“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” — 1 Corinthians 5:5
“Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.” — Proverbs 28:10
Sin never destroys only the sinner. It often pulls others into the ditch with it. Paul warned the church at Corinth that unchecked sin must be dealt with because fleshly corruption spreads like leaven.
Proverbs 28:10 teaches that the one who leads others astray eventually falls into the very pit he dug for others. Deception eventually becomes destruction.
The flesh always promises secrecy, pleasure, or advantage, but God allows painful consequences to expose hidden corruption. Sometimes the Lord permits brokenness, loss, or chastening so the soul might finally return to Him. What Satan means for ruin, God can use for repentance.
Absalom — 2 Samuel 15:1-6
Absalom stole the hearts of Israel through subtle words and hidden ambition. He drew people into rebellion against David, but eventually Absalom fell into the very destruction he created for others. His pride lifted him up, but his own way became his pit.
Judas Iscariot — John 12:4-6
Judas deceived others while hiding covetousness in his own heart. He walked with Christ outwardly, but inwardly loved money more than truth. In the end, the betrayal that trapped others destroyed him spiritually and emotionally. The pit he helped dig became his own fall.
Believers must be careful whom they follow and what voices they allow to influence their hearts. A deceptive spirit eventually produces spiritual ruin, but upright walking brings stability and blessing.
“Be sure your sin will find you out.” — Numbers 32:23