The toll of adultery is a theme throughout the Book of Proverbs. Beginning with Proverbs 6:24, Solomon uses the balance of this chapter as an exhaustive warning to his son concerning the tragic end of a man who commits adultery.
Like a wild-fire scorches the earth, immoral lusts may rage within the heart of a man who gives himself to them (Proverbs 6:27-28). The emotional and physical toll of infidelity is incalculable on a family and the scars may persist in their children and children’s children for generations (Proverbs 6:29-31). Whatever the reputation of a family’s good name, it may be lost forever and the disgrace of adultery follow a man to his grave (Proverbs 6:32-33).
Proverbs 6 closes with two proverbs that serve as reminders that adultery may provoke in those scarred by this family wrecking sin a passion and bitter thirst for vengeance in its victims.
Proverbs 6:34 – “For jealousy [envy; fervor of anger] is the rage [wrath; fury; indignation] of a man [one that has been wronged]: therefore he will not spare [show pity or compassion] in the day of vengeance [when the wrong can be avenged].”
How many homes and families are ripped asunder by a husband or wife whose immoral lusts not only consumed them, but also scarred the lives of their children. There are too many sons and daughters who bear not only the emotional scars of a parent’s narcissistic passions, but are consumed by bitterness for a parent’s betrayal of their love and trust.
Proverbs 6:35 – “He will not regard [take away; accept] any ransom [the victim will demand full punishment]; neither will he rest content [be satisfied], though thou givest many gifts [bribes; rewards].”
Parents guilty of adultery try to buy their children’s love with gifts; however, the wounds caused by their infidelity cannot be healed nor the longing for a whole family be pacified.
Galatians 6:7-8 – “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith