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Day 14
Day 14 | Moving from Private to Public
ACTIVITY
Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:
Continuing these two patterns:
- P.A.C.T. in prayer—Pray | Ask | Confess | Thank
- P.A.S.S on scripture—Pray Prior to reading | identify Author's Intent | Stop when Convicted | Share what you learn
PROVERBS 7
7 My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and to insight, “You are my relative.”
5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
from the wayward woman with her seductive words.
6 At the window of my house
I looked down through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple,
I noticed among the young men,
a youth who had no sense.
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight, as the day was fading,
as the dark of night set in.
10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is unruly and defiant,
her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)
13 She took hold of him and kissed him
and with a brazen face she said:
14 “Today I fulfilled my vows,
and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.
15 So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;
let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
19 My husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money
and will not be home till full moon.”
21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths.
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave,
leading down to the chambers of death.
TRANSCRIPT
Goal: Moving from Private to Public
Hey, gentlemen, it’s the end of week two, and we are on day fourteen. Our green progress bar is moving, and thanks for hanging in there.
Moving forward, we’re going to continue to practice these private disciplines. I want you to continue to pray using the P.A.C.T. in prayer method and maintain the P.A.S.S. on scripture process. So please keep it going. As you get more proficient, we will take some liberties with this and change it up but lock in on these two processes as the fundamental processes that you should come back to time and time again.
Tomorrow we are going to move toward public activities and disciplines. The private disciplines like praying and reading scripture are activities that we do on our own. These are important for men called to act as they establish unseen daily habits that fortify momentum. They are fundamental disciplines. But now we need to address the supplemental public activities that keep us moving forward. The first public activity we are going to focus on is brotherhood. We are going to learn how to build friendships with other Christian men and how these activities accelerate spiritual growth in a man’s life.
Today you know your activities; if you need a reminder, they are below. Continue praying and reading, and we will see right back here tomorrow.
DEVO
My son, keep my words
and treasure up my commandments with you.—Proverbs 7:1
Some treasures we are quick to spend, others we invest, but this one we store up (keep) within. For when we store them up, their value multiplies in impact—on us first and then on others. They are words of wisdom to which we should not quickly pass over but bury in the deep within our soul. These words tell a timeless truth. They should direct and guide our life. They are words written exclusively for men. We should perhaps read them many times and burn them in our hearts. King Solomon thought they were so vital he dedicated an entire chapter to this one topic. But have you read them? Do you know the wisdom of Solomon, or will these words pass you by?
DO THIS: Read Proverbs 7, if you haven't already.
PRAY THIS: God, may I ever hide the words of King Solomon within my heart. Amen.
Share That You Completed Today's Challenge
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
We need to have God’s wisdom and knowledge of how to live a Godly life at our fingertips and stored in our hearts! Ps 119:11… I have stored your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you. With daily study of His Word and His precepts and daily prayer I can be sanctified each day! Thank you Jesus for the blood applied!
Stay focused on God’s way’s, not man’s!
You need to keep your eyes on the lord always
Our thoughts can consume our life for good or bad. We need Gods wisdom. Without it we will fall to the adulterous woman and many other sins.
Seek God, Get wisdom in your heart
Wisdom and insight guard against adultery and seduction? Sweet.
After reading it, store my words and keep my commands
Solomon does not mince words and that’s how it has to be. To imagine he wrote this advice so long ago and it still holds true is incredible. Thank you, Solomon and Amen
V4: Say to Wisdom, “You are my Sister,” and call insight your intimate friend
Wicked hearts lead to wicked thoughts lead to wicked actions. Lord condition my heart to follow the words of King Solomon keeping my honor to my wife in all ways. Amen
As men, we need to be godly; love our wives as Christ loved the church, instruct our children in God’s ways and challenge others to holy living.
I read & listened and listened to Pb 7 today. I also continue to to read the corresponding chapter with the date. ie Pb. ch. 29 today. My prayer is after a year the entire book of Proverbs will be bound to my heart.
How true this passage is. The prostitute can represent any sin that is in a man’s life, not just sexual sin. All sin is just sitting there, waiting for an opportunity. Need to stay strong in prayer and in scripture. Have a good day fellas!
Done
Only with God’s strength can we fight off the evil temptations before us. God I need more of you!
Everyday presents us with a fork in the road. One path may look enticing compared to the other. But holding wisdom and using knowledge should guide your way. The easy way may not always be the right way.
We’re all on a life path that leads to a choice, follow the wisdom and understanding of God or not. To turn away is to follow the flesh, the adulteress. Wisdom and keeping the commandments is much more difficult. The adulteress seduces us with words lile honey, sweet and satisfying. It is the easier of the two choices, and many times it appears to be the right choice. We don’t find out until it is too late. Like verse 23, “he does not know that it will cost him his life”. That is why we should bind the teachings on our fingers, and write them on the tablet of our hearts.
