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This is Proverb Pic, the daily devotional newsletter that helps Christians become wiser in 2 minutes a day.

Proverb of the day

So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!

Proverbs 7:15-18

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Meditation

Proverbs 7:15-18 teaches us that sin actively targets us. It's not passive. If we are not prepared then it can take us. The process of temptation can be broken down into stages. The first stage involves rationalization, as mentioned in verse 14. In the given example, the individuals involved in the affair try to justify their actions by sharing a fellowship sacrifice meal. They attempt to reconcile their adulterous behavior with their self-perception as morally upright individuals. There are various ways in which people rationalize such actions. For instance, a man who feels sorry for himself and overworks himself may develop desires for a woman who is not his wife, justifying it by thinking, "Considering all the sacrifices I've made, I deserve this."

The second stage involves believing in an overpromise. The woman explicitly says, "I looked for you only" (verse 15), implying that the person being tempted is the one she has been searching for all her life. This promise offers a sense of cosmic fulfillment that cannot be achieved through any sexual encounter.

The third stage is the stimulation of the senses, including enticing aromas, appealing sights, and physical arousal. The verse mentions perfuming the bed and indulging deeply in love. At this point, resisting the temptation and saying no becomes extremely difficult.

It is important to recognize that it is impossible to completely avoid temptation. However, as attributed to Martin Luther, one can take preventative measures. Just like you cannot control birds flying over your head, you can prevent them from building nests in your hair. In other words, it is crucial to address and stop temptations before they escalate and get out of control.

Prayer

Lord, help us to actively fight sin and temptation

Application question

How do you need to battle sin today?

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