Have you ever found yourself enticed by the allure of temptation, drawn into its snare by the promise of pleasure or fulfillment?
Proverbs 7 presents a sobering warning against the dangers of yielding to seduction and urges us to guard our hearts and minds against the lures of sin.
Reconnect: In Proverbs 7, Solomon imparts wisdom to his son, cautioning him against the enticing words of an immoral woman. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of discernment and self-control in the face of temptation.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
The Wiles of the Harlot
1My son, keep my words
And treasure my commandments within you.
2Keep my commandments and live,
And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your intimate friend;
5That they may keep you from an adulteress,
From the foreigner who flatters with her words.
6For at the window of my house
I looked out through my lattice,
7And I saw among the naive,
And discerned among the youths
A young man lacking sense,
8Passing through the street near her corner;
And he takes the way to her house,
9In the twilight, in the evening,
In the middle of the night and in the darkness.
10And behold, a woman comes to meet him,
Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.
11She is boisterous and rebellious,
Her feet do not remain at home;
12She is now in the streets, now in the squares,
And lurks by every corner.
13So she seizes him and kisses him
And with a brazen face she says to him:
14“I was due to offer peace offerings;
Today I have paid my vows.
15“Therefore I have come out to meet you,
To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you.
16“I have spread my couch with coverings,
With colored linens of Egypt.
17“I have sprinkled my bed
With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18“Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with caresses.
19“For my husband is not at home,
He has gone on a long journey;
20He has taken a bag of money with him,
At the full moon he will come home.”
21With her many persuasions she entices him;
With her flattering lips she seduces him.
22Suddenly he follows her
As an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool,
23Until an arrow pierces through his liver;
As a bird hastens to the snare,
So he does not know that it will cost him his life.
24Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
And pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths.
26For many are the victims she has cast down,
And numerous are all her slain.
27Her house is the way to Sheol,
Descending to the chambers of death.
Summary Key Points:
- The Seduction of Temptation: Solomon vividly describes the encounter between his son and the immoral woman, emphasizing her cunning tactics and persuasive words. Through this narrative, he highlights the deceptive nature of temptation and its ability to ensnare even the most unsuspecting.
- The Consequences of Yielding: The consequences of giving in to temptation are dire, as Solomon warns of the devastating effects of moral compromise. He paints a vivid picture of the ultimate outcome for those who succumb to the allure of sin, emphasizing the importance of resisting its temptations.
- The Call to Wisdom and Discernment: In light of the dangers posed by temptation, Solomon urges his son to embrace wisdom and discernment. He emphasizes the importance of heeding instruction and following the path of righteousness, which leads to life and blessings.
Call to Action:
As we reflect on Proverbs 7, let us:
- Guard Our Hearts: Be vigilant and discerning when faced with temptation, guarding our hearts against the seductive allure of sin.
- Seek Wisdom: Cultivate a heart of wisdom and discernment, seeking guidance from God’s Word and the counsel of the wise.
- Flee from Temptation: Follow the example of Joseph in the Bible and flee from temptation, refusing to entertain its advances or compromise our integrity.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge the ever-present dangers of temptation and the allure of sin in our lives. Grant us the strength and discernment to resist temptation and walk in the path of righteousness. May Your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us away from the snares of the enemy. In Your name, we pray, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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