What's at the end of that road?

For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.
Proverbs 5:3-4 (NKJV)

I once heard a prominent preacher speaking on fleeing the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  He proceeded to speak with a candid and honest tone as he vulnerably admitted “…the lust of the flesh I must flee, for surely it will overcome me.”  There is something we can learn from this preacher – that we should not think we are stronger than what we are.  Let’s face it, we are weak creatures, and we would be foolish to remain in a place of temptation because our flesh lusts against the ways of God and staying there only feeds it and makes it stronger.
Our text paints a vivid picture of the enticement of sexual immorality.  It seems so sweet and smooth but notice where it leads – to bitterness and a sharp sword.  Sexual immorality is so destructive.  In fact, in the next chapter, Solomon warns the reader of such danger as he says, “Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire?” (Prov. 6:27)  When tempted with what appears to be such a tasty morsel, consider where that road leads.  Consider the destination.  Think about the division of families, how it wounds of the soul, and the harsh reality that follows by going down such a path.
Proverbs chapter 7 also speaks of the immoral woman and the street she lives on.  Solomon records his observations as he sees foolish men going in and out of her home, some are strong men.  But the end is always the same – it leads to death.  I think one of the main points of applications for the reader is avoid traveling down her street all together.  And that is my encouragement to you dear saint.  Don’t let your heart be fooled by the deceitfulness of lust.  Avoid it at all cost.
 May the Lord guard your heart from all evil today and especially the evil desires deep within your own heart.

Anchored in Christ,
Aaron R. Force