Proverbs 6:16–19
Solomon’s anatomy of sinful behavior concludes with a look at the evildoer’s feet. Not a pretty sight under any circumstances!
- Feet that run rapidly to evil
This figure of speech actually has more to do with the heart than the feet. First of all, it refers to habitual sin, and old habits are hard to break. Furthermore, because we have gotten away with the sin before, the skids are greased. In fact, we become increasingly brazen and ever less fearful of God’s stepping in the longer we walk along those familiar paths to sin. Elsewhere, Solomon writes: “The sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).
The first instance of sin usually agitates the conscience, prompting repentance. If the repentance is superficial, the second instance of sin becomes less traumatic to our sense of right and wrong. Repeat offenses sear the conscience even further, eventually to the point that it becomes callous, unable to sense the moral impact of a particular deed. That’s when we’re truly in danger. God made our conscience to respond to His conviction of sin; He considers a seared conscience an abomination.
Let us pray, “God, halt me in my tracks!”
From Living the Proverbs by Charles R. Swindoll, copyright © 2012. Reprinted by permission of Worthy Inspired., an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
