Proverbs 5 and 6.
CORRUPTION is the particular form of sin with which fallen man is most familiar, and it is against this that chapter 5 warns the children of God, as violence was spoken against in chapter 4, verses 14 to 19. In verse 2, read "reflection," or "well considered thoughts," instead of "discretion," which hardly carries the true meaning.
Again the true wisdom is seen in avoiding every form of evil. The "strange woman" is to be avoided, lest dishonor, suffering, poverty and a heavy burden of grief be the portion of the offender to the end of life.
Contrasted with her is the happiness Of married life as God designed it, but man has introduced his own ideas and lowered, as he has everything else entrusted to him, God's ordinance.
An important word is in verse 21: "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings" (or paths).
More of the characteristics of wisdom are set out in chapter 6. For neither friend nor stranger should one be surety (verses 6-11); nor violent (verses 12-15); nor linked with deceit (verses 24-35).
Verses 16 to 19 let us see how well God knows the human heart, for the picture they give is of man away from God. It will be found profitable as well as interesting to compare the two lists in chapter 4, verses 20-27, and here.
The first thing spoken of in the former passage is the ear; the believer is to know his dependence upon God for instruction. And the haughty eyes are first spoken of in the list of chapter 6; this tells of the pride and self-sufficiency of man. Both lists end with the feet,—and how different are the ways of the godly and the ungodly!
Verses 20-24 again press the great importance of God's Word as the believers guard and guide through the world. It is to be thought upon and acted upon continually. Verse 22 gives the result in daily life: When thou walkest, the Word of God shall lead thee; when thou sleepiest it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest, it shall talk with thee. This is very precious. But is it your and my constant experience, beloved reader?
Violence and corruption, the two evils early in the world, even from Noah's day (Genesis 6:1111The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. (Genesis 6:11)), and much in evidence in our own times, are the subject of warnings again in chapter 6 (12-15 and 24-35). Adultery is a sin far more serious than stealing, for the thief, if found, must restore sevenfold, even to all the substance of his house; but the reproach of the adulterer shall not be wiped away. These are solemn considerations in a day when immoral conduct is by the world looked upon with less severity than formerly.
May God preserve His people from a lower standard of sin and righteousness than He has.
Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1932