The first nine chapters of Proverbs are laid out as fatherly advice to a son. But men of all ages are vulnerable to the temptations against which Solomon warns. And all should consider the contrasting paths of life these chapters portray—one a straightforward path of integrity and far-sighted discipline, the other a slippery path of pragmatism and short-sighted indulgence.

1. What tactics did the immoral woman use (vv. 10, 13-21) to entice the young man?
   
   
2. How does Solomon characterize the man (v. 7) for willingly succumbing to her seduction?
   
   
3. What qualities (v. 4) would have spared this man from his downfall?
   
   
4. What are the results (vv. 22-23, 27) of giving in to sexual temptation?
   
   
5. What steps should he have taken (vv. 24-25) to avoid his fate?
   
   
6. How would taking the long view (v. 26) have caused this man to think twice before accepting the woman's proposition?
   
   
7. How can you guard your mind so that your heart doesn't stray and you don't wander off the straight path?

Ask God to help you apply this ancient wisdom to the blatant forms of this temptation in our contemporary culture.

⁴Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. ⁵Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

⁶While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, ⁷I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense.

⁸He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. ⁹It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell.

¹⁰The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. ¹¹She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. ¹²She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.

¹³She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, ¹⁴"I've just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. ¹⁵You're the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are!

¹⁶My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. ¹⁷I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

¹⁸Come, let's drink our fill of love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's caresses, ¹⁹for my husband is not home. He's away on a long trip.

²⁰He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won't return until later this month." ²¹So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery.

²²He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, ²³awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.

²⁴So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. ²⁵Don't let your hearts stray away toward her. Don't wander down her wayward path. ²⁶For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, our culture preys on my male vulnerabilities. I need Your strength to stand tall and true.

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