\u201cHe follows her impulsively, like an ox going to slaughter, like a deer bounding toward a trap.\u201d Proverbs 7:22
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The sub title in my Bible says, \u201cA Story of Seduction\u201d at the beginning of this section. \u00a0Verses 6-23 are exactly that, a s story of seduction. Impulsively in the original form can be translated immediately. \u00a0Meaning he gives it no thought, he just follows blindly after her, not realizing she is leading him on a path of destruction.
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Seduction is so hard to resist. It\u2019s the piece of chocolate cake tempting you to eat it. It\u2019s the new pair of shoes you just know you can\u2019t live without. We are seduced by many things that lead us astray. It is always subtle. There is an air of mystery that usually surrounds it. We can become obsessed with what we think we cannot have. We may be able to resist for a little while, but depending on the expertise of the seducer, we inevitably give in to our desires.
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Food is always a good analogy for me. I can\u2019t have sweets in the house. My husband has the girl scout cookies hidden at his office. He knows if he brings them home they won\u2019t make it through the night. It\u2019s a weakness for both of us. If we have a box of them in our cupboard, it will call to us tauntingly. We won\u2019t be able to think of anything else. We\u2019ll be able to last for a little while, but then we\u2019ll give in to the temptation. Once the box is opened, there is no going back. They will be devoured. We can\u2019t resist. My ongoing battle with weight thus continues as I run bounding like a deer to the trap.
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Unfortunately, we don\u2019t always know when we\u2019re being seduced, like the young man in our scripture today. He had no idea he was heading to the slaughter. In cases like that we need to pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and get back on the right path. Giving grace to ourselves can be the hardest grace to extend, but it is what will help you get back on track.
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