Solomon looks out from his window one evening and sees a man who lacks sense. He’s going to be an example for us: here’s what NOT to do!
Read Proverbs 7:1
• Where does this fool first go wrong (v 8, see Proverbs 5:8)?
• What's this reminding us about how to avoid sinning?
Temptation on the prowl
Read Proverbs 7:10
Temptation, in the form of an adulteress, meets the young man on the street.
• How does Solomon describe her?
• How is she different from Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 1:20)?
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TIME OUT
Solomon has been warning about the dangers of giving in to temptation in the form of an unfaithful woman. With the internet, and a society that celebrates sin, we have all kinds of temptation that Solomon could never imagine.
• How do you think he would adapt his instructions to his son today? How would they be the same?
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Body and mind
Read Proverbs 7:14
In verse 14 the temptress begins to speak.
• What is she tempting this man with in verses 13 and 16-18?
There is a visual and physical component to her seduction. But there's more to it than this…
• How else does she seduce this young man (v 21)?
This woman must deceive, because if she tells the truth, he’ll never go after her. In order to sink that hook of temptation
she’s got to lie. Look at her lies:
• She’s a faithful Israelite, part of God’s people—no need to be wary (v 14).
• No one will ever know about it—no need to worry (v 19-20).
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APPLY
Think about a sin which you regularly find yourself tempted by.
• How does it lie to you?
• How does it promise joy and safety that it does not deliver?
• What does Solomon say to you about it (v 1-4)?
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TIME OUT… Read 1 Corinthians 10:12.
• How are these verses a challenge to us as sinners?
• How are these verses an encouragement to us as sinners who long to be godly?
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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