How Naive Can You Get?
December 9, 2022
Commentary
Solomon brings a shameful scene to us that has been duplicated millions of times since and is as true today as in the days of Solomon. As we read this it is a warning to any young man of the dangers of trusting in his own heart, departing from the instruction of God’s Word and forsaking the counsel of his parents. It appears that this young man was not purposely walking toward this harlots’ house but probably knew that she lived there. At any rate he was enticed and going where the temptation was. If we want to avoid the devil we need to stay away from his neighborhood.
Notice the tactics she used to entice him:
Dressed to draw attention to herself (v. 10).Suddenly embraced and kissed him (v. 13).Pretended to be religious asking him to help her eat the meat left from a sacrifice (v. 14).Tried to build up his ego with flattery (v. 15).She enticed him with a description of her bedroom (vv. 16-17).She assures him that they will not be caught as her husband is away. (v. 18).
Application
I need to be like Joseph and run as fast as I can from any of these types of circumstances and realize that in my own strength I will not be able to resist. In a weak moment I can wreck my entire life. I must also warn my family of how Satan is out to ruin and wreck our lives with impure thoughts and actions. I need to help them come up with a list of things that will build a hedge of protection around themselves and keep them pure. Type this up for frequent review.
Proverbs 7:10– 18 (NET)
10 Suddenly a woman came out to meet him! She was dressed like a prostitute and with secret intent.
11 (She is loud and rebellious, she does not remain at home—
12 at one time outside, at another in the wide plazas, and by every corner she lies in wait.)
13 So she grabbed him and kissed him, and with a bold expression she said to him,
14 “I have meat from my peace offerings at home; today I have fulfilled my vows!
15 That is why I came out to meet you, to look for you, and I found you!
16 I have spread my bed with elegant coverings, with richly colored fabric from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deeply of lovemaking until morning, let’s delight ourselves with love’s pleasures.
Illustration: Butterflies Can be Lured Into Capture by Decoys
Butterflies can be lured into capture by decoys. Naturalists cement the wings of a dead butterfly to a head and body that has been sketched on cardboard. The object is then cut out and covered with cellophane to protect it. When suspended from a twig by a thread it will turn in a lifelike manner whenever a breeze strikes it. While real butterflies will not stop or touch it, they will hesitate or flutter around momentarily, so that the naturalist has opportunity to net them. (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).