Solomon’s discourse in Proverbs 5 has addressed: The tragic consequences of adultery (5:3-13); The virtue and reward of marriage between one man and his wife (5:15-19); and the recklessness of allowing one’s heart, thoughts and affections be drawn away by a temptress (5:20).
Solomon continues with a warning only fools will ignore: God sees everything, there are no secrets hidden from Him.
Proverbs 5:21 – “For the ways [journey; course of life; manner] of man are before the eyes [sight; knowledge] of the LORD, and He pondereth [weighs] all his [man’s] goings [path; i.e. “rut”].”
The omniscience of God and His knowledge of every detail of our lives is a comfort to the righteous, but a disconcerting truth when considered by those who attempt to conceal their sin. King David took comfort that, 
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15). Solomon warned his son, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). The Apostle Peter challenged members of the 1st century church, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).
Considering Proverbs 5:21 follows several proverbs addressing sexual promiscuity and the tragic consequences of adultery, it behooves me to ask, what about you? Are you hiding sins that will invariably prove to be the ruin of your marriage, family and future? The sexual sins you commit in private will eventually manifest their consequences in public. “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication [sexual sins committed outside marriage]” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Proverbs 5:22 – “His [the adulterers] own iniquities [sin; guilt; punishment] shall take [catch; seize; take captive] the wicked [immoral; ungodly; guilt of wrongdoing] himself, and he shall be holden [retain; hold fast; grasp] with the cords [rope; bands; sorrows] of his sins [guilt; offense; punishment].”
Solomon warns, sexual sins can become an addiction and dominate a man’s soul. Like a spider subjugates its prey, sexual lusts will grasp hold of your heart and thoughts enslaving you until there is no escape. No wonder Paul challenged Timothy to, “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).
The closing verse of Proverbs 5 states the tragic end of an adulterer.
Proverbs 5:23 – “He [the adulterer] shall die [be slain, destroyed; killed] without instruction [correction; chastisement; discipline; warning]; and in the greatness [abundance; plenty; increase] of his folly [silliness; stupidity] he shall go astray [err; transgress; wander].”
What a waste of life and opportunity! Oh foolish one, you fed your sinful lusts, refused to deny yourself the pleasures of sin and your life is marked by moral stupidity and tragic failure!
Mom and dad, before I close today’s devotional, I invite you to consider the failure of those who might have deterred the adulterer in his youth: Proverbs 5:23a states, “He shall die without correction”.
Too many parents reading this devotional are failing their sons and daughters by not being proactive regarding your children’s use of social media, phones and Internet.
My appeal to you—recognize the lure of sexual temptations, put in place safeguards for Internet usage and discipline your children regarding their wandering hearts and eyes. Your failure to monitor their friendships and Internet usage will allow the folly of your child’s sin to cause his heart to roam far from God and home.
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith