The Best Defense

Proverbs 7:21 (KJV) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

When I first read this today, I thought that the King James was once again throwing in a word that had changed its meaning.  I refer here to the word “forced”.  The NASB talks about this young man being seduced.  That misses the point.  The word means exactly what the King James says.

There are forces out there that will try to compel us into sin.  They are clever.  They have many tools.  They have great resources.  Don’t think you’re going be able to walk close to the fire and not get burnt.

So?  What do I take from this?  Do everything you can to avoid situations of compromise.  Here it’s the compromise of fornication and sexual attraction.  You might be more susceptible to financial compromise or to the seduction of materialism.  There are many possible ways in which evil can try to penetrate your soul and force you to sin.  Do your best to avoid it.  Check your path carefully.  Look under your bed before you go to sleep.  And trust that God will give you the grace you need.