“So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.” Proverbs 7:24 (NLT)
This chapter tells of the seduction of a young, simple minded and unaware young man by a bold, brash, loud and experienced harlot. The man wonders up the path, by her home in the dark of night. She approaches him, she throws herself at him, kissing him and drawing him into her room. She continues the seduction by telling him how she has prepared for him and how they will enjoy one another. Her words and actions entice him to follow her. He allowed her to lead him away, “like an ox going to the slaughter…..little knowing it would cost him his life.”
This man was naïve, lacking common sense. He was unaware of the danger. I must “pay attention” to what the Word is speaking to me. The enemy is prepared and waiting to approach and entice and flatter me with temptations that will ruin me.
Oh how I would like to think I have more sense than this young man, that I could not be so easily led away. And though it is true, I am not quite so naïve. I have gained some understanding and am aware of an enemy that is out to destroy my life. I must continue to “pay attention” to the commands and instructions. Continuously seeking them, keeping them before me, memorizing them, guarding them and allow them to take deep root in my heart.
Immorality speaks and has words to draw me into sin. I need the greater power of God’s Word to keep me from falling victim to sins flattery. It’s not enough just to hold His Word in my hand. I must read it, learn it, gain wisdom from it and understand it’s instruction. This is the exact reason the enemy would want to keep me from reading and studying the Word. Excuses like, it’s to hard to understand or there just is not time are tactics of the enemy to keep me distracted from reading and learning the Word. And when I am distracted, I become like the naïve man in this chapter and can easily find myself wandering down a dark path unaware of the danger
Lord, give me a greater desire for your Word. Increase the depth of my understanding. Open my eyes to see the traps the enemy has set before me. Help me to stay alert keeping your commands and instructions before me and anchor them deep in my heart. Thank you for grace that covers me when I slip and for forgiveness where I fail. Amen.
What is God speaking to you today through Proverbs 7? Share in the comments below or on the Journaling Through Proverbs Facebook Group.