Understanding Temptation: Wisdom from Proverbs 7

Not only does the Word of God bring light to the path on which we must walk, but it also spreads light on the dark avenues of this world, revealing the deceptive ways of temptation. As we go through these verses in the seventh chapter of Proverbs, think about how it relates to what John reveals about Babylon, the great prostitute of Revelation 17. These temptations are nothing new to man, and they will increase as the Day of the Lord’s return draws near. We must be aware and watchful.

Scripture reminds us that all this has been made clear by God since the beginning. We should not be taken by surprise by these ways of temptation, but it’s good to have a refresher.

Temptation starts when we’re young

I cringe as I look back on my high school and college years, thinking about the ways I gave in to temptation. I’m also thankful that God saved me from myself and my own desires and tendencies. You may feel the same, thinking you survived, though you came out smelling like smoke! The fire almost consumed us!

Now we can relate to this one who stands at the window of his house and watches new generations face the same temptations.

For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness. (Proverbs 7:6-9 ESV)

What are the first two ways of temptation?

• She seeks out the young who have no sense or lack wisdom,
• She tempts first in the darkness, when he thinks no one will be watching.

There we are, the first two clues that Satan is working to trap someone in his grasp. He goes after young people who lack sense. Even when parents raise a child in the ways of the Lord, there is still a point in his life when he’s short on wisdom. If the evil one can trap him early in life, the better chance he’ll not remain faithful to the Lord. How many young people go off to college, only to return as another creature?

Just as a child sows his wild oats when he leaves the nest for college, many do the same years before by experimenting with temptations in the darkness of their rooms or out at night with friends. Do their parents see? Often not. Does God? Always.

Just like an algorithm, temptation grows as it’s sampled

And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him, “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.” (Proverbs 7:10-15)

These verses reveal the increased pull of temptation on the heart of a young person.

• Temptation is alluring. Dressed as a prostitute, there is an appeal to the senses.
• Once the first attempt is made, the temptation seems to be everywhere he goes. At every corner, she lies in wait.
• The temptations grow bolder, and now he’s not afraid they are out in the open. There is a point when all caution is thrown to the wind in order to give in to temptation.
• The one who tempts is merely serving the Deceiver. She’s offered sacrifices to the one she worships, and she’s pulling her prey toward him as well.

All of the temptations faced by men and women today may have rational explanations, but few are aware of the spiritual dimension and activity in the heavens parallel to that on earth. There is a clear strategy of Satan to trap and bind us in sin.

The love deception

These next verses give clues to the enticement of temptation using words.

“I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen; I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home.” With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. (Proverbs 7:16-21)

• Temptation seems to offer only the best—nothing that can harm him.
• Temptation is shrouded in the word “love”.
• Temptation always says, “It’s safe, no one will find out.”
• The words of temptation are smooth.

In the end, it’s a trap that leads to death

The enticement has a purpose, and the deceptive words a draw. The end looks nothing like the beginning. Beware.

All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death. (Proverbs 7:22-27)

Giving in to temptation costs the man his life. Remember the witch who lured Hansel and Gretel into her house with pieces of bread and hopes of more food? The final disturbing end she had in mind was for them to end up in her oven. The same for the temptress—her house leads the way to death.

What is the solution? Don’t let your heart turn to her ways. Stay on the straight path of the Lord and live by the wisdom of His Word. Be forewarned! God has made this clear for our good.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.