Marriage: The Power of Partnership in Overcoming Pornography
- January 8, 2013
The Top 10 Proverbs of Accountability
Men have needed other men for centuries. Whether in the trenches or on the field, being part of a band of brothers is a sacred thing. Proverbs shows us that it is critical to have a brother to stand with us through adversity. To overcome pornography, we will need such a man. Let the Proverbs guide you.
1. Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
The proverbs extol the value a faithful friend who has your back through thick and thin. They love at all times not just when you are doing well. When the stresses are running high because you blew it again or the time of adversity is immanent because your wife is done and ready to leave you, this brother calls you to greatness. They never give up on you or on your sincere desire to honor God with purity and integrity. Find a man like this.
2. Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Your accountability partner needs to have ‘teeth’. You don’t need some pathetic wussy who tolerates your excuses and simply gives you a pat on the back saying, “better luck next time.” You want a man who creates sparks when he clashes with you like steel on steel. He cares deeply enough to confront and sharpen you by clear, direct advice and by telling you like it is. His perseverance is designed to bring the best out of you – God’s design for you. Find a man like this.
3. Proverbs 18:24 – “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Remember you are the average of the 5 closest friends you hang around with. Who are the quality God-fearing men in your world? Who can you count on? Those that are all talk with no follow through are the undependable type that won’t be what you need. Look for men of character – like a brother – who sticks close and isn’t a ‘no show’. Avoid ruin by getting connected to one who is trustworthy and consistent. Find a man like this.
4. Proverbs 27:6 – “Wounds from a friend can be trusted.”
Sure, it might sting for a while but don’t doubt this guy. Listen to what he says even when it hurts you. Know he has no other motive for speaking straight to you but that he signed on to walk with you in overcoming your impurity issue. Though it is about trusting in the Lord to overcome the porn, be sure to thank Him for a man who will speak the truth to you. Have confidence in his perspective. Find a man like this.
5. Proverbs 27:10 – “The pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.”
Look for a sincere man who takes the role he will play in your life seriously. His heartfelt approach with both his convincing and convicting manner screams that he loves you. His counsel is wise and good. Out of his compassion for you, he urges and compels you to do what is right. THAT is a good friend. You’ll look forward to seeing this guy because he always brings hope and leaves you feeling encouraged. Find a man like this.
6. Proverbs 9:9 – “Instruct a wise man; he will be wiser still. Teach a righteous man; he will add to his learning.”
Face it. What you have been doing hasn’t given you freedom from your addiction. You will need wise and righteous input to overcome the hold porn has on you. You’ll need to learn new ways of doing things. Your way isn’t working. Righteous influence is the best. God’s way works. Be wise enough to receive instruction – to add to your learning. Be a man like this.
7. Proverbs 17:10 – “A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than one hundred lashes a fool.”
You like being confronted? Ya, right. Nobody does. The more aware you are of this battle, the more you know you need outside input to win this war. Ask God for an attitude of humility. It’s not simply a matter of discipline or the lashes might work. It’s surrender to God and the help of others. You need to listen and accept. Rebukes need to impress you. Why? Because you can see the bigger picture of the transformation needed. Be a man like this.
8. Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Break the silence. Quit playing your little secret game as if nobody knows and it’s not affecting you or your marriage. To try to hide your problem won’t get you freedom. Things will turn around to the level you get honest with yourself, God and others. With the confession and repentance comes the victory. You’ll receive mercy from God and over time, grace from your wife. Be honest. Come clean. Be a man like this.
9. Proverbs 14:9 – “Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright of heart.”
Take responsibility for your problem. Don’t blame others. Deal with the guilt God gives you for your bad choices. Never say, “it’s no big deal” when God says that it is. Push for an integrity that will first honor the Lord and then will win your wife’s trust back over time. The Godly man is one who acknowledges his sin, makes the changes and then seeks reconciliation. Be a man like this.
10. Proverbs 7:24-27 – “Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say [when it comes to pornography]. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”
Don’t kid yourself. Pay great attention, men! Your porn problem has got to end. It will destroy all that is dear to you. Make the choice to seek help until you find help. Don’t be a victim regardless of what you have been through. Choose to get off the highway to hell. Be a man like this.
I’d love to hear how these partnership proverbs for overcoming porn have been a help to you. Give me your comments at www.DoingFamilyRight.com Remember to press on to victory for “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. When the Son – Jesus – sets you free, you are incredibly free” (John 8:32,36). You’ll never regret this decision to come clean. Men still need men. Take one – a good one – with you on this journey.
© Dr. Dave Currie – December 2012