The Deception of Sin

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 18)

     Solomon shares candidly how sin has consequences. “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgement.” “A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.” “The words of a talebearer are as tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.” “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.”

     Solitude is addressed; isolation does no good. Yes, quiet time has its benefits, especially when purposed to spend with the Lord, but beware of personal time spent for indulging in self. Our enemy is waiting for us to be vulnerable, to pounce at an opportune moment. Surrounding ourselves with others provides accountability (provided the company we keep is godly). Alone or with others, the Lord sees all.

     Speech is also addressed. One verse tells how a fool speaks only from the heart and the other is about the tasty trifles of a talebearer. Neither benefit the speaker or hearer; both lack discretion and understanding. Speaking without a filter will cost friendships and the respect of others, and indulging in “sweet” words, tantalizing to our flesh, is destructive for all who take part.

Application:

     The world looks at sin through rose color glasses; they prefer the fun of indulgence and disregard the consequences. Consider the example of someone who gets drunk; a short time later the “fun” is over, and then they spend hours miserable recovering from the detox. The consequences are always there but foolish people only focus on the momentary pleasure.

     Sin is never worth the lifelong consequences that can come. Is there a sin in your life that you excuse?

Prayer:

     Lord, may we see beyond the lies that mask the consequences of sin, and may we be wise in how we think, speak, and act. May the desire to sin become less and our love for honoring You become greater.