This passage has the feel of the woman being in charge, and the man is a victim. But men are in charge of their own immortality! We must stand firm. Even not so now that the “seductress” can come into our home, our computer, our phones…
If it is an “adulterous woman” or something else, it is so easy for Satan to entice us and knock us off of the correct path through the use of lies, things that are pleasing, etc. but we must stand firm.
I never really to notice before how much Solomon stresses the importance trance of wisdom and keeping it in your heart. I know Proverbs is filled with wisdom but the stressing of the importance of these teachings. It just spoke to me today in a different way, stressing the importance of being in the word daily.
Be aware of the snare!!!
May I forever hide the words of Solomon (of God) in my heart to avoid the trap of the seductress (satan).
We must avoid adultery at all costs or it will cost us more than we can bear.
The seduction I think is more than just sexual – it is the allure of what doesn’t bring pleasure to God. I take this scripture literal and metaphorically – The example is extreme, who wouldn’t notice what is going on, I think this is can be applied to not going to church, not doing good works, or how you think about your accomplishments. What we desire gets dressed up and we chase it because it is attractive.
I thought it was interesting that Pastor Bob said stay away from anything that breaks down the intimacy between a married couple, Do not share with a person of the opposite sex things that should be shared with your spouse. The same is true of our relationship with God. Pray to God instead of praying/complaining to Man.
(2/5/21) Proverbs 7:25 The Passion Translation
“Control your sexual urges and guard your hearts from lust. Don’t let your passions get out of hand and don’t lock your eyes onto a beautiful woman. Why would you want to even get close to temptation and seduction, to have an affair with her?”
My response to this passage is that I must give my attention to Wanda and not let my eyes wander to “lock your eyes onto a beautiful woman”. Yikes! Being accountable to both of you is tougher than I thought! (When we’ve got the best, why would we ever even consider the rest?)
It amazes me how often we are told about sexual lust and man who follows his desires of the flesh. We are told over and over you are going to get burned if you touch that hot stove!!! We touch it anyway.
Enjoyed reading your elaboration on the word “treasure” in the devotional. We either spend our treasures, invest our treasures, or store up our treasures and watch them multiply in value. God’s Word is THAT treasure for me.
Verses 24, 25, 26, and 27 are important for me to follow. Listen to God, not the evil one every day.
It feels so good though. I should feel this. We try to justify going down this path but oh how ugly the guilt and the destruction of a family there will be for just a moment of the lack of self discipline. Lost respect. A sin that affects the family forever.
You don’t have to go looking for temptation, it comes stalking for you and with very appealing overtures; but don’t be fooled, it is deadly to go along
Because I know I’m a sinful creature and need God to fill The hole in my heart. Because he is the only one that can feel it. I’m thankful he gave me a way to fill the hole and make me whole by what he did in shedding the blood of Christ his son and revealing to me his great salvation that I couldn’t have ever found but that I was always searching for. I think this is what 1st Peter 1:12 is speaking to me about when it says, ” things which are now reported unto you with the Holy ghost sent down from heaven which things the angels desire to look into ” I think the angels are curious to see how God’s word (Jesus) works in my heart by his holy spirit to change me when I trust and ask him to help me to be holy because he is holy, (1st Peter 1:16-17).
Brothers, be blessed today. Mike Morrison
Always be on guard is one of the things I sense in this chapter 7, Because at the weakest moment the devil will send someone to tempt you we need to be strong in Christ and resist temptations like Jesus did
Proverbs 7 reminds me that the devil is always looking to attack us. He will use women to bring down even the mightiest of us men. Stay steadfast men. Do not be persuaded and entranced. God give the strength to turn from their advances.
Complete
Good job!
Sins of the flesh are difficult to overcome. They always get brought to light and people always get hurt. Things may be forgiven, but they are almost never forgotten. The key is having the wisdom not to go down those roads of no return.
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house
I think if I’m honest with myself, I’ve knowingly subconsciously set myself up to be in the wrong places physically and mentally before I ever commit a sexually immoral sin.
God help me to take all thoughts immediately captive to your word at all times.
When are eyes are fixed on God and his commands, we are able to have a peace that only he can bring. Once our eyes are taken off him to search for other things to bring us meaning or peace, we travel down the path of destruction that leads us to despair.
I have learned the warning against lust.
Never lose sight of the lord for he is a good father to us all. Never let evil deep into our hearts or all the devil to pull us away from the light of the lord!
wisdom
Again King Soloman speaks about the wayward married woman.
He is giving men a warning not to accept this seductive trap.
I also notice there’s a pattern with the word “Heart.”
“Do not let your HEART turn to her ways…”
Out of the heart flows…
“keep my commands” “keep my words” “pay attention to what I say”
King Soloman knows by experience. May I continue to stay ALL-IN for Jesus.
