#1312. Proverbs 5:7–14 – Consequences of unfaithfulness (22/7/25)

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

Today, from Proverbs 5:7-14, we reflect on the consequences of ignoring God’s wisdom. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Listen to me

We are urged, ‘Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say…’  Are we listening to God’s wisdom regarding relationships and marriage? Do we do things our way or are we receptive to God’s will? Very little reveals the condition of our hearts like the way we handle romantic and sexual relationships. For too many, their response reveals that they are not willing to pay the price to submit to God’s will. 

ii. Do not go near her door

We are urged, ‘Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house…’ We need to keep away from sexual temptation. We must not play with fire! Too many like to flirt with people whom they find attractive. They tell themselves that they are only playing and it won’t come to anything. The wise do not play near a cliff-edge! The wise do not think that they can only eat one chocolate from the box! Sexual sin is like a drug and once you’ve become intoxicated, it’s very hard to pull back or listen to advice. This is why we are urged:

iii. If we fail to listen,

There are severe consequences for those who ‘hate discipline’ and ‘spurn correction’; those who will not ‘obey [their] teachers’ or ’turn [their] ear to instruction’. If we ignore God’s wisdom and choose to obey the world, flesh, and the devil, we will reap the consequences. We are told that, ‘At the end of your life, you will groan’. Sin and the devil lie to us. They don’t tell us the ‘small print’! A contract with foolishness, particularly in regard to sexual sin, carries a heavy payback. 

Added to the many dire consequences of sexual rebellion is shame amongst God’s people. We are told: ‘ And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people’ (v.14). A healthy church community will never normalise and have normal fellowship with someone in sexual sin. Too often, in our age, the church condones immorality. It’s not loving to fail to warn and be upset with someone who is rebelling against God and damaging themselves, those close to them, and society at large. Paul warns us regarding sexual sin:

Let’s pray together as we finish

“Father, forgive me when I’ve acted like temptation has no power to affect me. Keep me from temptation. Deliver me from evil. May I not end my life with a ‘groan’ of regret, but with your acclamation of, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 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.