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Reflect
In these verses the father warns his son about falling into the web of an immoral person. He describes one whose words may be “as sweet as honey and as smooth as olive oil,” but whose character is ruined by sin. He warns that associating with such people will only lead to “bitter poison and pain.”
Anyone who has been attracted to someone of the opposite sex has known that moment when your tongue will not speak and your face feels like it’s burning up. It can happen when we are in the presence of someone we hold in great respect or someone who strikes awe in our hearts. It can happen when we are face to face with someone of enticing charm and beauty. There is a danger of becoming totally captivated and unable to engage our minds or our mouths in intelligent thought and words. Such a place makes us vulnerable. The writer tells his son that if he will listen to wise counsel he will never find himself in that place.
The father knows that having your feet firmly planted in the wisdom of God will result in a clear mind and guarded heart, one that will not falter or fail nor be led astray. God has promised that the Spirit will give us clarity of thought and the right words to say when they are needed. Our part is to ensure that we are connected to that Spirit so that when the time comes, we will hear, speak and act according to His will.
Respond
Our Father in heaven, we ask that you help us to always seek your counsel, to stay planted in your word, listening to your Spirit. We thank you for your promises in the word that tell us we can always rely on you to provide what is needed at the appropriate time.
Marcia Lee Laycock
Marcia Lee Laycock is an award-winning writer and sought-after speaker. Having lived a few kilometers from the Arctic Circle, and two degrees off the Equator, her writing draws from a rich field of experiences. Marcia was the winner of the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel, One Smooth Stone, and she now has four devotional books and a fantasy series in print, which have also garnered awards. Marcia lives in central Alberta with her pastor husband. They have three grown daughters and two huge Great Dane grand-puppies.