Scripture Reading: Proverbs 20:24-27, Proverbs 24:1-4, Proverbs 24:19-20, Proverbs 25:26-27
After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
As fallen people in a fallen world, we are susceptible to seduction, or being lured by false promises. At the same time, with the presence of the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of God is available to us in every situation we face. Both of these truths call us to pay attention to how the wisdom found in Scripture affects our internal thought life and external actions.
Reflection Questions:
Where do you feel the pull of seduction most in your life?
What is the God-given longing of your heart that lies beneath the desire you just named?
Choose one proverb from today that stands out to you when thinking about the pull of seduction in your life. Write it out, and reflect on how that proverb encourages you to return to the Lord’s wisdom.
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90 thoughts on "Seduction"
I forgot to do my weekly gentle reminder to take a listen to the podcast if you have time:) Its great discussion and further teaching on the daily readings. I found this weeks really helpful, thought provoking and challenging.
I have done the readings and will ruminate on them. I wish I had time to read all the comments… they always give me so much more to think about. I will have to come back later and finish them. I am heading to my follow up appointment for my eye. (My appt. is at 10:40, CST, and I am feeling a bit anxious. Please pray for my peace and progress in eye healing. Thanks!)
Where do you feel the pull of seduction most in your life?
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Procrastination. I’m a serial procrastinator.
What is the God-given longing of your heart that lies beneath the desire you just named?
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I want peace in my chaotic life.
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Choose one proverb from today that stands out to you when thinking about the pull of seduction in your life. Write it out, and reflect on how that proverb encourages you to return to the Lord’s wisdom.
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Proverbs 25:26–27
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ESV
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Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain
is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey,
nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.
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The first part of Line 27 speaks to my procrastination. It’s not good to eat much honey.
I am a procrastinator too… I am such a good crastinator that I decided to go pro. Heeheehee!
Ha! And agree with this sentiment, and the honey verse standing out. May I use my time well, for Him.
Thankful for God our Savior and the renewing of the Holy Spirit that can take all that icky seduction and turn it into new life and hope! “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His Grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7
My inner most need for validation from others, social media, ect. points to my victory and identity already being found in and through Christ alone.
I think for me I’m seduced by trying to please others and I love to shop! I’m asking the Lord to search my heart and show me any wicked way within me! I having been limiting my social media because that can cause me to see stuff that I think I might “need!”
Proverbs 20:27 and Proverbs 24:3-4
Praying for all!
Today agree with you Cheryl about social media being one of my triggers. I didn’t even think of that initially!
I have always liked fashion. As a little girl I would sew my clothes. I wanted the latest fashion statement. I’m still that way. Although I do not sew..lol. But I can get very caught up in fashion, decor, art, and music. Big seductions for me. The one thing is I don’t feel that they make me who I am. I just am drawn to these things.
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I long for these things to not come first. That God will always be first in my life. That I will start my day in prayer and study. That I keep my eyes on God.
These are such great verses and the pointed question of what is the pull of seduction in my life gives pause for thought that I need to think on some more. Lord reveal to me the seduction and lies that are hidden beneath. Show me what may be keeping me from finding fullness and joy in you. Amen
Thank you for praying sisters. All is well. I had no travel issues, no border crossing issues and tearfully embraced my beautiful daughter, son in law and wept with joy holding my grandson. He is sleeping on my chest as I read and respond here this morning. Thank you Father for you abundant goodness ❤️
God is good
We’ve been trying to buy a home, but everything is so expensive and we just can’t find the one. I long for financial prosperity and the comfort of our own home again. (Sold ours to build on some land but with rising costs we just aren’t able to) And enough space for our kids. We have been stuck in a tiny rental for 2 years and it’s exhausting and I hate the feeling of displacement. I know God will provide when the timing is right, but it’s hard to wait and be patient and it’s especially hard when others around you are moving forward, building or buying homes and we just feel stuck. He is good though, he is faithful and he will provide. I just need to keep moving forward and lean on him.
Praying for you to find a home!
Peace is my stumbling block. Grew up in a blended chaotic family. So. Much. Drama. I’m by nature an introvert so quiet rational interactions are my preference . I can imagine hearing laughter from anyone reading that statement. People are messy. Life is messy… Even a courageous person’s steps are determined by the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? Prob. 20:24
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1. Fighting injustice.
2. Peace, love and equality destruction of the hate going on.
3. Proverb 24:19-20
Blessings for a good day and prayers for your needs.
