By Pastor Phil

Chapter 6 is full of wisdom and warnings. Verses 1-5 warns us about the danger of impulsiveness. Think before you speak or act or you can find yourself in a trap of your own making. Verses 6-11 warns us about the danger of laziness. Too much slumber and sleep and poverty will be on you like a bandit.

Verses 12-15 warn us about the company we keep. Disaster will fall on those who are corrupt, who are always plotting evil or stirring up trouble between family or friends. If you run with them, when disaster strikes you will likely be wounded in the process. Watch the company you keep.

Verses 16-19 warns us about seven things God hates. I know, it sounds shocking doesn’t it? We hear it all the time: “God is love. God doesn’t hate.” But there are some things God hates.   Things like pride, lying, cruelty, deception, violence, perjury, discord. God detests these things and so should we, especially if we see signs of these things in our own life.

Verses 20-35 warn against sexual sin and especially adultery. We live in a world that has essentially cast off all restraint when it comes to sex. Anything goes. Indulge your desires. Express yourself.   If you teach what the bible says about sexual purity you are accused of being old-fashioned, prudish or a hater. But someone needs to point out the consequences of sexual sin.

You see, it’s not just about expressing your sexuality as you please. That isn’t loving. Most often its irresponsible and selfish. In the 1960’s the mantra was, “If it feels good, do it.” Those who embraced that philosophy eventually found out the consequences of that “do-as-you- please” lifestyle didn’t feel so good after all.

Proverbs 6 tells us that you can’t commit adultery and sexual sin without suffering the consequences (emphasis on the word “suffering”). It’s like thinking you can scoop burning coals onto your lap and not get burned. Promiscuity (I think the term today is “hooking up”) and adultery leaves broken hearts, broken relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, shame, guilt, remorse, divorce, broken families, broken lives. Sexual sin is like a grenade blowing up in your hand. You pulled the pin yourself but you aren’t the only one that is wounded. The collateral damage is devastating.

“But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot and his shame will never be wiped away.” Proverbs 6:32-33.

Chapter six begins with a warning against impulsiveness and ends with pointing out the devastation that comes from adultery and sexual immorality. Don’t act impulsively. Stop and consider the price, the consequences of sexual sin. It will cost you more than you ever thought; more than you can ever pay!

“God help us to walk in sexual purity. Teach us to obey your commands, to bind them upon our heart forever so that when we walk, your word will guide us; when we sleep, your word will watch over us; when we awake, your word will speak to us and light our path. Amen.”