A Dad Talks To His Son 3000 years ago

A Dad Talks To His Son

Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:27

Proverbs 7:7-27 (NIV)

[7] I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. [8] He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house [9] at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.

[10] Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed provocatively and with crafty intent. [11]  (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; [12] now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)[13] She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: [14] “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. [15] So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! [16] I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. [17] I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. [18] Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! [19] My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. [20] He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.”

[21] With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk [22] All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose [23] till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

[24] Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. [25] Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. [26] Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. [27] Her house is a highway to the grave, 

leading down to the chambers of death.

Addictions have a history of tragedy. Those who indulge build tolerances, so larger doses are required for the same feeling. Soon the dosage they seek is more than enough to kill them. When addicts hear someone has died from an exceptionally powerful dose, their first thought may not be fear but “Where can I get that?”

C. S. Lewis warned of this downward spiral in “Screwtape Letters”, his imaginative look at a demon’s explanation of the art of temptation. Start with some pleasure—if possible one of God’s good pleasures—and offer it in a way God has forbidden. Once the person bites, give less of it while enticing him to want more. Provide “an ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure,” until finally we “get the man’s soul and give him nothing in return.”

Proverbs 7 illustrates this devastating cycle with the temptation of sexual sin. Sex is God’s good gift, but when we seek its enjoyment outside of marriage we’re “like an ox going to the slaughter” (v. 22). People stronger than us have destroyed themselves by pursuing highs that are harmful, so “pay attention” and “do not let your heart turn to [wrongful] ways” (vv. 24–25). Sin can be alluring and addicting, but it always ends in death (v. 27). By avoiding—in God’s strength—the temptation to sin, we can find true joy and fulfillment in Him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

[13] No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.