In the seventh chapter of the book of Proverbs, Solomon is giving his son a warning to stay away from a bad place. He tells his son of an event that he once witnessed. He once saw “a young man devoid of understanding” (v.7) making his way to the house of a prostitute. She is described as shameless (v. 13), and she seduces the young man. However, Solomon says that when the young man yields to her appeals, it is like he is led away “as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks” (v. 22), and that he does not realize that it will cost him more than he wants to pay (v. 23). Then the warning is given to all: Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths; for she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death (Proverbs 7:25-27 NKJV).
Learning from the sins and bad decisions of some has always been a powerful tool to help others see what not to do. High Schoolers are shown videos of what happens to those who drive drunk. Tellers are shown news stories of those who embezzle money. Public hangings in the past, whether intended or not, were sure to sober up anyone who thought of committing similar crimes. Think about the examples of Achan, Annanias and Sapphira, and even David. The consequences of their actions are there for us to read and heed. Luke wrote after the deaths of Annanias and Sapphira, that great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things (Acts 5:11). It had quite an effect!
Here at St. Andrews Road, we ought to take opportunities to teach the young and old among us what happens when people make bad decisions and sin. These opportunities occur almost everyday. Looking into the world of sports, we can point out how the mighty have fallen when we hear of those who used performance enhancing drugs and lied to conceal it. Or in the business world, we can point out those who are now in prison, because they were secretly running a ponzi scheme, but were once seen as geniuses. We can also point to those who were once trusted elected officials, but are now serving time for taking bribes. These ethical and moral failures ought to be brought up in the home to show our children what happens to those who choose to sin and forsake the way of the Lord. This helps to reinforce that we will reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7), and that God is just. In a day when some seem to get away with their crimes, our children should know that no one ultimately gets away with sin. Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later (1 Timothy 5:24).
The wise man wrote, Blessed is the one who is always cautious, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into evil (Proverbs 28:14 NET). We should always be cautious of not committing sin because we know what the Bible says about the penalty of sin (Romans 6:23). If we live with such a mindset, we will be blessed. We will not have to suffer as those who chose to do wrong.
Brotherly, Jamie