With His help – especially in the time we are now living – there are lots of lonely people out there. God Help Us Men To Stay Faithful To You And To Obey Your Warnings.
King Solomon knew all about women’s this was a man who had 700 wives and 300 cucumbines a 1000 women’s ( Proverbs 7:10 )stuck with me…Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. I believe King Solomon was saying for Men’s to pay attention to their ways and when being around some women’s and especially the strange woman.
Completed
Sexual temptation is a something all of us face at sometimes…conquering this with Gods word and discipline is a victory that I know we all can conquer. Understanding the destructible consequences of this sin is so convicting….I have seen this destruction done by many men. I pray that always that I will have the strength and conviction to overcome any thoughts or desires!
Vince, I enjoy the music attached to the daily Devo
Life is full of temptation, keep covered in the armor of God
The author, Solomon, is looking back (perhaps on his own past) and is sharing the regrets of his heart. He refers many times to sexual temptation and adultery, but I believe that his intent was in all areas of temptation (though sexual temptation may be the highest for men).
1 Cor. 6:18 says to “flee from sexual immorality”. Being tempted is not a sin, but once we recognize it we need go the other way, without compromise or hesitation. When we don’t flee from that temptation, action soon follows and sin is inevitable.
God, keep my eyes focused on you and help me to flee all temptation.
I felt convicted about the act of adultery.I never gave it a serious thought that just looking at a woman lustfully with evil intent is adultery.So I shouldn’t be selfish and satisfy my desires yet I know that its not right.I need hardcore wisdom and insight to perservere.
The lord is reminding us not to live like the world to accept every woman that comes. For he has already made the perfect pair for you
Temptation is the ultimate challenge for us men. Focus our hearts on God. His commands his words will guide us through the path of temptation. The Armor of God is vital for us men!!
The ways to stray are many and easy to follow. Keep your eye on God and He will lead you on the correct path.
Thank you Lord for your Grace and never ending Love. Help me to bind Your word around my neck and keep me focused on you. Help me to help others in this time. Amen!
This chapter hits way too close to home. Truer words have never been spoken
7:25 “Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.” Not only are we called not to sin, but we are called to guard our hearts and footsteps too. This reminds me of a sermon our pastor gave a while ago about Samson. He had to take A LOT of steps to get from his house to the prostitute in another town. He was walking for DAYS and had something like 50,000 steps in which he could have turned around and simply gone home, but he never turned away from the path of the prostitute. And King David FAILED to take steps in the right direction, stayed home when he was SUPPOSED TO go to war, and ended up committing adultery and planning a murder to cover up his illegitimate child. But take heart men, BOTH of these men were filled with the Holy Spirit multiple times in their lives, so we can also be filled with the Holy Spirit as well if we just apply what God is teaching us through His Word.
Verses 21-23 really struck me. While physical intimacy with the wrong woman doesn’t seem to be my weakness, there are other temptations whose “siren call” I often yield to: wasting time on frivolous things like social media instead of focusing on what’s important, being harsh with my family instead of figuring out what’s bugging me and dealing with it directly (possibly with their help), and, in the past, overeating and filling my stomach with things that I knew would hurt my body. Over the past month, I’ve seen God give me a victory over that last one that I didn’t think was possible any more. Now I’m asking Him to keep transforming me so I can’t even hear the call of time-wasting activities or be attracted to the possibility of unloading my burdens on my family harshly. I’m so glad for this Scripture passage, and now I’ll find a way to share it with my colleagues or students.
Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
I just in Vince’s 30 day devotional of how we can have things inscribed onto us by either the world or by the Word. The Word is what I choose.
It strikes me that who we surround ourselves with helps us to make sure we listen to the right voices.
I need to learn and keep God’s commands in my heart, so very close to me. God wants me to choose life over death, and keeping Him and his word in front of me every day will protect me from falling into the snares of the evil one.
It’s so true how we follow our earthly pleasures so blindly, that we dont realize where it is leading us. Like an ox going to the slaughter.
This proverb reminds me of the words of tithe great Jewish Scholar Rabbie Mike D
“ She’s crafty, she’s gets around
She’s crafty, she’s always down
She’s crafty, she’s got a gripe
She’s crafty…”
This comment brought me joy.
It seemed to me to be so easy for the man to not walk down that street and not get snared, but almost the same thing happens to me… The glance that lasts too long, or my continued struggle with lust. It is easier to do that we would like to think. This is why we have to band together as brothers in Christ and guard our hearts together.
I, as well as many other Christian men, have been led astray by the adulterous women and the sex culture we live in today, with empty promises about fulfillment and our needs.
Thank you for your thoughts. It is great to have brothers who seek the Lord tool
Blessings to all of you.
