This entire chapter is instruction from a father to his son about the value of marriage and the folly of infidelity. These are the last three verses of the chapter and offer a bottom line perspective.
In the end, “a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths” (:21). God sees all we do. He will bless appropriate decisions and also address inappropriate ones.
But “the evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast” (:22). Generally, the consequences we suffer are not because of God’s direct intervention. It’s simply the natural result of our own bad decisions. We’ll have no one else to blame.
And the sad fact is that “he will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly” (:23). Our demise will not be due to a lack of knowledge or understanding…it will be our lack of personal discipline.
Yet, we don’t have to live that way! While no one’s perfect and we all make bad decisions, we don’t have to spend a lifetime doing evil deeds and living wickedly.
The LORD calls us to face our shortcomings, address them and let them go. If we’re willing, He’ll give us the empowerment to do so and begin experiencing a different – and much more meaningful – way of life!