The Question of Cain

(Pro 6:24 KJV) To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

We need something to “keep” (8104) us from “evil” (7451b) in general, let alone away from evil “women” (802).  This might bring to mind the question of Cain,

(Gen 4:9 KJV) And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper (8104)?

For Christians the answer is, “Yes.”  We are to be prepared to help, exhort and support those around us.  That goes double for the family of God.  That is not the provision being given here.

If you look back at the context you will find that what protects is an internalizing of the law.  It is knowing the standards revealed in the commandments that is to be our primary defense.  God has given us access, at least in modern times, to the written word and all that it contains.  Yesterday I was in a doctor’s office and on every table in the waiting room there was a Gideon Bible available.  I would guess that God would say that everyone who sat down to wait in that room had a chance.

So?  I have a million excuses for every failure in my life.  God is not interested.  He has given me all that I need to avoid futility, frustration and condemnation.  Now to make use of what I have.