Deadly Desires

Instant gratification is hard to argue against, but Proverbs says that impatient cravings are fatal. 

Illicit sex brings long-term penalties.

Proverbs 5:3-6

For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, 

And her mouth is smoother than oil;
But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death,
Her steps lay hold of hell.
Lest you ponder her path of life—
Her ways are unstable;
You do not know them.

Dishonest wealth is worthless compared to gains made through hard work.

Proverbs 13:11

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished.
But he who gathers by labour will increase.

Deferring hope can feel awful but leads to ultimate satisfaction.

Proverbs 13:12

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

Quick fixes and fast answers are "folly and shame."

Proverbs 18:13,17

He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

Good advice can feel irritating at first but yields blessings. 

Proverbs 19:20

Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days.

People may appear to get ahead by lying, cheating, and stealing, but God's justice in the next life will show that righteousness is the right choice.

Proverbs 23:17-18

Do not let your heart envy sinners.
But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;
For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.

Delayed gratification offers rewards that many never get to enjoy. A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished. Yet these rewards are more than sufficient to bring us joy and satisfaction.

Learning to wait for good things is a significant sign of wisdom because it requires seeing past immediate indulgences to superior benefits that come with time. 

Scripture encourages us to be discerning and farsighted, distancing ourselves from anything that might destroy us, saving ourselves for far better and truer pleasures. 

Proverbs 27:12

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself;
The simple pass on and are punished.