Lust Is Blind

Read Judges 13:1–16:31

4. Some time later Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in the valley of Sorek.
5. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice Samson to tell you what makes him so strong and how he can be overpowered and tied up securely. Then each of us will give you 1,100 pieces of silver.”
6. So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me what makes you so strong and what it would take to tie you up securely.” . . .
15. Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me? . . . You still haven’t told me what makes you so strong!”
16. She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it.
17. Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. Judges 16:4-6, 15-17

Do you remember your first crush? At the time, you thought there was no one else quite like that special person. You daydreamed, you wished, and you hoped.

Samson is experienced with crushes. Despite his many opportunities, he never quite learns. Or does he?

As you read, see what you can learn about relationships with the opposite sex and about keeping your focus on God.

In this section of Scripture, there are also lessons on the kinds of people God uses; on how to use God’s gifts; and on taking revenge. All courtesy of Samson.

Samson was deceived because Delilah flattered him and indulged his sexual appetite (Judges 16:15-19). Although Samson could strangle a lion, he could not smother his burning lust or his vanity. As a result, Delilah took advantage of him again and again. If Samson didn’t realize what was happening after the first or second incident, surely he should have understood the situation by the fourth time! Yet his sexual appetite and weakness controlled him.

How can you keep your desire for love and sexual pleasure from deceiving you? First, decide what kind of a person you will love before passion takes over. Determine whether a person’s character and faith in God are as desirable as his or her physical appearance. Second, look for what is truly important in a potential husband or wife. Because most of the time you spend with your spouse will not involve sex, your companion’s personality, temperament, and commitment to solve problems must be as gratifying as his or her kisses. Third, you should be patient. Time often reveals what is beneath a pleasant appearance and attentive touch.