A Lesson on Temptation

Proverbs 7:1-27

In this chapter we see a young man who is void of understanding is tempted by a woman who is portraying herself as a harlot. There is a good lesson for us in this chapter in regards to the subject of temptation even if you are not a young man. Because everyone is deals with the subject of temptation in their Christian lives (1 Corinthians 10:31 ; James 1:14-15).

What can we learn from the tempter?

1)  Temptation is looking for you (verses 10,12,15)

2)  Temptation appeals to every side of man

• Physical (verse 14)
• spiritual (verse 14)
• emotional (verse 15)

3)  Temptation is shameless (verse 13)

• impudent – shameless, bold, wanting modesty

4)  Temptation elevates self (verse 15)

• Proverbs 16:18

5)  Temptation’s desire is for you to yield toward it (verse 21)

• Romans 6:13

What can we learn from the young man?

1)  He made provisions for the flesh (verse 8-9)

• Romans 13:14 (make not provision for the flesh)
• Ephesians 4:27 (Neither give place to the devil)

2)  He could not see the danger in what he was doing (verses 22-23)

• Solomon could see it (verse 7) but it is interesting that Solomon could not see it in his own life. This is why we need counsel.

What was the Root of the Problem?

The root of the problem was lack of understanding (verse 7). What is understanding? Knowledge of the Holy (Proverbs 9:10) and departing from evil (Job 28:28).

What is the Solution?

The solution is found in verse 1-5. The Law of God must be the apple of your eye and the commandments must be bound on your fingers and in your heart so that your heart does not decline to the path of the woman (verse 25).