Introduction:

Good day, brethren. Today, we gather to reflect on a profound piece of wisdom from the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 6:26 reads, “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.” This verse may seem straightforward, but it carries a weighty message about the dangers of succumbing to temptations and the severe consequences that follow.

The Allure of Temptation:

Temptation is often subtle, enticing us with promises of pleasure, fulfillment, or gain. The “whorish woman” in this proverb represents not just literal sexual temptation but any form of deceitful allure that promises immediate satisfaction. These temptations often come in the form of shortcuts to success, unethical decisions, or desires that lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

The Consequence of Giving In:

The proverb warns that yielding to such temptations reduces a man to “a piece of bread.” This imagery is striking—it speaks of the utter devaluation of one’s life and dignity. What was once a person of value and purpose is reduced to something as trivial and transient as a piece of bread. The adulteress, or the embodiment of temptation, hunts for the “precious life,” aiming to destroy what is valuable and precious in God’s sight.

The Cost of Sin:

Sin, at its core, is deceptive. It promises much but delivers little. It entices us with the prospect of satisfaction but leaves us empty, broken, and spiritually impoverished. The cost of giving in to such temptations is not just material loss; it is a loss of spiritual vitality, a break in our relationship with God, and a diminishing of our true worth.

The Call to Vigilance:

As believers, we are called to be vigilant. We must recognize the dangers of allowing seemingly small temptations to take root in our lives. The devil’s strategy is to chip away at our defenses, little by little, until we are left vulnerable. Therefore, we must arm ourselves with the Word of God, seek His guidance daily, and rely on the Holy Spirit to resist the enticements that seek to destroy us.

The Hope of Restoration:

While this proverb warns of the dangers of falling into temptation, it also implicitly offers hope. In Christ, there is redemption and restoration. Even if we have fallen, we are not beyond God’s grace. We must repent, turn back to God, and seek His forgiveness. He is always ready to restore us, to bring us back from the brink, and to renew our lives with His purpose and love.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, let us heed the wisdom of Proverbs 6:26. Let us be aware of the high cost of cheap temptations and strive to live lives that honor God, valuing the preciousness of the life He has given us. May we walk in integrity, resist the snares of the enemy, and always seek the higher path that leads to eternal life.

©️James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM,
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️773-344-6313

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