Keep Away from Sexual Sins (I)

Text: Proverbs 5:1-14

Proverbs 5:1-2: “My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.”

In these beginning verses of Proverbs 5, a chapter on keeping away from sexual sins, King Solomon admonished his son to pay close attention to his wisdom and words so that he could keep away from sexual sins. Perhaps this was also King David’s plea to Solomon when he realized the gravity of his own sexual sin. Both men failed but it would be wise for us to heed God’s Word since it has been recorded and preserved for our learning.

The world is utterly corrupt in her moral values and standards. It encourages and condones sexual sins. We have no lack of examples of how lives and families are ruined. The Bible tells us that the “strange woman” often enticed men with her sweet words (v 3) and lure the unwary when their guard is down. In a moment of folly, men succumb and their end is bitterness, great danger and even death (vv 4-6). The world downplays the seriousness of these sexual sins and consequences, and often offers many solutions and methods to ease the conscience. But the root of the problem is never dealt with. Using man’s ways to solve these problems often lead to more misery, shame and pain.  

God’s Word is very clear on this matter, giving us the warning (vv 7-8), the consequences and even the punishment of such sins: shame (v 9), futility (v 10) and sexual diseases (v 11). No other sin faces such grave punishment. Flee! Stay clear! We must take heed to keep away from such sins.

This is a very serious sin. Even when one repents, there is always regret (v 12) and great damage is done, not just to self, but also to others. It is a sin against others. It not only damages one’s own life but the lives of people around (vv 13-14). It does not pay to meddle with sexual sins, to enjoy current pleasure in a moment of folly and ignore the grave consequences that will follow.

God, who is our Sovereign Creator, knows the hearts and affairs of man. He loves and cares enough to warn His people to take heed, to keep away from such grave sins and not to allow it to happen, so that we do not have to face and bear the terrible painful consequences. Let us therefore “attend” to His Word and be wise. Keep away before it is too late!