I stopped and was convicted at “Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.” This struck me as ironic because at rooted tonight in our small group we talked about how people act like they know God’s teachings and try to accuse us when they don’t know what they’re talking about
Completed
Verses 24-27
I shared this with my wife. It is so important to be diligent in knowing God and following the path He has for us because there is an enemy (the Devil) who is constantly trying to distract us and pull us down. It is easy to be persuaded or deceived when we are not heeding the instruction and guidance of God.
Years ago, through Promise Keepers, I learned to guard my eyes and become proactive with respect to avoiding any path that could lead to temptation.
Keep my commands to avoid sexual misconduct. The importance of listening to God to avoid temptation
I don’t think i’ve realized before how much warning there is in Proverbs against the adulteress. In the first 7 chapters it seems like he has spent most of his time with this theme. This has been a constant issue of humanity. Like a moth to the flame is the man seduced by the adulteress.
sin is so tempting and destructive. Lord help me exercise courage and wisdom to flee it today!
“Like an ox going to the slaughter” really made me stop and ponder just how truly dangerous it is to follow the lust of the flesh… that verse will haunt me and I’m glad it will!
7 My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you. I am challenged to read the word more. To meditate on it and let it work in me and protect me with its wisdom.
Great chapter again highlighting the dangers of sexual sin. How we need to take it seriously and flee. I agree with Ryan its a great insight that the young man put himself into that situation to be tempted. May we flee similar situations.
The consequences are significant. The ox going to slaughter. The deer stepping into the news. The cost is our life. What a significant penalty for a few moments.
Keeping God foremost in our thoughts is the only way we can continually resist the temptations that are before us, and the only way we can keep focused on Him is by consistently seeking Him in reading and prayer.
Instead of dwelling on a temptation, we should think about other things.
I stopped here:
11 (She is unruly and defiant,
her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)
It reminds me to always be on guard to modern day sexual sin and temptation from what I see in media.. TV, internet, movies, etc. This reinforces the idea that she is lurking at every street corner.
As I read through chapter 7 the reoccurring theme of avoiding adultery initially jumps out. But I believe the intent what’s us to identify the ALLURE of sin, regardless of the form or presentation that it offers itself in. We are warned following the seductive life of sin leads to death.
Grace filled brotherhood, isn’t that what our Father put us on this rock for? We fight for and if needed suffer with our brothers in Christ. It’s time for us to armor up and fight side by side and let our enemy know that we bow only to our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.
The command is to keep His commands . Do not! End of story!
I’m drawn to the beginning of the chapter…keep my words…store up my commands…guard/cherish my teachings…you will live. In contrast, if you yield to temptation and sin, death will follow.
Solomon calls his son to worship. Do this, and don’t do that. Again, with the call to check our affections. “Don’t give in to her…” he is calling his son to discipline.
We have to reject the narratives that distract us. Thankful for you guys, and your sharing.
Keep at it guys!
I’m late in posting today. What stuck out to me in this passage and what convicted me is the power and the finality of the seduction. Like an ox led to the slaughter or like an arrow piercing the liver, that is what the seduction of sin is. We forget how costly and how deadly the sin is. As Gary said, it’s not just seduction of the woman but the seduction of anything that takes our attention away from God and calls us to disobedience.
“Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.” (Proverbs 7:26) reminds me how many influential and famous people have been slayed with public humiliation and ultimately tainted by adultery recently. It always comes at a very high price (reputation, marriage, job). It also reminds me that the biggest victims are not the adulterer, but the spouse, children and extended family. I was reminded that we need to put on the full armor of God to win this war, one battle at a time.
Take wisdom given to you and hold close.
I praise God I wasn’t convicted to stop during this proverb, I can’t say that that’s always been true. God has been so very good to me!
I thank God I have been strong in this area, wasn’t always the story with me.
I thank God I wasn’t convicted to stop, that hasn’t always been the case with me. Thank you Jesus!
I thank God that I wasn’t convicted to stop, that hasn’t always been true with me. Thanks be to God!
I thank God that I wasn’t convicted to stop. I can’t say that that was always true. God has been doing a mighty work in me!
Praise God I do didn’t need to stop, I can’t say that I wouldn’t have before. God has been doing a mighty work in me!
Warning Against the Adulterous Woman – the title of the chapter. I find it interesting how much content/chapters the author of Proverbs dedicates to this topic. Wow, the power of temptation on this topic!
Never cease praying, as I am focused on God thru out the day I find it is so much easier to fight the enemy and remind him he is. A defeated foe, those days that I do struggle is a reminder how important it is to surrender every day, every hour
Per suing a lust full life “is a highway to the grave “
i feel the true intent of God in giving us this word is not really the adultry with the women even though that is a big no no.. but it is deeper ..God is saying “you are mine” i am not gonna share you with other gods.. he want our all ..we put other things before God. it can be a tv show that stops our bible study or a ball game that we just have to see so we skip church. i believe God wants all of us to give him our best of everything ..worship,prayer time, all of it. this is hard and im not 100% yet but i do strive everyday to be all in..i also believe that prayer does not have to be formal but is just communication with God.
