straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and
Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to wisdom. The evils of (1–14)
licentiousness.
Remedies against licentiousness, The (15–23)
miserable end of the wicked.Verses 1–14
Solomon cautions all young men, as his children, to abstain from fleshly lusts. Some, by the
adulterous woman, here understand idolatry, false doctrine, which tends to lead astray men's minds
and manners; but the direct view is to warn against seventh-commandment sins. Often these have
been, and still are, Satan's method of drawing men from the worship of God into false religion.
Consider how fatal the consequences; how bitter the fruit! Take it any way, it wounds. It leads to
the torments of hell. The direct tendency of this sin is to the destruction of body and soul. We must
carefully avoid every thing which may be a step towards it. Those who would be kept from harm,
must keep out of harm's way. If we thrust ourselves into temptation we mock God when we pray,
Lead us not into temptation. How many mischiefs attend this sin! It blasts the reputation; it wastes
time; it ruins the estate; it is destructive to health; it will fill the mind with horror. Though thou art
merry now, yet sooner or later it will bring sorrow. The convinced sinner reproaches himself, and
makes no excuse for his folly. By the frequent acts of sin, the habits of it become rooted and
confirmed. By a miracle of mercy true repentance may prevent the dreadful consequences of such
sins; but this is not often; far more die as they have lived. What can express the case of the self-ruined
sinner in the eternal world, enduring the remorse of his conscience!
Verses 15–23
Lawful marriage is a means God has appointed to keep from these destructive vices. But we
are not properly united, except as we attend to God's word, seeking his direction and blessing, and
acting with affection. Ever remember, that though secret sins may escape the eyes of our
fellow-creatures, yet a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, who not only sees, but ponders
all his goings. Those who are so foolish as to choose the way of sin, are justly left of God to
themselves, to go on in the way to destruction.