Proverbs 7:23-24 (ESV)
23 till an arrow pierces its liver;
as a bird rushes into a snare;
he does not know that it will cost him his life.
24 And now, O sons, listen to me,
and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
The simple man enters the house of the adulteress and ends up in her bed. He gives in to her persistent pursuit, rejecting any wisdom he may have obtained over the years. An arrow in the liver promises sudden and certain demise. Like a dumb animal that doesn’t realize the trap he is heading for leads to death, this man is oblivious to the fact that his sin will be his downfall. And so, the father makes his final appeal regarding sexual sin. Instead of listening to the manipulative and smooth words of the adulteress, the son must heed the wise and loving words of his father. How well do you listen to and apply the advice of the wise around you to your attitudes and actions? Which “voice” has the strongest influence over the decisions you make? Is it the opinion of the world or the wisdom of the word?