Pro 7:24-27 | KingComments | STEP | In , we have turned our backs on the street and are back in the room of the teaching father. There he paints again in bright colors for his children the consequences of adultery. He did not tell the preceding story to entertain his children, but to warn them. Now that the lesson is being drawn, they need to pay close attention. In saying “now therefore” he connects to what he has shown to be the result of sin ( ). He calls his “sons” to listen to him and pay attention to his words. They are to make a resolution in their heart not to turn aside to the ways of the harlot and not to let the heart stray into her paths ( ). By “her ways” and “her paths” we can understand, for example, cherishing impure thoughts, pernicious fantasies, dirty conversation, filthy reading and foolish company. We must shun a first step into those ways and paths like death. As we become familiar with sin, the abhorrence of it weakens. In fact, in time, even affection for sin will arise. Intercourse with a harlot leads to death ( ). And it is not only this young man, for “many are the victims” who came her way and all her slain are numerous. They all ended up in death. The way to the house of the strange woman “is the way to Sheol”. It is the way down, to the inner “chambers of death” ( ). The end of an adulterous relationship is not ultimate pleasure, but devastation. It does not give the special feeling that true intimacy does. The sons should make no mistake: the path of apparent pleasure is the path of death. The house of the harlot is on a cul-de-sac in the true sense of the word.

‏ Proverbs 7:24-27

Do Not Let Your Heart Turn Aside to Her Ways

In Pro 7:24-27, we have turned our backs on the street and are back in the room of the teaching father. There he paints again in bright colors for his children the consequences of adultery. He did not tell the preceding story to entertain his children, but to warn them. Now that the lesson is being drawn, they need to pay close attention.

In saying “now therefore” he connects to what he has shown to be the result of sin (Pro 7:24). He calls his “sons” to listen to him and pay attention to his words. They are to make a resolution in their heart not to turn aside to the ways of the harlot and not to let the heart stray into her paths (Pro 7:25). By “her ways” and “her paths” we can understand, for example, cherishing impure thoughts, pernicious fantasies, dirty conversation, filthy reading and foolish company. We must shun a first step into those ways and paths like death. As we become familiar with sin, the abhorrence of it weakens. In fact, in time, even affection for sin will arise.

Intercourse with a harlot leads to death (Pro 7:26). And it is not only this young man, for “many are the victims” who came her way and all her slain are numerous. They all ended up in death.

The way to the house of the strange woman “is the way to Sheol”. It is the way down, to the inner “chambers of death” (Pro 7:27). The end of an adulterous relationship is not ultimate pleasure, but devastation. It does not give the special feeling that true intimacy does. The sons should make no mistake: the path of apparent pleasure is the path of death. The house of the harlot is on a cul-de-sac in the true sense of the word.