Proverbs 27.20
“Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man.”
Love is a powerful force, but it must be accurately defined and properly directed. Under the deceitful influence of the enemy, love can be directed toward the wrong things. Misdirected love is a corrupting and destructive force. Therefore, it is imperative—it is essential—that you are discerning and disciplined about what you love. You must not give your love to the wrong things.
You must beware the love that lies to you.
In the Proverbs passage quoted above, “the eyes of man” is a figure of speech for our desires and passions. Unfortunately, people have a difficult time managing their desires, and sometimes their love is misdirected and they tend to be greedy. Nothing seems to satisfy them. They always want more.
“Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich” (Proverbs 21.17).
Pleasure itself is not a bad thing. The Lord created us to have emotions, desires, and passions. The problem is misdirected passion. This is desire without discipline. Remember Proverbs 19.2: “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.”
Desire without discipline—misdirected love—is dangerous. It’s an unguided missile. Everyone has passion, but not everyone has the discipline to properly focus and manage their love and passion. This is the great challenge of humanity.
In Ephesians 4.22, the apostle Paul warns against “deceitful desires.” This is a warning to beware the love that lies to you. The passions and desires of the old nature first seek to deceive, then they seek to destroy.
Pay careful attention to what you love. Be disciplined with your desires and passions. What is the object of your love? Toward what are your desires directed? What do your desires want you to do?
“Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4.23)
More tomorrow …
