Chapter 5
We’ve all heard stories of someone who had a pretty good life — a solid job, a family, a good reputation — and then they lost it all. Sometimes it’s in the news. Sometimes it’s someone we know. And sometimes… it hits closer to home.
The thing is, nobody wakes up one day and says, “You know what? I think I’ll ruin everything today.” It usually starts small — a flirty text, a “harmless” conversation, a thought like, It’s not a big deal. I can handle this. Yeah… famous last words.
Proverbs 5 doesn’t beat around the bush. It talks straight about the pull of sexual temptation. It even admits that it feels good at first — exciting, even. But it also makes it crystal clear where it leads: pain, regret, and consequences that often hit harder than we ever expected.
In today’s world, stuff like secret flings, casual hookups, and private messages are often brushed off as no big deal. “It’s just fun.” “Nobody’s getting hurt.” But reality tells a different story. People do get hurt. Trust gets broken. Families fall apart. And deep down, most of us know that.
Proverbs 5 isn’t about being uptight or judgmental — it’s about protecting what’s actually worth protecting. It’s about staying faithful, staying grounded, and staying on a path that brings peace, not wreckage.
And here’s the good news: Even if you’ve messed up — whether it’s a little or a lot — your story isn’t over. Jesus doesn’t just call us to do better — He offers grace, healing, and a fresh start. He doesn’t show up with shame; He shows up with love, forgiveness, and a way forward.
So if you’re feeling stuck, tempted, or like you’ve already blown it… you’re not alone. And it’s not too late. The road back might take some steps, but it’s real. And it leads to life.
Warning Against Adultery
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 4 but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. 6 She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. 8 Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, 9 lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel, 10 lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another. 11 At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. 12 You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! 13 I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors. 14 And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
15 Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. 16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? 17 Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. 18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 A loving doe, a graceful deer–may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love. 20 Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
21 For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths. 22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. 23 For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.