Interesting how we keep getting the same message the last three days??
Since this is 3 chapters in a row dedicated to the sin of adultery, it is clear that this was a problem back then as much as it is today. The authors intent is again to remind us that God’s wisdom will warn us about this sin, but we must keep ourselves accountable in this area. Its easy to get caught up, so we must remain steadfast.
It’s all about sin and God’s will to keep us on the path.
It is so important to know God’s word and keep it in your heart. Satan loves to trick us and is a master at it. The only way we can out-master him is with God’s word as he is powerless against it. I have to make a conscious effort not to let my eyes wander.
It’s kinda interesting that this would be a great teaching during that time since so many had wives and concubines and divorce was so easy for a man.
I understand that lust is something we as men should be very careful for but I get the feeling there is another message in these words, be very aware of all temptations not only a seductive woman but seductions of life disguised as something innocuous. Stay away from worldly temptations and find refuge in God’s wisdom.
Satan is always looking to destroy and will use whatever he can to do so.
“Like an ox going to slaughter” What a visual. “Her house is a highway to the grave”, what a warning. Do not allow yourself to be caught like a deer in a noose. Cross the street, stay away, don’t travel down that path, there is no good for us with this temptation.
Really good truths today about being wise in the situations we put ourselves in!
I’m struck by the imagery in verse 22 of an ox going to the slaughter or a deer stepping into a noose. These animals had no idea they were about to breathe their last. So to is the man who is out on the town at the end of the day. He’s not at home, and one can assume he might be drinking. He is alone and vulnerable to his instincts which will lead him into the sin of adultery. It’s not simple enough, though, to say stay at home and don’t drink. Solomon says in verse 26 many are the victims she has brought down. Among them many greater men than I including King David. The recognition of my vulnerability to this accompanied by appropriate guardrails (daily in the word, shield lock, right relationship with my M) will keep me away from this calamitous sin.
This speaks to us all for our individual life situations. This is not just about a prostitute, but about the devil/satan himself and his seductive ways. We must always be on guard from his lies, be aware of our surroundings and circumstances, avoid (plan in advance) and flee compromising situations, keep the Holy Spirit close to our hearts and PRAY for God’s guidance in all we think, say and do. Christianity is a transformation from flesh to Spirit … a change in lifestyle … a new beginning!
This addresses all of our own unique situations. This is not just about the seductive nature of a prostitute but about the seductive nature of satan himself! By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must always be aware and be on guard!
If you can just stay the course after that “first” infatuation ” which is always the hardest God will show you “her” true colors. If you never start down that path you’ll never be caught on it.
“Keep my commands and live. ” These are not prison-making commands but liberating commands that lead to true life i.e. living out God’s unique purpose for you. How sad it would be to get to the end of our life and realise we had missed our God-given role in this world. I pray that I would delight in the commands of the Lord.
Verses 3-4 stuck out to me. When we keep wisdom close to us and make an intentional choice to have Scripture as our guide, we are given the power to say “no” to sin. Staying in the Word keeps us sharp.
I am convicted today by the variety of ways that we can be attempted, and I think the author is showing us that one aspect of having wisdom is knowing that God’s ways are better than sin
This is a simple, spiritual way of living and when I open my ears, things do get better. I am striving to succeed and am patient with the path before me. I praise the Lord for his ways as I am all In!
I found it interesting that Solomon is watching this young man and the scenario unfold through the lattice. Apathy. He does nothing. He watches has this young man is led astray. Why? Building true friendships with other men allows us to be known…. Even without words. If we have deep and knowing friends they will know what’s going on without us saying anything. It’s at this point our guardrails (our brothers) that we have built can keep us living right
With the media saturation that we see each day, I would say that curbing our lust is the thing that most of fight everyday. Only by staying in the Word, prayer, and reliance on God can we rise to these challenges.
Sadly, I was this young man of the text. In my early 20s I allowed my young libido to allow me to fall into the arms of a married woman. Once was all, but the damage was done. This was before I really treasured the Word of God and knew the damage of lust. My heart is well guarded by His truth now, but I am constantly at the ready to battle temptation and lean on God to help me overcome.
This is what jumped out to me:
“Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions. Do what I say and you’ll live well.“ and “So, friends, listen to me, take these words of mine most seriously.“
These are commands, not suggestions. Simple as that. I either obey or I don’t.
Lord, thank You for Your Word and how it continually teaches and guides me. It clearly “lights my path”. Today I choose to obey. Thank You Lord for choosing and loving me. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Is there anything sweeter than a woman whispering sweet nothings in your ear? Is there anything sweeter than a woman doting on you? Solomon uses the allure of a woman as imagery for temptation. Men melt around women, we lose our minds around them….”a youth who had no sense.” We forget for a moment that the way we are headed leads somewhere unalluring. I’m remind of James 1:22-24 where it speaks of listening to the word but not doing what it says is akin to looking at yourself in a mirror and immediately forgetting what you look like when you walk away. Just don’t read or listen but store up the commands, guard them, bind them, write them on your heart, from Joshua 1:8 keep them always on your lips. Here’s to the good fight men!
