ODJ: predator and prey
August 22, 2011
She seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery (v.21).
READ: Proverbs 7:6-27
I watched a ladybug devour an aphid. First, she pierced its midsection and chewed for a while. When her prey was mortally wounded, the ladybug munched up the left side of the aphid’s body and devoured it.
In the book of Proverbs, Solomon described the interaction between a female predator and her sexual prey. Although he wrote the passage to caution his son, men and women alike can learn to spot the aggressive—yet seductive—behavior of promiscuous prowlers.
Solomon’s story in Proverbs 7 featured a lady of the evening who was the “brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home” (v.11). She was constantly out on the town looking for “a good time,” disregarding the laws of decent behavior. Although some of us may be drawn to people who have a rebellious streak, in the end, those who disrespect the law won’t respect us either.
Predators often show their lack of respect through inappropriate advances. The prostitute Solomon described “threw her arms around [a complete stranger] and kissed him” (v.13). People who make us feel uncomfortable with touchy-feely behavior or seem too physically familiar should be avoided.
As if hugs and kisses weren’t enough to snare her prey, the huntress used this lame pickup line to entice the guy: “You’re the one I was looking for!” (v.15). Then she described what they could do in private. She “seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery” (v.21).
This ferocious female’s behavior was possible partly because her prey “lacked common sense” (v.7). He was crossing the street near her house at twilight. God’s Word commands us to get “wisdom” and “develop good judgment” (Proverbs 4:5), because wisdom can protect us from people whose “bedroom is the den of death” (7:27). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
How can we reduce our risk of encountering sexual predators? If you see any of the sexually aggressive person’s behavior in yourself, how can you change your behavior?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: active faith
September 16, 2011 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works (v.26). READ: James 2:14-26 Did you know that?!” When my student responded with disbelief at what he had learned in researching his social justice project, my heart leapt with excitement. Teaching in a private prep school, I [...]
ODJ: static
July 27, 2009 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore (v.2). READ: Isaiah 59:1-15 I love the conveniences of modern technology— especially cordless phones. These devices afford me mobility without the problem of tangled cords. But while I enjoy the freedom, I [...]
ODJ: convinced
May 31, 2011 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life (John 3:6). READ: James 2:17-24 Someday I want to go skydiving. While I’m not overly fond of heights, I think there’s something incredible about jumping out of an airplane with a parachute (and an instructor soaring tandem with [...]
ODJ: Visible
April 7, 2012 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone (v.4). READ: John 1:1-14 With steam covering the bathroom mirror the outline of a group of words became apparent. Trying to clear the view so I could finish getting ready for work, I had been initially surprised [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米