Lord put some sunshine on my friend’s face this morning and give her the lift she needs to be engaged today with the littles!
That was for Mari V.
Good morning She’s. I honestly can relate to a few of you here and I remind myself God sees me as beautiful even when I don’t. I admit, I find myself sucked into the latest workout or supplements that will help me bring me down a few pounds. I normally don’t get the supplements as they are TOO expensive and I won’t spend money on something that isn’t necessary. I’m rambling….I woke up not feeling 100%. My teacher missed work on Friday as she was sick, other adults are not feeling well. I stated taking airborne to help me but this morning I’m under the weather and since I don’t have fever, I will go to work. Happy Monday sweeties.
Wisdom builds a life that lasts, what looks like success without righteousness is an illusion, God sees it all.
| Take a 10 second “pause” for the Holy Spirit to step in |
| **1. Recognize** What are you really longing for? |
| **2. Restrain** Pause and reflect before you act. |
| **3. Replace** Lies with wisdom from Scripture. |
| **4. Pray** Daily, not just when in crisis. |
| **5. Connect** With trusted people for support. |
| **6. Protect** Limit what triggers temptation. |
| **7. Receive Grace** Fall forward, not away. |
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So good Kimberly. Thank you!❤️
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Escape is the pull of seduction in my life. With my mom’s dementia, I’m tied down and I long to escape the responsibilities and and the emotional pain of seeing her decline. The God-given longing is to be united with Jesus where there is no more pain and heartache
That is good reflection Jane. Thank you for sharing, that is hard, orayers.
Praying for you, dear sister! Caregiving is so hard and dementia is a terrible disease. It takes your loved one away emotionally and mentally while leaving them here physically. Praying that God will give you strength and peace.
Jane K just yesterday I was thinking of all the free time I have. I had a son with a very rare illness. In the end of his life my days were consumed with worry, caring for, him, and all the normal chores for 2 households. I realized I wasn’t quite aware of the amount of time I had given up to care for him. BUT I would do it all over again. I understand your feelings. It is hard being a caretaker. It is also an honor, but that doesn’t take away the hardship. Prayers for you in this difficult time.
Love these reflection questions so much. Really gave me a change to search my heart for what seduction may be hidden, asking the lord to reveal what lies beneath was so insightful.
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The first question really jabbed me hard. “Where do you feel the pull of seduction most in your life?”
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For many, many years – since I was a young teenager really, I have struggled with accepting me as God sees me. I always see my self as scarred (literally as I had bad acne as a teen and young adult), I see myself as overweight, undesirable and I have a very low self esteem.
I have been saved for over 50 years and I have been in full time ministry for almost 32, I have a wonderful husband that loves me more than I deserve! Yet – I still struggle, although not as much as I did when I was younger.
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Therefore – every time I see a new ad for how to lose weight or how to look younger, I am sucked right in, I am seduced! More so on the weight loss. I can’t tell you how many “plans” I’ve been “seduced” to buying into! The list goes on! And did they work? Some for a time, others not at all. I am so tired of falling for these things time after time! I want it to stop – forever!
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I choose Proverbs 24:3-4 to reflect upon. I want to be able to use the the knowledge that I have accumulated over the years – through experiences, skills, talents and gifts that God has provided, and the understanding – the perceptive insight with the ability to judge – which also comes from God, and allow those two things combined together to gain the wisdom of God that He also provides.
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I want my house to be built on wisdom, understanding and knowledge and the result being “rooms filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
To God be the glory!
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@Victoria – welcome back, it’s good to “see you” again! Praying for your difficult family situation.
@Wendy B – continued prayers for your safe arrival at your daughter & son-in-laws. Enjoy that new grandson!!
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@ALL MY SRT SHE’S – happy Monday!❤️
Today, Prov. 25:26 stands out, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.”
This verse reminds me that although we are called to be of the world, we are not called to be in the world— and that is the difference of surrounding yourself likewise with “healthy water” community. Not that our “healthy water” is still not polluted with mud & sin, but we are all drinking from the same source and able to point each other back to the water source.
The Proverb I chose was 20:27, talking about how God knows our innermost parts. God already knows every desire we have, and He knows what Satan might use to seduce. Does Satan know our innermost parts? Does he care? No. he hates me, and hates you. God knows us out of perfect love, and true love doesn’t need to coax.
Amen. The same verse spoke to me. I tend to focus on the outward; I need to shine a light deeper and allow the Spirit to challenge my thoughts, beliefs, etc.
