AVOIDING A BITTER END

PROVERBS 5:1-4 NKJ 
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; 
Lend your ear to my understanding, 
2 That you may preserve discretion, 
And your lips may keep knowledge. 
3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, 
And her mouth is smoother than oil; 
4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, 
Sharp as a two-edged sword.  

When the Proverbs talk to us as sons, we have to make the connection that this is God talking to His children.  

If there is any wisdom we should pay attention to, it's God's wisdom.  Any knowledge and understanding that will make a difference in our lives, it's God's understanding. 

As we are intentional about learning from God, we'll come to value His good judgment, and our words will be filled with Godly wisdom.   

Armed with God's wisdom, not just a memorized verse, but an appreciation of God's words and ways, we stay safe.  Safe from what?  The author of Proverbs, Solomon, says we stay safe from the immoral or strange woman.  Solomon may have been speaking of an actual woman, but I believe he is talking about sin.  That sounds like sin, doesn't it?  Sin seems so sweet and smooth, no harm, nothing but good vibes.  But the end of sin is bitter and sharp with all the sweetness and good vibes gone.   

A focus on God's word, which is His wisdom, and a heart to understand and apply it to our life is a great strategy for avoiding sin.  And avoiding sin is a great strategy for avoiding a bitter end.   

APPLICATION 

This is not a difficult endeavor, but it does require intentionality.  The Lord never forced anyone to listen to Him, and He's still the same today.   

The amazing thing about God's word is its ability to teach us and feed us at the same time.  And staying well-nourished spiritually is extremely helpful in staying free from sin.  The psalmist said, "Your word I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11) 

Sin will not show you the end game.  She comes off smooth and sweet, but that's not how it ultimately winds up.  Stay with God and His words and wisdom.  You'll wind up with a much better end result.  

PRAYER 

Thank You for showing me the right paths and the ways to steer clear of sin.  Your ending, Lord, is so much better, not bitter.