Temptation-Proof

Read Proverbs 7:1-27

6. While I was at the window of my house, . . .
7. I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8. He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. . . .
10. The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. . . .
22. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap,
23. awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
24. So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.
25. Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims.
27. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death. Proverbs 7:6-8, Proverbs 7:10, Proverbs 7:22-27

One of the best ways to survive a walk through a minefield is to avoid it altogether. Don’t go there, and you won’t get blown up. But the idea behind a minefield is the element of surprise—you don’t know where the mines are because they’re hidden. Therefore, the most realistic defense against getting blown up is to have a healthy suspicion of where the mines might be laid. Heads up and don’t be naive, we might say.

Proverbs 7 is a map to help you navigate your way through your own minefields—those areas of life in which you are susceptible to temptation. Self-defense comes in many forms, and this one should be a part of everyone’s arsenal.

The other lessons in this chapter relate to sexual purity.

This chapter of Proverbs contains a dark description of a young woman seducing a young man into sexual compromise (Proverbs 7:6-23). The underlying principle applies to young women as well: Don’t be naive. The person who has no purpose in life is simpleminded (Proverbs 7:7). Without aim or direction, an empty life is unstable and vulnerable to many temptations. Even though the young man in this passage doesn’t know where he is going, the adulteress knows where she wants him. She preys on his naiveté: she dresses seductively (Proverbs 7:10); she boldly kisses him (Proverbs 7:13); she invites him over to her place (Proverbs 7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (Proverbs 7:19-20); she persuades him with smooth talk (Proverbs 7:21). When she’s done, he succumbs, as though he were a trapped animal (Proverbs 7:23).

The best way to avoid being entrapped by temptation is to have your eyes wide open about such schemes. Don’t be naive—know your weaknesses, and run away.