I am going to let this simmer in my brain today. My spirit is burdened about a decision I need to make and that is overwhelming my thoughts.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Prayers friend, to come to a conclusion that gives peace and God’s perfect will to your situation. I do hate when the path doesn’t seem clear but you have to decide!! It’s like Lord…give me an answer loud and clear, I have to know !
Ahh, Cee-Gee lifting you up in prayer.. prayerful your heart is not too overloaded. Give your burdens to the Lord, He will steer you right..
Much love..Tina ❤️
Can you put the stairs in a different room? One of my daughters bought an old stone home and we totally gutted it and renovated the whole inside, etc. The stairs were repositioned to a different room. And it is a small home also. Will be praying for this situation and also as you start your homeschooling this year and for your six-year-old.
GM ladies. I think I am seduced by the allusion of control. I am a type-A planner, strategizer and list maker. As we get ready to move our daughter into an apt in NYC for her junior year, there is a lot of necessary planning (have to be there by 6am!) and I had found myself on loop trying to figure out every angle. We were hoping to get the keys a few days early to not have to move in the day before she starts school and i go back to work and void the stress and rush. Just last week I had to surrender it to the Lord, and trust in His plan! I booked the moving ruck for Sept 1 and “let it go”. Would you know that the real estate agent called the following day to let us know we would be getting the keys a few days early bc the tenant will be moved out! I’m sure God was chuckling at all of my planning. It wasn’t until I let go that He stepped in. A good lesson for me.
That is an AWEsome testimony! Praying for Chela in this new semester! ❤
A good lesson for us all Tami!
That’s so good! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and not on your own…control!
Proverbs 24:19-20
“Don’t be agitated by evildoers, and don’t envy the wicked. For the evil have no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”
Lord, please help me find all answers, contentment, and peace in your provisions for me. Strengthen me and my faith to know that You and your ways are always “enough.” Thank you for Your love. Amen.
Amen to your prayer! ❤
Materialism and wanting the next fashionable item and trying to stay young seduces me.
As I looked into this the God-given longing with these is belonging, security, significance and eternity. This is exactly what I desire most
The LORD’S lamp sheds light on a person’s life, searching the innermost parts. Proverbs 20:7
❤ Thank you for sharing your heart, Jennifer.
Oh yes, I spent many years and money having all the clothes and stuff! So funny now, don’t care but a small inkling.. Its just money out the window because it’s not lasting. Although it is good to feel good about yourself, it just shouldn’t be to keep up with the jones. Oh, how our moms tried to drill in “it’s the inside that counts!” Wisdom.
Thank you for sharing. I struggle with this as well
I know I want my steps ordered by the Lord! He alone!
BG verse Psalm 119:165
Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
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He is the God who sees all.
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Psalm 20:27
The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord,
Searching all the inner depths of his heart.
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Deuteronomy 28:14
So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
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… or be enticed by their seductive ways. His commandments are always for our good.
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VICTORIA E – so good to see you!❤️ Praying for your family in these challenges and difficulties, may the Lord guide you and give you with wisdom & endurance needed
CEE GEE ❤️ thank you for the MacArthur quote
“The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one’s own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God’s…”
And His everything is perfect: attitude, will, feelings, deeds, goals, you name it.
I figured you would share that BG verse, but was going to if you didn’t! ❤
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Psalm 20:27 stood out to me to. Beautiful imagery!
Great verse from Deuteronomy, too. Perfect timing!
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Still praying! ❤❤❤
Amen! Thank you for the scriptures Searching!
Proverbs 20:27 was also in my Bible reading today! Love Ps 119:165!
Praying for all!
Father help me to remain steadfast I. Faith, to not sin against you. In Jesus name, Amen
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God directs our steps…he will help us to avoid evil. Know God’s word.
Yep, the answer to everything- know God’s word!! Our instructions for life.
Ampathy is the pull of seduction most in my life. Some days it is just easier not to care about the evil and the chaos in this world. What can I really do about any of it anyway?
I think is comes from the God-given longing to be content in every circumstance; to trust Him to work it all out to His glory.
Proverbs 24:19-20
“Don’t be agitated by evildoers, and don’t envy the wicked.
For the evil have no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”
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This encourages me to return to the Lord’s wisdom that brings life and one day, the end to all evil.
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RHONDA – praying your time with family fiĺls your love tank.
