5:15-23 Lawful marriage is a means God has appointed to keep from these destructive vices. But we are not properly united, except as we attend to God's word, seeking his direction and blessing, and acting with affection. Ever remember, that though secret sins may escape the eyes of our fellow-creatures, yet a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, who not only sees, but ponders all his goings. Those who are so foolish as to choose the way of sin, are justly left of God to themselves, to go on in the way to destruction.

23. without instruction—literally, "in want of instruction," having refused it (compare Job 13:18; Heb 11:24).

go astray—literally, "be drunken." The word "ravished" (Pr 5:19) here denotes fulness of punishment.