Proverbs is a book written by a wise father for his son. It reminds us that we need to not only tell our children and ourselves and our friends to obey God because it’s right, but also because it’s SMART. Sin is never in our bests interests.

After hearing about several recent cases of sexual immorality involving Christian leaders, I’ve been rereading Proverbs. Solomon warns his son not to lust after an immoral woman, then asks two rhetorical questions:

Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?
Can a man walk on hot coals
without his feet being scorched?
(Proverbs 6:27-28)

The obvious answer is no. Regardless of how much we rationalize that we can get away with sin, its consequences are inescapable.

In case the point of his illustrations was missed, Solomon brings it home:

So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
(Proverbs 6:29)

The New Testament sounds the same warning as the Old, directed right at believers: “God will judge the adulterer” (Hebrews 13:4). We’re told to “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Throughout Proverbs a special emphasis is placed on the consequences of sexual sin:

For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
(Proverbs 5:3-5)

Read More