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VICTORIA E – praying the Lord bring peace in the struggles and wisdom in managing them.
Amen, Kelly. “the God-given longing to be content in every circumstance” ….Lord, please guide our focus toward You for this longing.
❤ Amen!
Amen, that’s good. I can struggle with that as well and I appreciate your scripture and all you shared!
I just had a conversation about this with my husband who is often tuned into world events and can get very caught up in worrying about them. Whereas I am usually thinking about what to cook for dinner – I leave the world events to God. There must be a happy medium.
Tami, same here!!! That made me chuckle! :)
Kelly, you taught me a new word! You also identified what I was trying to put into words. The only thing I could think of was desiring peace, but I couldn’t think of that being a seduction. You helped me see that it can be. Iron sharpening iron! ❤ Love you ladies!
Thank you for articulating this so well. I too find myself apathetic and complacent; it’s much easier to just let God be in control without remembering that I am God’s instrument .
I felt better about myself and my lack of seductions until I read your post. Bummer :P Turns out my desire for comfort and peace can be seductions, after all. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to think about these Proverbs differently❤️
Comfort and peace… me too.
Amen❤️
LORD, tune my heart to sing Your praises. May I long for YOU in the night. May I reach for Your Word when I am unsatisfied with this world. You fill my cup with an abundance of joy. You satisfy the desires of my heart. You hear my cries for “more” and incline Your ear to me. You fill me with Your truth, with Your peace when my life is in turmoil. You don’t abandon me. You are with me wherever I go. Thank You, God, for Your kindness, mercy, grace, and compassion; I know I need it all. Thank You, LORD, for providing exactly what I need when I need it. Thank You for seeing me and hearing my cry. You are the best. May nothing fill up my heart and soul but You. In Your precious and matchless Name, Amen.
Amen and amen! Writing this in my journal this morning!
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Amen!
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Amen ❤️
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Beautiful Colleen, thank you for sharing this prayer. ❤️
Amen!
Beautiful prayer, thank you! Amen
Beautiful…amen
Thank you Colleen. Saving this prayer in my notes. You said it perfectly. ❤️
We are having trouble with the original plans our architect drew of our house. It is discouraging as he drew the stairs incorrectly and now that they are drawn correct, they stick out way farther than we would like. It is having a knock-on effect to other parts of the house. We had this kitchen island that we planned and were looking forward to, but now, we are thinking we have to forget it altogether.
Proverbs 24:3 says “by wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established.” I know this isn’t talking about a physical house, but my husband and I are understanding stair angles and how steep steps have to be. We joke that we should just put in a ladder, but really, we need to be patient and learn and re-adjust. We need to understand why this stairway is taking up most of our house (our house is small, that is why) and not put in something that is dangerous. Anyway, would appreciate prayers for us in decision making. Also prayers on our first day of homeschool with my kids! Thanks for praying for my 6 year old.
So frustrating for you…can the stair run be an L or U shape instead of a staight run?
Maybe look up plans for 2-floor tiny houses to get ideas how to use the stairs as storage so that the space they take up is a benifit.
Continuing to pray for you and your family as the build process moves forward.
Praying, A, for the best layout and resolution for the stairs & island. Great ideas, KELLY (NEO)! Especially spending time looking at plans and even videos of tiny house ideas.
Could a smaller island work, or a pullout with fold down legs for additional counter space?
Praying for homeschool and also your 6 yo.
I am so excited for you as you homeschooling. I homeschooling my son(he’s now 42). It was the best decision we ever made. He now homeschooling my granddaughters. I will keep you in prayer. Join a homeschooling co.op or group …because others can give you tips,and for the fellowship .
Praying for your home, and children. Homeschooling looks challenging but I hear it’s amazing for us and the children. Have been considering it myself. It’s all going to work out.
Can the stairs be “put” in another room? One of my daughters bought an old stone home and we renovated the entire thing and replaced the stairs coming in a different direction. Probably praying for your homeschooling, house plans,already thought of.
My mind immediately went to using a landing. Another thought: could you sacrifice space at the top and not the bottom?
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Prayers for a successful first day of home school and for6 year old. ❤
Sorry to hear about the wrong placement of your steps. I will continue to pray for the progress of your home – praise God the work has begun!
Ooohhh….i can only imagine how frustrating and disappointing that would be. I have no idea how these things work, but have prayed for wise creativity, and professional, reliable direction as you reorient your plans
Praying for a solution that works and is attractive!