Even good friends might not be the best folks to share intimate problems. Pray that the Holy Spirit shows us the right people to bring into the circle of trust for this situation.
- Support Groups. These days there are support groups for about everything. Google it. Check with whomever we’re receiving counsel from.
One thing for certain, our Heavenly Father doesn’t want us reduced to bread and water because of our obsessions and sins. But, unfortunately, sometimes that’s what gets our attention to the problem. And He will use whatever necessary to free us.
Remember, our Savior suffered and died for that freedom. He walks beside us every day, and He’ll be there through this rocky journey, too.
Think More About It
Has the Holy Spirit irritated a piece of your heart today? How would you fill in the blank?
If this blog blessed you, please share. I love your insights and questions — please comment below. Thanks!
