#1311. Proverbs 5:1–6 – Pay attention! Don’t fall into sexual sin! (21/7/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 5:1-6, we reflect on our vulnerability to sexual sin, its empty promise, and how we can protect ourselves. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below.

Today, we touch on a theme that is repeated throughout Proverbs - the danger of sexual sin. These warnings occur at least five distinct times in extended passages (2:16-19, 5:1-23, 6:20-35, 7:1-27, 9:13-18), but related themes (e.g., fleeing temptation, the consequences of sin, and the value of wisdom) appear throughout Proverbs. The repeated warnings reinforce our vulnerability, the seriousness of sexual sin, and its potential to derail one's life, relationships, and spiritual well-being. These warnings also reflect a broader biblical emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and personal integrity. 

i. Pay attention!

Firstly, we are urged to ‘pay attention…’ Have we lost a sense of our vulnerability to sin, and sexual sin in particular? The wise are attentive to their vulnerability and, therefore, are depending on God’s Word for help and protection. 

ii. The lips of the adulterer 

This section is particularly aimed at those who are married. Marriage, over time, if not invested in, can feel like a prison or just tedious. We reap what we sow, and adultery is the fruit of neglect in the garden of a marriage! However, even if we are not married, avoiding sexual sin and the need to build healthy relationships are vital for a wise life. 

iii. Sexual temptation is like honey

We are warned that sexual sin is like ‘honey’, and like ‘oil’. Sin, and the dark powers behind temptation, promise joy and satisfaction. Life, at times, can be boring, repetitive, and a struggle. Therefore, we can crave an escape into a life that’s more exciting and rewarding. Sin promises such an escape, but it’s into the fire rather than God’s way of escape!

iv. Sexual sin leads to death

We are warned that behind sin’s attractiveness is bitterness, injury, and death. I believe that broken relationships and broken families are the cause of the most damage in our society. We cannot control how other people live, but today, we must ask ourselves: “Am I listening to God’s wisdom, am I attentive to danger, and am I building healthy relationships?” 

v. She wanders aimlessly

Finally, of those who tempt into, and indulge in, sexual sin, we are told, ‘She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.’ If we fail to think, and if we are aimless, we are very vulnerable. We must ‘give thought’ to our lives and relationships; we must become purposeful in our marriages and friendships. God wants us to build our marriages and friendships purposefully. This will bring joy to us, protect us, and make us a blessing to many. 

Let’s pray together as we finish

“Lord Jesus, keep me from temptation. Keep me from causing temptation. Help me to listen and walk with you so as to build healthy relationships that are a blessing to me and others. Amen.” 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #7: Proverbs 5:1-6:5. Pay attention and have healthy relationships.

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.