#1321. Proverbs 6:30–35 – God hates sexual sin (4/8/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, from Proverbs 6:30-35, we reflect on the hateful nature of adultery and sexual sin.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is.’ (Proverbs 6:30-35)
In our last devotional, we saw how God’s Word is a light, protecting us from sexual sin like adultery. It reveals how to be saved but also the way to a wise life of freedom in God’s will. Added to this, we considered how we need to be self-aware and alert to sexual attraction— ‘magnetism’— so as to be wise.
Today, carrying on from our last devotional, we see that God’s truth— His wisdom— enables us to see the stupidity of adultery and sexual sin, whilst also leading us in a wiser and joyful road.
i. The Comparison Between Theft and Adultery
This passage contrasts theft and adultery; a thief who steals out of hunger may be pitied, but he must still make restitution, even if it costs him everything. In contrast, adultery is seen as far worse—an act of complete folly and self-destruction. The consequences are severe: disgrace, permanent shame, and the unrelenting fury of a betrayed spouse.
We live in a culture that often trivialises or even celebrates sexual sin, but Scripture is clear:
‘Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.’ (Hebrews 13:4).
Adultery is not only a betrayal of a spouse but also an act of unfaithfulness to God. Christians are called to holiness, and sexual sin violates our covenant with Him.
ii. The Great Cost of Sexual Sin
Adultery and sexual immorality bring lasting damage. The ‘blows and disgrace’ referenced in this passage may not always come in visible form, but the internal consequences—shame, guilt, and broken relationships—are unavoidable. Beyond personal destruction, there is divine judgment: ‘God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.’ (Hebrews 13:4). Though society may excuse or justify such actions, God’s moral law remains unchanged.
iii. Dealing with Unfaithfulness
While this passage warns of severe consequences, it also points us to the hope of the gospel. The good news is that through Jesus Christ, complete forgiveness is available to all who repent. Christ bore our ‘blows and disgrace’ mentioned in this passage on the cross so that we could be cleansed and restored. When we grasp the weight of His sacrifice, we should be moved to take sin seriously and pursue purity.
Let’s pray together
“Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful to the Father as you were faithful. In this aspect of adultery and sexual sin, help me to be faithful to both you and to people. Forgive me where I’ve sinned, and I apply again this wonderful promise: ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9). Amen.”
(If you are married, take some time to pray for your marriage—that it would be a reflection of God’s love and faithfulness. If you are single, pray for God’s guidance in your relationships and for the strength to live with purity and wisdom.)
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 #9: Proverbs 6:30-8:11. The Path of Wisdom vs. The Way of Folly.
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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