Though the author makes it clear to the son (aka-us) that there will be consequences of sin, the “young man” does not see the long-term effects, only the short-term pleasure. When tempted with sin, we often see the short-term self-gratification (porn, alcohol, food, electronic devices/social media, etc) rather than the long-term consequences of this instant gratification.
Thankfully, we are given these “warnings” through God’s wisdom of these long-term consequences, so we can rather have long-term blessings and be a long-term blessing for others (especially if we p.a.s.S.). As fathers, we need to P.A.S.S. this on to OUR sons (and daughters) and keep them accountable as well; not in a stringent legalistic way, but in a way of love.
Beware the seductress. An apple with a rotten core may still look appealing from the outside. Always pay attention to your surroundings!
Everyday there will be something to stray us away from Gods path and word. Follow his teachings and pray heavily when we feel evil trying to steer us away.
When you see a pot hole in the road ahead of you, do you aim for it and figure you may come out of it with no damage to your car? Or do you steer around it and avoid any possible damage? When we see sin ahead, we need to steer away from it. It will damage us and leave us broken! We then need to fill that pot hole/sin, to the best of our ability so the next person does not get damaged. The gravel you use may not stay because others will run over it over and over again when you leave and the hole will grow again but if enough people fill the hole, it will become more and more solid. Be fully aware of the sin that is ahead. It is plentiful and dangerous. Steer around it people!!!! Take the safe travel that is the Lord Christ! How can you go wrong?
God has given such a great treasure trove of wisdom & knowledge to walk in the likeness of Christ, not to be deceived by the lusts of this world. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Let us keep the treasure trove of wisdom and the reverent fear of the lord before us at all times. We have another admonition of this spiritual warfare in Eph 6 and the armor that only God can provide. Thank you Jesus!
Remain faithful to your wife always – it’s God’s plan for you and her. Satan is the one who would like to separate you. Good marriages don’t just happen – they take hard work and commitment. Keep putting on the whole armor of God daily.
I will echo what many have also gained from this chapter and that being lustful thoughts and actions that in the end result will lead to death. Temptation of the evil one will be there.
Great thoughts Bill. It’s amazing to me to read all of the warnings that Solomon is giving, and while he is using a prostitute woman as the example, I believe he is talking about the things in our life that look good, and draw us away from God, but lead to destruction. How important it is to keep his instruction!
3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. I hear the Lord saying here that wisdom must become part of you (write them on your heart) and lived it out in your actions (bind the on your fingers) to gain the full benefit. Just knowing these truths or principles will not change anything and trying to “act” like a wise person will quickly be discovered in how one ultimately chooses to live. Do everything it takes to make wisdom part of who you are and it will be lived out in everything you do.
Lord, may we keep your commands so that we can live; guard your teachings as the apple of our eye. Bind them on our fingers; write them on the tablet of our hearts. Amen.
In these chapters there is many warnings about these paths that lead to death. In chapter 5 it even tells us to not even go near the path that leads to her house. Lord help is to keep far from these paths and stay focused on you!
Proverbs refers to the adulterous woman a significant amount and I have thought several times in previous chapters that there could be a deeper meaning. This morning I was listening as though the adulterous woman was the world. Do I look longingly at it, choose it over God? Ouch.
John, if you read this, keep pressing. I guess this 35 day called to act challenge was meant for just the two of us. All though I’ve invited most of the men, they didn’t show up!
The passage reminds me to not even stray into The destruction of lust’s path. To setup guardrails that prevent me from walking down her street.
I was once “that youth who had no sense”….7:7……I know that the adulteress woman, or any other thing that is trying to lead me off my path, are there for the taking. We can certainly at times blame them, or that woman….but certainly we must have the Wisdom to continue straight. To know in our heart what is the right thing to do. I pray to have that Wisdom always! Wish I had it then!
Let me hide thy words in my heart that I may not stray.
Stay Focused on and in Gods word!
Lust is everywhere!
“Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Temptation can be anywhere. Sometimes we put ourselves in a place of temptation and other times it presents itself despite taking every caution. We need the Word written on our heart for every situation but especially when we are confronted with temptation.
I was that young man a few years ago. I was foolish and stupid with a non-existent relationship with God. I had zero Godly wisdom, only my own carnal wisdom. I am grateful that our God forgives and forgets are past sins.
I find it curious that men (unsaved) will so easily be seduced by a married woman. I’ve seen it time and time again…they don’t look at the long term, and how it affects her Husband, her Children, and the rest of her family! I see why God hates divorce, because it’s so destructive!
