Reading: Proverbs 7

“Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman…” (4,5).

Without wisdom and understanding, he was vulnerable and easy prey for moral and spiritual corruption.

“Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house” (8).

No, no, no! Stay away! Oh, please — that’s a bad move! Stay away!

“In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night” (9).

Darkness and night — a time and season to be extra careful and watchful. Physical darkness, spiritual darkness, emotional darkness, moral darkness, cultural darkness, intellectual darkness — all times of greater peril.

“Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves” (18).

Don’t listen to her. She is only a substitute for the real thing. Even if the attraction is strong, get away!

“With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him” (21).

So be forewarned: Don’t even listen to her!

“He goeth after her straightway…” (22).

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths” (25).

Guard your heart. Guard your way. Get away!

“For…many strong men have been slain by her” (26).

They thought strength would compensate for carelessness. They were confident they could go so far…and stop. They thought they were too strong to be victimized.

They. Were. Wrong.

Oh, Father — help! Help me and my wife in the “strength” of our middle years. Help my children in the “strength” of their youth. We are no match for this strange woman you warn us against. Deliver us from self-confidence and carelessness. Make your strength our strength. Keep us from temptation. Deliver us from evil. Teach us to keep and live by your commandments.

from Proverbs 7:24

A little bit more from Proverbs 7: Keep. Live.