The 7th Commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), is the subject of Solomon’s instructions to his son in Proverbs 5. In this chapter Solomon graphically illustrates the tragic and bitter consequences of immorality. Like too many fathers, Solomon’s counsel grew out of his own failures and the bitter disappointments of a man who had given rein to the lusts of his flesh. I will focus on three introductory verses that illustrate the destructive path of immorality in today’s commentary.
Proverbs 5:3-5 – “For the lips [language; speech; i.e. conversation] of a strange woman [adulterous; profane] drop as an honeycomb [are sweet as honey], and her mouth is smoother than oil [she knows how to stoke a man’s ego]: 4 But her end [the end of the adulterous woman] is bitter as wormwood [poisonous; cursed], sharp as a twoedged sword. 5 Her feet [journey; path] go down to death; her steps take hold on hell [the way of an adulteress is the path to hell].”
Every man would do well to hear and heed Solomon’s admonitions to his son! Too many men flirt and trifle with the sin of immorality and the “strange woman” in Proverbs 5 beguiles until the hideous bite of lust takes hold on his heart and soul.
The Apostle Paul urged Timothy to “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22) and I urge you to do the same. Immoral thoughts and desires might be veiled with a persona of piety for a season; however, they pave the way to death and destruction.