We live in a very permissive society. Sexual immorality has swept across the land. The porn industry is a multi-billion dollar a year business. That’s billion with a B. Both men and women have been swept up into the spirit of the age concerning sexuality. Unfortunately, very few have not felt its effects. In such an environment, it is easy to forget that in God’s eyes, sexual sin is a serious matter.

As Solomon continues teaching his son to seek after and understand wisdom, he turns his attention to what he calls the “immoral woman.” While we know that both men and women can be guilty of sexual immorality, Solomon seeks to warn his son about the perils of adultery. The warning is dire. He writes, “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell” (Proverbs 5:3-5).

Those are grave words. Solomon wants his son to understand while the sin looks appealing, the final destination is complete destruction. Many lives lie in ruin on the other side of sexual immorality. Therefore, he warns, “Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one” (Proverbs 5:8-9).

However, while the sin is enticing but leads to death, the original design is holy and leads to pleasure, joy, and life. We can never forget that God created our sexual natures. And while sin distorts and perverts what God created to be good, when we follow God’s design, we experience the intended blessings of a holy union.

When God created our first parents, he gave them the command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). They were to “Fill the earth” with their children (Gen. 1:28). Thus, we learn that in God’s eyes, the intimacy between a husband and wife was meant to create the basic foundation of all societies, the family. The family is created out of a union of love and intimacy. The Bible says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5).

However, the sexual union of a man and wife is not meant to be utilitarian. Solomon urges his son, “As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times” (Proverbs 5:19). Sexual intimacy was meant to create a family, but it was also meant to be enjoyed. The reality is that a husband and wife celebrate their love through their union. And in these verses God urges His people to understand that reality. Unfortunately, sexual sin not only perverts God’s original design, but robs couples from experiencing the true joy God intended for their marriage.

Thankfully, there is grace and forgiveness offered when we fail. God’s design cannot be undone by sin and perversion. If you have failed in this area, remember these words, “Drink from your own cistern, and running water from your own well” (Proverbs 5:15). When we embrace God’s design, we discover that the joy God intended far outweighs the fleeting pleasures of sin.