#1320. Proverbs 6:23–29 – Light protects from sinful sex (1/8/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
From Proverbs 6:23–29, we reflect on how the lamp of God’s Word is to shine on our attitude to sex.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, keeping you from your neighbour’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life. Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.’ (Proverbs 6:23-29)
Following on from yesterday’s devotional, we see again that the lamp of God’s Word is meant to protect us from sinful attitudes and behaviour—especially in the area of sex.
We are constantly enticed to believe that sexual immorality is a good thing. It’s portrayed as a form of freedom, a way to throw off outdated repression, and a path to personal fulfilment. But following the flesh—our sinful appetites—ultimately leads to death.
Here, sexual sin is compared to scooping fire into our lap or walking on hot coals. None of us would do that in our right mind! We know that playing with fire gets us burned. Likewise, sexual sin burns down lives. We see it everywhere: families shattered, relationships destroyed, hearts scarred by betrayal.
Added to the many earthly consequences of sexual sin is the reality of God’s judgment. We are told plainly that those who act in these ways “will not go unpunished.” Whether it’s pornography, adultery, or fornication, all sexual sin will be brought into the light of God’s holiness. That’s why we must repent.
But here is the hope: the same Word that warns us also offers grace.
‘If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:8–9)
So today, ask yourself: am I walking in the light, keeping myself—and those I love—safe? Let’s allow God’s voice of love and wisdom to speak louder than the world’s lies. Read His Word, pray through it, meditate on it—because in doing so, you’ll be guarded by the wisdom and grace of the One who loves you.
In reflection, where do you feel most vulnerable to temptation right now Are you treating God’s Word as a protective lamp—or merely as optional advice? What practical steps can you take today to walk in the light of His wisdom?
Let’s pray together:
“Father, thank you that your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Help me treasure your commands, not as rules to resist, but as gifts to protect and bless me. Forgive me for my sexual sin, whether in thought or deed. Give me discernment to recognise temptation and the courage to walk away. Let your truth guard my heart and keep me in the way of life. 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 #8. Proverbs 6:6-29. Use the lamp of God’s wisdom
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.
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