A Bitter Aftertaste

"But her end is bitter..."

(Proverbs 5:4)

We must always remember "the end" of sin, especially with regard to the sin of immorality.

By "the end" I mean the end results.  Sin propositions us with promises of pleasure. Smooth and sweet are the adjectives that we can see on the surface (Prov. 5:3); but "in the end" we discover that "smooth" and "sweet" were merely facades, covering up for that which was bitter and sharp. When faced with temptation we must consider "the end". 

What happens in "the end" for those who yield to temptation (viz., sexual temptation)? 

"Her end is bitter" - Bitterness is a seemingly unbearable emotional hurt; it's when you hate your life and wish it could all be different. 

Regret.

"Sharp as a two-edged sword" - The end of immoral pleasure in painful and deep, like a deep wound from a two-edged sword. 

It's not how you start the game that matters; it's how you end!  How the game ends is what determines the long-lasting feelings of emotion that follow you into the future.  

Everyone likes a happy ending.  Even when things don't start off so well, the old saying is remains true, "All is well that ends well."

But there are millions of people who are plagued with an "end" that feels like a fate worse than death.  Their "end" is the end of bitterness and regret.  

The "end" of sexual sin and unfaithfulness includes: shame, addiction, divorce, hatred, broken families, distrust, fear, bondage, disease, and a reproach that is never wiped away. Who would want their life to end with these consequences?

No one desires to end with a life of regret.  Yet very few ponder "the end" before they start playing with the fire of temptation.

Let's never forget that sin will take you farther than you want to go; it will leave you longer than you want to stay; and it will cost you more than you want to pay!

"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!" (Deuteronomy 32:29)