Proverbs seven is a warning against sleeping with an adultress. But, what if you are quitting gambling, smoking or something else, how does that chapter help?
21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,”
With habits either we say, or think, or listen to someone who says: Do this!
When we hear/think that, say: No!
With every temptation start fighting every time by saying No!
No one believes that if you say 100 times today:
“I will stay pure, and free today,” that it would be a perfect long term solution. I agree, we need a more biblical approach. But, if you want to stay free today, say it 100 times. It will make it twice as easy to stay pure and free from your habit just from saying it.
My “flesh” tries to cause me to yield. I will fight it and say no!
Next: Verse 21 “With her flattering lips she seduced him.”
She lured him. There is something about your habit that lures you. Stop for one minute and think about what lures you.
The fish sees the lure. I watch and think: That fish is so stupid. The lure has a hook waiting. Obviously, the lure leads to disaster. But unless that fish says “No” and swims the other way, it will be in trouble. When an animal near a trap keeps looking, keeps sniffing, and keeps their focus on the lure, they will be trapped sooner or later.
Second, the last seven verses of the chapter remind one vividly of the destruction that happens when we think about and focus on the lure.
Third, saying no is smart, quoting a Bible verse to fight temptation adds Jesus’ power to the mix. That’s a nice one-two punch.
Know what your lure is. Then have a plan for how you will react when you are lured.
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