Instruction About the Tragedy of Adultery
May 24, 2022
Commentary
God never intended for children to live independently from their parents or for parents to allow children to do whatever they please. This is a serious mistake in many homes today. Scripture emphasizes the importance of parental discipline (vv. 20â30). The father is to set the guiding principles of the home, and the mother is to help carry them out. Allowing children to be shaped mainly by peers, media, or the internet is dangerous. It is worse than feeding them harmful food, for while one may damage the body, the other can destroy both body and soul. Godâs design is loving guidance that leads to protection and wisdom, shaping hearts toward truth and godly living each day.
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People may feel sympathy for a thief who steals to survive (v. 30). If caught, he must repay what he has taken, even if it costs him everything (v. 31). Though painful, restitution is possible. However, the one who commits adultery cannot make things right in the same way. The damage goes deeper. It affects the wronged spouse and brings lasting shame. Even with repentance, the consequences often remain. The wound left behind is deep and continues to bring sorrow, leaving scars that cannot easily be forgotten or removed.
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Wisdom from Godâs Word helps guard against the destructive sin of adultery. Discipline, though difficult, keeps a person on the right path. Scripture warns that the one who commits adultery âdestroyeth his own soulâ (v. 32). This sin is not only against another person but is especially offensive to God (Eph. 5:5). It stirs deep jealousy and anger in the one who has been wronged (vv. 33â35). Therefore, we must take Godâs warning seriously and walk in obedience, seeking purity, faithfulness, and a heart that honors Him daily.
Application
Today, I examine my heart and choices before God. Am I guarding my thoughts and desires carefully? Do I take His warnings about sin seriously? Am I allowing wrong influences to shape me? Will I choose discipline and purity today? Iâll ask God to help me walk in wisdom, honor others, and protect my heart from temptation.
Proverbs 6:20–35 (NET)
20 My child, guard the commands of your father and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.
21 Bind them on your heart continually; fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk about, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.
23 For the commandments are like a lamp, instruction is like a light, and rebukes of discipline are like the road leading to life,
24 by keeping you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the loose woman.
25 Do not lust in your heart for her beauty, and do not let her captivate you with her alluring eyes;
26 for on account of a prostitute one is brought down to a loaf of bread, but the wife of another man preys on your precious life.
27 Can a man hold fire against his chest without burning his clothes?
28 Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?
29 So it is with the one who sleeps with his neighborâs wife; no one who touches her will escape punishment.
30 People do not despise a thief when he steals to fulfill his need when he is hungry.
31 Yet if he is caught he must repay seven times over, he might even have to give all the wealth of his house.
32 A man who commits adultery with a woman lacks sense, whoever does it destroys his own life.
33 He will be beaten and despised, and his reproach will not be wiped away;
34 for jealousy kindles a husbandâs rage, and he will not show mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not consider any compensation; he will not be willing, even if you multiply the compensation.
Tozer – Discipline Has Practically Disappeared
We must face the fact that many today are notoriously careless in their living. This attitude finds its way into the church. We have liberty, we have money, we live in comparative luxury. As a result, discipline has practically disappeared. What w … Continue