“You Shall Not Commit Adultery” #1428

27 Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; Whoever touches her shall not be innocent. (Proverbs 6:27–29, NKJV)

Just as one cannot put a firebrand to his chest without getting scorched, or walk on hot coals without burning his feet, adultery will not leave the person who yields to its temptation untouched by its pain, sorrow, and regret. Then, there is the broken trust, the broken marriages, and the lives of spouses and children that are left is tatters. And for what? For a tantalizing, momentary thrill? To fulfill fleshly lust? To escape the monotony of marriage? To follow the deceptive lie that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? Adultery is a betrayal of vows made before God and of trust mutually shared. It dishonors the bodies of those involved, while shaming God who gave the body for holiness, not moral defilement (1 Corinthians 6:16-20). Guard yourself against this transgression against your own flesh (Genesis 2:23; Ephesians 5:28-31). God’s warning is clear: “Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul,” and, “Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away” (Proverbs 6:32, 33). God’s command against adultery is for your protection and purity (Romans 13:9). Honor your marriage by maintaining holy sexuality (Hebrews 13:4).

The Heartache of Betrayal #704

12  For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. 13  But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. 14  We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng. (Psalm 55:12–14, NKJV)

You can hear David’s heartache over being betrayed by his trusted friend and companion. (David’s counselor, Ahithophel, betrayed him during Absalom’s conspiracy and rebellion, 2 Sam. 15:12, 31.) Jesus Christ, the son of David, knew the pain of betrayal from His close companion, Judas (Jno. 13:18; Psa. 41:9). It hurts when someone you love and trust with your very soul proves to be disloyal. Do not turn from God in despair during such moments. Be sure your heart and your actions remain pure. David, in faithful assurance of God’s ever-present love, advises us to “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psa. 55:22). Timeless counsel. The Lord never betrays us. May we never betray Him.