Scripture reading – Proverbs 5; Proverbs 6

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Our devotional series continues in the book of Proverbs. You will notice that the subject of Proverbs 5 is an oft-repeated theme of Solomon’s wisdom– the tragic consequences of sexual immorality.

Our devotional will focus on Proverbs 5:3-6 and Solomon’s graphic illustration of the tragic and bitter consequences of sexual depravity. [Words and phrases in brackets are the amplifications and applications of the author.]

The Lure of a Sinful Lusts (Proverbs 5:3-5)

Proverbs 5:3-5 – “For the lips [language; speech; i.e., conversation] of a strange woman [adulterous; profane; immoral] drop [drip] as an honeycomb [sweet as honey], and her mouth is smoother than oil [flattering; i.e., stoking a man’s ego]

4 But her end [the journey’s end with an adulterous woman] is bitter as wormwood [poisonous; cursed], sharp as a twoedged sword. 

5 Her feet [path she leads a man] go down to death; her steps take hold on hell [the path to hell].”

Every man would do well to hear and heed Solomon’s admonitions to his son! The king warned the young prince concerning a “strange woman’s” beguiling way (5:3). While her lips may taste as sweet as honey, the hideous bite of lust is poison to the soul and pierces the heart “as a twoedged sword” (Proverbs 5:4). No wonder Paul urged Timothy, “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Lust Paves the Path to Self-destruction and Death. (Proverbs 5:6)

Proverbs 5:6 – “Lest thou shouldest ponder [consider] the path of life, her ways [of the adulterous woman] are moveable [uncertain; wander], that thou canst not know [understand; discern] them.”

The king urged his son to stay far from the path and ways of adulterous women. Adultery, Solomon warned, erodes a man’s character and perverts his judgment until it eventually destroys everything he values. Immoral women have no moral guide (“are moveable”). They are wanderers, driven by lust, and have strayed far from “the path of life.”

Closing thoughts –

Today’s world invites young people to believe they can indulge in sexual immorality with impunity. However, only fools think they are the exception to the consequences of sin.  Be forewarned: Breaking God’s commandments (Exodus 20:14, 17) will lead you down a path of self-destruction, and adultery is not excluded. Sexual sins are inevitably the death of marriages, families, careers, reputations, and friendships. (Romans 6:23a)

For any that are tempted to minimize lust and exclude pornography, Christ warned: “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart((Matthew 5:27-28)

I urge you to heed Paul’s exhortation and “Flee…youthful lusts…” (2 Timothy 2:22)

Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith

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