Proverbs 7:21-23

“With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. And all at once he followed her…“

– like an ox going to the slaughter, 

– like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, 

– like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.”

“All at once”. This is why people often share that someone ‘fell into’ adultery. There was no plan by this man to destroy his life, it happened “all at once”.  

“Persuasive words and smooth talk”. 

A man might think, we’re friends – we’re just talking; but inappropriate conversations may lead to inappropriate behavior. 

This might include: 

⁃ flattery

⁃ home problems

⁃ wants and needs 

“The Ox, the Deer, the Bird”

Neither the ox nor the deer nor the bird expected that this would be their final day. In a similar way, a clueless man in the wrong place at the wrong time, does not understand that he is on a walk that will completely destroy his life and the lives of those he loves the most. 

Prayer

O God! 

Protect me from myself! Protect my sons and my brothers from themselves and from wounded women with crafty intent. In Jesus Name, Amen.