We commit sexual immorality, not because we are victims to our desires, but because we are looking for trouble. We’re then tempted to believe either that we have to try harder or that we’ll never change. But there is a better way.
Those who walk with Christ will say to wisdom, “You are my sister.” They will call insight their intimate friend (Prov 7:4).
Your desires can change. You can train your heart by grace to love the truth. When you write God’s words upon your heart, you gain a new perspective on the things that once tripped you up. Instead of passing along the street near immorality’s corner, you can look out from your window and out through your lattice (Prov 7:6).
The scene in Proverbs 7:6-9 fascinates me because Solomon and the youth both see the same set of events. But what they truly see couldn’t be any different.
- The simple youth sees a secret, life-giving delight at the end of his path.
- The wise sage sees an obvious but lethal deceit down the very same road.
God’s grace will train you to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:11-13), because God, in his grace, will show you in his word what ungodliness and worldly passions have to offer: death, death, and more death.
Ask the Lord to show you your path and turn you to his. Write his commandments on your heart and live (Prov 7:2).
And when you find yourself on the wrong path under cover of darkness, whip out those words which can be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps 119:105). If they’re not already on your heart, ready to go, they won’t be much help to you when it counts.
Do you still want to look for trouble? I can assure you: You’ll find it.
Are you ready to look out upon trouble and reject it? Christ your wisdom can help.
This post was first published in 2014 and is part of a series walking through Proverbs 1-9.
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