We have noted in prior devotionals Solomon’s frequent warning to his son concerning the tragic consequences of sexual immorality. In Proverbs 5:11, he warned his son that adultery would take a physical toll on the body [I invite you to read my July 5 challenge on this point].
Proverbs 5:11 – “And thou [the adulterer] mourn [roar; growl] at the last [in the end], when thy flesh and thy body are consumed [perish; wasted],”
The world dresses up fornication and adultery with a veneer that belies the sorrow and regret that invariably accompany sexual infidelity. The regret is surmised in Proverbs 5:12-13.
Proverbs 5:12-13 – “And say [while bearing the sorrow of immorality], How have I hated [opposed; detest] instruction [discipline; correction], and my heart [mind; thoughts] despised reproof [showed contempt for correction]; 13 And have not obeyed [heard; hearkened] the voice [call; proclamation] of my teachers, nor inclined [yield] mine ear [hearing] to them that instructed [taught; diligently instructed] me!
Regret is an odious burden for its bearer, particularly when it is born out of a heart that is blind to the heartache and sorrow it caused until it is too late. God is loving and willing to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9); however, the consequences of sin, especially in matters of a sexual nature are enduring. The writer of Hebrews warns:
Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage is honourable [precious] in all, and the bed undefiled [pure]: but whoremongers [fornicators; the sexually immoral] and adulterers God will judge [condemn].”