06.12.24
Is it worth the cost?
But whoso commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul. (Proverbs 6:32)
Previously we were considering the instructions regarding morality that Solomon presented to us in chapters 5, 6. These included such things as- listening to our parents, loving God’s Word, making application of the Bible to our life, and running from temptation.
Today we will focus on the sad consequences that can come to our lives when we disregard these instructions. Just as street signs often warn us of the intended speed, or children at play, God wants us to be clearly warned. The purpose of these warnings is that we might avoid danger and keep from hurting ourselves and others.
God gives us many loving roadblocks. We will consider six of them as seen in Proverbs 5, 6
Lust will become a cruel master (5:22). His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be held with the cords of his sins. Lust locks us in a twisted straitjacket.
I will lose my honor and face great shame. Lest you give your honor unto others, and your years unto the cruel (5:9). A wound and dishonor shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away (6:33). Our reputation is one of the most important things we possess. Once lost, it is almost impossible to restore. David may have been God’s chosen king, but he will always be sadly remembered for his sin with Bath-Sheba.
I may lose my wealth and possessions (5:10) Lest strangers be filled with your wealth; and your labors be in the house of a stranger. You could lose your job. An inheritance may be forfeited. Divorce settlements are often costly.
I could lose my mind (5:6) Lest you should ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that you cannot know them. Here we have the instability of the life of the adulteress which is passed on to the victim- a guilty conscience, self-recrimination, even insanity.
I may lose my health (5:11) And you mourn at the last, when your flesh and your body are consumed. In Psalm 38 David recounts the physical suffering he endured because of one night of illicit passion with another man’s wife. STDs are a very real outcome for driving over God’s loving guardrails.
I could face an early death (5:4, 5) But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. ‘Wormwood’ refers to suffering; a ‘two-edged sword’ to destruction. Will there be an accident, disease, or suicide?
In summary Solomon writes- But whoso commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul. (6:32)
God has been merciful to let us know what will happen if we go outside His loving boundaries. Let us stay within the moral lanes and enjoy an abundant life!
No sin is too grave for God to forgive. One must repent of sin and place their faith in what Jesus accomplished at Calvary. The earthly consequences may remain, but the sin can be forgiven and the soul can be cleansed by His precious blood.
If we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.