Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.
Today, we continue to look at the section of Proverbs known as the wisdom section, which is chapters 1-9. As we read chapter 7, we meet an interesting “Lady” who ultimately leads us to destruction! You can clearly see an exhortation and warning to keep ourselves sexually pure and to beware of the destruction of sexual sin. That, in itself, would be enough to take away from this chapter, and that may be the word you need to hear from scripture today! However, if you read this chapter and think “that” is an area where I don’t struggle, I want to point out some principles that help us in any sin battle that we face.
Embracing the Importance of Knowing God’s Word
Proverbs 7:1-5 emphasizes the need to value wisdom and understanding as a wall around your heart against temptation. “My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you”.
Being Aware of the “Lure of Sin”
Verses 6-23 illustrate how sin often appears attractive, seductive, and persuasive. Like bait on a fishhook or trap! Sin appeals to our immediate desires and our selfishness with no regard to the future outcome.
Remembering the Outcome of All Sin
The chapter ends with a powerful warning about the consequences of giving in to temptation. Verse 27 says, “Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.” PRETTY CLEAR! If we stop to think about the outcome, it will often redirect us!
A few questions to think about and act on:
- Do I guard the two gates to my heart? (The EYEGATE and the EARGATE: the things I look at and the things I listen to)
- Do I fill my mind with the things of God? Check out Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 119:1-11.
- Do I recognize and AVOID situations where I could be tempted?
- Do I have a pre-determined response to temptation that is biblical?
- Are there accountability guardrails in my life?
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
- Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
- SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
- OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
- APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
- PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.