As we continue this wisdom proverb about a young man and a harlot, we start to see the ways that she uses to sell herself. If we want to avoid sin we should understand the ways sin tries to sell itself to us. If we recognize the tactics, we can stop the temptation in the process. For example, if we see the seductive dress, we will not get close to her so that she can continue to give her sales pitch. If we don’t recognize the seductive dress for what it is, then we will continue down the road. The road leads to a specific invitation, and if we make it all the way to this step, there is a good chance we are going to accept. Let’s plan to not get that far because we will know how sin is selling itself.
1. She approached him seductively dressed and sly of heart. (v.10)
All different types of sin will be enticing. It will look good. Real good. It will be marketed in a way that seems pleasurable and highly desired.
2. She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. (v.12)
Sin will be selling itself everywhere. The more places people can come in contact with it the better chance it has of being bought.
3. She started speaking about how she is all good with God. (v.14)
What does religion have to do with sin? In our passage, the harlot is quoted as saying that she just made her peace offerings and fulfilled her vows. As long as she, and the person, think (or at least convince themselves) its ok with God, then anything goes.
4. She tells him how special he is (v. 15)
Everyone wants to feel special. When the harlot tells the young man you are the one; that’s hard to resist. We all want to feel loved and wanted. It’s hard to turn that down, even if it comes from a harlot.
5. She has prepared the most special night for her man (v.16-17)
Sin will look good and feel good in the moment. It might take you to places you only dreamed of going. But you are there, for all the wrong reasons.
6. She invites him to partake (v. 18)
Sin will look you right in the eyes, give you the best sales pitch you’ve ever heard, and ask you to join. It will sound so good, and feel so right.
2 Timothy 2:22 - Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.