It is painful to watch someone you know intentionally or recklessly descend into a pit of foolishness and self-destruction. Yet it is arrogant to think it could never happen to me.
I have watched grown men throw away marriages and families all for the sake of the "affair" and almost certainly because of it. On one occasion the affair nearly cost a man his life, and certainly harmed his reputation.
So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say… Proverbs 5v7
If Proverbs 1 tells me that wisdom shouts at the corner, then Proverbs 5 wisdom stands at the corner of three streets that are very close to a man's soul. The streets of money, sex and power.
Each time the "lover" is slightly different, but often disguised as one of these three. These lovers might speak the words we want to hear, give the gifts we desperately want or honour us the way we think we deserve.
As I read this chapter it reminds me that I am never far from getting lost or deliberately choosing to step into these streets. It reminds me that I need to watch my life closely and know Proverbs 5 in my heart so that when the moments come (and they will) I choose the right path and avoid the wrong ones – no matter how attractive it first appears.
And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 5v7 (ESV)
