Proverbs 5: Duplicity
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
In ancient cultures, the institution of marriage was an important glue that held society together; families relied on a patriarchal paradigm in which men served as leaders with women as their helpmates. Wise men realized that their service as the head of the unit did not relegate women to an opposite role at the foot. Wise men and women then and now understood – and understand – that families operate best in an atmosphere of trust, respect and dignity.
Today’s reading warns young men about the wily ways of female prostitutes, women who serve as sexual tools for those who hold power. Today, we have a better understanding of the plight of sexual slaves and in some parts of the world, sexual slavery is unacceptable, and even illegal. Not all cultures hold this standard but today’s citation reminds us that personal integrity is a hallmark of solid Christian living.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a Mexican Carmelite who wrote the famous piece, Hombres necios, or Stupid Men, points out the hypocrisy of men who both seek and scorn women as prostitutes. More about her life work is worth exploring at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sor-Juana-Ines-de-la-Cruz The influence of this cloistered nun was felt in Baroque-age Mexico and Spain as she interacted with scholars, leaders, and other poets. Like Lady Wisdom, Sor Juana points to the way of integrity and honesty despite the environment of hypocrisy surrounding her. Like Lady Wisdom, Sor Juana is not afraid to speak truth to those who enjoy duplicity.
Comparing various translations of these verses, we re-examine the problem of duplicity.
For the Spanish and English versions of Sor Juana’s poem, visit: https://zocalopoets.com/2012/07/11/sister-juana-ines-de-la-cruz-stupid-conceited-men-hombres-necios/
Images from: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sor-Juana-Ines-de-la-Cruz
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