For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. ~ Proverbs 5:21

This chapter continues the lessons to sons. Wisdom is exalted (verse 1-2) and a great warning is issued about the strange woman (verses 3-14). Near the end of the passage, there is an exhortation to the son to be thankful for his own wife, and to take pleasure in her. (verses 15-23) However, the verse I chose for today has a universal application. Men, women and children would do well to remember that God is aware of all that we do; He is considering or pondering our actions.

The passage is dealing with sexual sin in particular. The harlot is available and willing to pursue after the “precious life” (Proverbs 6:26). This chapter is a warning about such women. In this day and time of the Internet, men have access to vile things, and they can stumble into it accidentally! But, as theologian Charles Bridges says, “If wisdom is loved, lust will not be indulged.”  A wise man builds walls around himself to keep him from danger and is accountable for his actions. He brings lustful thoughts into captivity quickly. (2 Cor. 10:5)

This passage isn’t only for my husband, it also applies to me, too. First, I do not want to bear the traits of the strange woman. I want to be the opposite, in fact. I want to guard my own thoughts and words so as never to give an easement to unclean living in any area of my life.  When I fail, I want to seek forgiveness immediately from the Lord and from others if I have offended them. I want to be sensitive to the Good Shepherd’s staff, to feel the slightest tugging of correction. Second, I want to remember that He is watching me, and thinking about me, as verse 21 so clearly states. Third, I want to provide for my husband the affection that a wife should. Charles Bridges says it so well, and so discreetly:

Tender, well-regulated domestic affection is the best defense against the vagrant desires of unlawful passion.

By keeping my own husband feeling loved and adored, I hope to keep the birds of sinful desire from nesting too closely to our marriage. Of course, the responsibility for our thoughts and actions rests within each of us alone; but I do not want to be a stumbling block to anyone, especially my own, wonderful man.