Author- ‘wants his children to trust his commands/advice, to learn that loving wisdom equals life-preserving security..one specific way- creating an alertness in us to seduction so we can avoid it.
Other- find a fighting verse for my battle with food idolatry
I ask myself “what is the apple of my eye?”. This challenge is helping me to realize that God’s words and commands need to be the filter for every part of my life whether they be words spoken, thoughts, deeds, reactions, etc. In verse 12 I’m reminded that sexual temptations lurk at every corner but vs 24 and 25 again say “listen to me – do not let your heart turn”! Thank you Lord for convicting me and giving me the desire to be All In!
Verses 7-9 of today’s chapter are what got my attention. The vivid story clearly paints this guy as playing with fire — why in the world would he go near that place at that time of day when clearly he is just asking for temptation to come in such an extreme form. I often wonder, is he truly that ignorant that he doesn’t know that by going near there, he is subjecting himself to such temptation, or is he going there with the thought of just “seeing what happens” or is he going there with the intent of wanting that to happen. No matter what, this is a good lesson to me to be extra cautious with where I let myself go, the websites I visit, the things I do, to ensure I am keeping my guard up and avoid (if at all possible) situations where I know I have either struggled in the past or think I might be tempted to go down paths I don’t want to go down.
Verse 22 is so true, “he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter “. When we give in to our lust, we end up harming ourselves as well as the ones we love. I pray for God’s forgiveness.
I learned to treat wisdom like family and that “family” brings life.
Be vigilant to avoid the sin of the flesh and sins of the heart
What a good illustration by King Solomon. We must not only live by his teachings but teach our children this and enforce it. I have personally made similar mistakes because 1 I was young and dumb at the time and 2 the Bible was not taught in my house growing up church was a place we went on Holidays.
Verse 25 speaks to me the most from this passage, don’t let your HEART turn to her ways (the seductive & adulterous woman) or stray into her path. All of our emotions, actions, and words come from our hearts, so if they become corrupted with sin, our entire being becomes corrupted with sin.
Its been repeated in almost every chapter so far, so I feel like the message for me is to work to guard myself from temptations and lies of the enemy. I need to know the word well enough that it is written on my heart.
ben that is great…u r right..
As men, we must be aware of our weakness and vulnerability in the area of sex. The enemy of our souls knows how to exploit us. We must be wise, guard our hearts, in order to have LIFE.
Where is the line, you know the one in your mind, before you sin ? Verse 25 speaks of “wandering” … Jesus help my mind to think pure thoughts and not to wander down the path to ruin and death.
The fact that God keeps reminding us to avoid the snare of adultery daily shows me how prevalent these temptations are in life. We by nature don’t need to be told how to jump into trouble or death. God’s Word tells us just the opposite, how to gain real life and happiness.
2 Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
This reading seems to mock me since my wife has cheated on me and I have been faithful.
Hard to read.
I love brotherhood!! This is one venue where we have life to the fullest!! Whoop whoop
Complete. Lord, help me to not fall to temptation today.
Do whatever you have to do to stay in God’s word. Let it lead you. The world will suck us in if we have a chink in our armor. It is very seductive and we must put up guardrails and barriers to keep us out of danger.
Proverbs(King Solomon’s words) hit us right between the eyes. The power of keeping The Ten Commandments in our heart on a daily basis will keep us focused on the path God wants for us and give us strength and wisdom. Thank you God!
A little look or thought here or there seems harmless, but evil will not stop. Small sins lead to bigger sins. Thank you Lord for bringing this verse to us today. The devils way often seems fun and exciting at first, but will only lead to sadness and remorse. Help us rebuke these ways and console in each other our challenges.
Always love the wisdom from the word of God, especially when it comes to our sinful flesh with being a man. Thank you Jesus for the constant reminder to be strong at the moment and keep a strong faith.
The next time Satan reminds you of your past………Remind him of his Future.
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Day 14:
It just struck me as I was reading these words (authors intent). Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. He portrays himself as one looking out the window and watching this man being “led to the slaughter”. This imagery reminds me of his dad david whose entire life started spiraling after he looked out the window at bethsheba. I sense remorse in Solomon’s tone and instruction. I almost feel like he was looking back at a life of regret and watching a young man probably walking down a similar road. He was a man renowned for remarkable wisdom, yet was addicted to lusting after women and getting caught up in sex that ultimately didn’t satisfy him and led him to ruin.
“As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.”
1 Kings 11:4 NIV
It is a different battle today. Prostitution is not so widely accepted and tolerated, If you are looking for it you will find it, but in our world today, you don’t even have to leave your home. Social media and the internet have made you be able to do everything privately and keep your sin “hidden”. There is one problem with that lie. God knows! He sees it all! The good, the bad, the ugly. I really believe that is why Proverbs is so impactful…the wisdom that was written in it, in 700bc, still is impacting how I live nearly 3,000 years later! Thank you Lord for your Living Word!
