Proverbs 5:21-23 (ESV)
21 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he ponders all his paths.
22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
23 He dies for lack of discipline,
and because of his great folly he is led astray.
The strongest motivation for fleeing sexual sin is not merely consequence. It is God himself. “A man’s ways” refers to his road, his course of conduct, the pattern of his life. “His paths” are the tracks he habitually walks. Every step is “before the eyes of the LORD.” Yahweh sees them. He sees them all. God is omniscient. The word comes from Latin, omni meaning all and scientia meaning knowledge. God alone possesses complete and perfect knowledge. He knows the past, the present, and the future. He knows every thought, motive, word, and action.
The text says Yahweh ponders all his paths. The Hebrew word translated “ponders,” palas, means to examine, to weigh carefully, to evaluate. God does not glance casually at our lives. He assesses them. Whether our actions are sinful or righteous, whether adultery or faithful marital intimacy, whether private fantasy or public conduct, whether committed in darkness or done in the light, God is fully aware. No excuse will stand. Everyone lives under his watchful gaze.
Sin leads to inevitable consequence. “The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him.” The Hebrew word translated “iniquities” is awon. It speaks of crookedness, guilt, and the consequences that flow from sin. Sin carries its own cords. The sinner is caught, held fast, trapped like a prisoner by his own choices. What once felt thrilling becomes binding. Each act makes escape more difficult. We may be captivated by the appeal of sin, but soon we discover that it has made captives of us.
Because he refused correction, he is robbed of life. “He dies for lack of discipline.” He has no one to blame but himself. He would not restrain himself. He would not submit to wisdom. “Because of his great folly he is led astray.” The Hebrew word translated “led astray” is the same used earlier for intoxication. He staggers in a stupor. He loses clarity. Sexual desire is powerful. Some feel it lightly. Others intensely. But we are not victims of our desires. We are called to exercise self control. We are called to live in a way that honors God, ourselves, and others, rather than being driven by our passions.
For those who reject the Lord, his omniscience should inspire fear. Every deed, every word, every thought, and every motive will be brought into judgment. But for those who have made peace with God through repentance and faith in his Son, his all knowing nature is a comfort. He knows everything we have ever done and everything we will ever do, yet he chose to save us and make us holy in Christ. If you feel discouraged, remember that nothing takes him by surprise. Be honest, and pour out your heart before him today.