Guard Your Eyes

Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man. Proverbs 27:20 NIV

I have tried to figure out the wisdom of Solomon in this passage. Proverbs are simply this: mini sayings which are big on wisdom. Each verse basically can stand alone. Why would Solomon place Death and Destruction, capitalized, in the same proverb with the eyes of man? Didn’t God create a wonderful blessing when He gave us the gift of sight? Who, that has sight, doesn’t enjoy the beauty of God’s Creation?

As a man, or I should say, especially as a man, I can answer this question. My eyes often get me into trouble. They sometimes find themselves going places they shouldn’t go, looking at things they shouldn’t look at. Ever have that problem?

I know this, if my eyes land upon pornography, or even just images of a scantily clad woman, the thought of that will be in my mind for hours and days to come. I can’t seem to get rid of it. My “eyes” are never satisfied! (Am I alone here?) I don’t have to go looking for the images. They are all around me; on the magazine racks, on the television, and even walking down the streets.

I guess that is why the Bible tells us to “flee” any hint of immorality, because it is contagious. It is like a plague that starts small, maybe even innocent, but it spreads rapidly. It pierces through the weak-willed part of our character and strives to take us away from the heart of God.

Oh, God, our Glorious Father, may our hearts be pure. May we be satisfied only in You and in Your righteousness. May you keep our eyes from evil and our desires contained within Your will. This is our prayer, in Jesus name, Amen.