Well said! Amen
We must store wisdom deep inside and not spend it in the moment. In proverbs 7 it warns of sexual sin and the path to death. With strong men’s community we can help each other be accountable and not fall into this snare.
The powerful lure of temptation is always there. We need to guard our heart and ask God for help resisting all that is not from Him.
It’s interesting that speaks strongly about the woman’s wrongdoings, it begins it all by saying it was the young man who had no sense.
Temptation is always out there, but it’s not hiding from us or unknown to us. There are no surprises if we have taken the effort to pay attention. Do we have sense in our daily walk, or do we wander into whatever temptation comes our way.
7 chapters on adultery. Amazing. God knows the intent of humans. The temptations that are constantly hitting us. The reminder that His wisdom will keep us straight and living a Christ led life. May God help me!
Men this is the strongest message yet don’t even let yourself get close to the evil temptations that are at every corner !! Dont give satan any victories in your life keep your focus on Jesus and His purpose for our lives Rom 12:1
The Lord always provides a way out of lust and other sin. This group of men is one way. Thanks guys!
Verse 2 says “keep my commands and you will live”. Previous chapters have emphasized gaining wisdom and understanding, which I believe is crucial to keeping God’s commands and to keep us from straying, spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Do not let the desires of the flesh occupy your hearts, let the the love of Christ be in your heart all the days of your life.
God finds it important to give two direct commands against sexual immorality, 7. Do not commit adultery. 10. Do not covet your neighbors stuff or his wife. The world says what’s immoral about sex? If it feels right do it, just be safe about it. Satan truly is the god of our world. “The devil walks about seeking whom he may devour.” Meditate on the law of God day and night so that we are not deceived by the teachings of the world
Keeping our minds focused on Gods word instead of worldly things can help us resist this world’s temptation. We need to be INTENTIONALLY thinking and putting out spare time into his word.
Proverbs 7 is a warning to avoid sexual sin. We need to focus and know God’s Word, avoid places and people that will tempt us, focus on the future of our family. One sexual mistake can ruin everything you love.
Wisdom and insight tied to our fingers and held in our hearts – whatever we do with our hands or desire in our hearts need to be seen and done through the filter of Our Lord’s teachings.
Simply put, when I am focusing on and spending time with God there’s no time to turn to temptation. Even when temptation is pursuing me.
24 Listen to me. Temptations are always present. Listen and do what God asks. Don’t even flirt with temptations which lead down dark paths. Flee bad situations!
I’m looking forward to public prayer and devotion. Today’s passage is another reminder to stay faithful. Sexual immorality is a huge warning from the author. I know it seems enticing, but Satan doesn’t want just part of us. He wants our total destruction.
Following our lustful desires will lead ruin us.
This morning I noticed just how much proverbs warns against becoming filled with lust. He knew how tempted we can become (men especially). It’s vital to keep our focus on him.
Sin and temptation is all around us and only through the belief and strength of Gods word can we overcome it. Have faith, believe and concur as our Lord has.
Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
I keep clothes in my dresser but I don’t guard them…really. Guarding something like my family, a retirement fund, my grandkids, etc. are things I value and actually have to put in practice some sort of mental / physical and emotional ‘barriers’. Do I guard God’s word as closely as I guard or protect other areas that are important to me?
Bind the teachings on your fingers and write them on your heart. I love how proverbs is slowly aligning our hearts with Gods, through Solomon which had many wives and several concubines.
Beware of the temptation to sin. It comes in all forms. Recognize it and do not let it lead you astray.
You nailed it Brian, it is not always in the form of a women, the evil one has many disguises. Stay in Gods word, putting on his full armor.
Versen 24. I learned that I must listen to the words of God, follow his commandments and not be tempted by evil. “And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.”
Proverbs 7:24 ESV
I love and cherish my wife and this chapter was another reminder that I need to fight for my marriage every single day and avoid the temptations of this world. I hold sacred the covenant I made with her before God!
The intent of this chapter is to warm young men against the lust of the flesh.
The guard myself from the entrapments of lust.
22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.
So many times we are tempted or allow ourselves to turn from what we know to be true. We need to be reminded daily that His ways are the best ways and the ones that lead to true contentment and joy.
We must keep our eyes focused on God as daily challenges arise. It is vital that we are in the Word daily to receive instruction and wisdom.
Men:
Proverbs 7. Stark realities.
Son Pete and i , had a providential phone call from pocket New Testament league yesterday. We are on a father, son adventure at Grand Canyon (stark realities) discussing spiritual direction when phone rings. On speaker this woman prays with us.
God has all of this men.
Verse 25 reminds me Satin is on the offense. Comes out in search of someone to devour. We’re being hunted by him and the things of the world. Remain all in men.
Our/my lusts if left undisciplined will lead to ruin & shame. Satan is seeking to destroy.