SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION

And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death. (Proverbs 7:24-27 ESV)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11 ESV)

FURTHER READINGS

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-pattern-among-fallen-pastors

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/rejoice-in-the-wife-of-your-youth

OPENING THOUGHT

Life is difficult and incredibly complex, but thankfully God designed the world so that through wisdom we would be able to navigate through life’s difficulties. Biblical wisdom is the skill of living life as God designed it to be lived. In order to find this wisdom, we turn to the book of Proverbs. Written by King Solomon, Proverbs is full of God’s wisdom all areas of life.

In our present series, we are studying through the first nine chapters of Proverbs. Interestingly, these chapters are not composed of actual proverbs; instead, they are the introduction to the collection of proverbs that begins in chapter ten. As an introduction, these chapters are meant to give us an overview of what wisdom is and why we should diligently seek it.

Having spent three weeks discussing sexual immorality, we return to that subject for the final time in this series. In chapter five, we met the Adulteress and were warned to guard against her. In six, we learned the cost of giving in to her. Now in seven, we read how she seduces those without sense into their own destruction. We know that sin (and sexual sin particularly) is always a temptation, so as we study a temptation in action, let us learn from the follow of the young man in this chapter.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Read Proverbs 7 and discuss the following.

• Which verses stood out most to you as you read Proverbs 7 this week? Why? What do these verses teach you about who God is? What do they teach you about Jesus?
• Once again Solomon is urging us to cling to Scripture. Why is he restating this command yet again? How can practically treasure God’s Word?
• Verses 6-23 give us description of sin’s seduction in action. What lessons can these verses teach us about the temptation to sin and how to avoid it?
• Take time to compare Solomon’s words with Psalm 119:9-16. How does the young man of Psalm 119 differ from the young man in Proverbs 7? How can devoting ourselves to God’s Word enable us to fight temptation?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Because all Scripture profits us through teaching, reproving, correcting, and training us, reflect upon the studied text, and ask yourself the following questions.

• What has God taught you through this text (about Himself, sin, humanity, etc.)?
• What sin has God convicted or reproved you of through this text?
• How has God corrected you (i.e. your theology, thinking, lifestyle, etc.) through this text?
• Pray through the text, asking God to train you toward righteousness by conforming you to His Word.