Proverbs 7 tells a story about a young man who walks right into trouble. The surprising thing is that he didn’t fall all at once. He took one small step at a time.
Dads: This chapter describes sexual temptation. Read it ahead of time and use your judgment for younger sons.
Keep God’s Words Close
Proverbs 7:1-2 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
The “apple of your eye” means something you protect carefully. Solomon wants his son to treasure God’s commands. When God’s Word is in your heart, it helps you when temptation comes.
It Starts With Small Steps
Proverbs 7:7-8 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house.
The young man in the story didn’t plan to sin. He just went to the wrong place at the wrong time. Temptation usually works like that. One choice leads to another until you’re in trouble.
Don’t Even Go There
Proverbs 7:25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.
The obvious solution is to stay far away. Don’t go toward the places, websites, or situations that lead to sin. The Bible says to run from temptation (2 Timothy 2:22).
The Takeaway
Sin doesn’t usually happen all at once. It starts with small steps in the wrong direction. The wise thing is to stay far away from temptation and run the other way.
