Prov 6:32   But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

            

This wisdom of Solomon is a devastating indictment of life in the West in the twenty-first century. The seventh commandment clearly stated, “You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex 20:14). Adultery is having an illicit relationship with another person when either of you is married to another person. It is a breaking of the promises of fidelity that one or both of you made to another and it undermines that original relationship, but more than that, Solomon says it reveals something specific about the adulterer.

 

First he says that it reveals that this person lacks judgement. What he means is that this person makes bad choices, is not wise and doesn't think about the consequences of what they are doing. The consequence that Solomon suggests is perhaps not the first thing we would have thought of: he destroys himself, he says. How is that?

First of all this adulterer knows he is in the wrong – watch him try to hide it! He brings guilt upon himself, even though he may try to justify it. Second, because of this, he demeans himself. He can never think well of himself after this. He knows he is a betrayer of promises to a loved one. However much he tries to cover that, he knows the sort of person he really is! He's also starting a series of activities that will bring only upset, and at least deception and lies. As he steps out on this course he is starting a downward, destructive course. Don't do it! Think again!