“but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.”
I have heard many people tell me “Well, it seemed like a good idea at first.” Verse 3 told us that the enticements of sin were as seeet to the taste as honey fresh from the comb. This verse reminds us of where that ends up. The NIV uses the word Gall as a translation of the original language. I had my gall bladder removed about 20 years ago. Not pleasant and anything from that particular organ is not a pleasant thought. Going from the taste of fresh honey to the taste of some gall juice is about as unpleasant as I can imagine. The more common rendering of the original word is wormwood which was an extremely bitter tasting herb or plant. It actually has a lot of medicinal uses and you can buy it today in your local pharmacy or on Amazon. That being said it is very bitter and can also cause nausea. It has also been used as a poison. The image of the double edged sword is one a weapon that causes damage in all directions. Kind of a picture of the destruction of the body and soul. The sin being referred to in the prior verse initially seemed so sweet but ultimately it destroys every part of the one who indulges in it. So when someone says it seemed like a good idea at first what they really mean is that they liked the initial idea of it and ignored where it would lead. Sadly most of us walk willing into sin believing we will be the one person in all of history to escape the consequences. Not a chance. It sounds like I’m trying to frighten us from sin. It sounds like Solomon is too. We are. Today consider the outcome awaiting sinful choices and flee them. #BeTheEdge
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV
