(Really) Boring Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: (Really) Boring ------------- Date: 11/07/1998 Keywords: “appearance” “reality” “shame” “virtual” “virtuous” Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. How to do this study: Read the following Bible passage, then answer the short questions. Consider the practical suggestions at the end of the study. Passage: Proverbs 5:1-4* 1. My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, 2. that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 4. but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Questions 1. Why does the adulteress seem attractive (verse 3)?   2. What is she really like (verse 4)?   Practical help Like adultery, if pornography illustrates anything, it’s the difference between appearance and reality. In the virtual world of the Internet, the porn actors seem interesting, mysterious, even super-real. In truth, they’re probably all too boring and ordinary. Like as not, they hate their porn trade — and themselves for sinking so low. In this last point, they share a bitter bond with their viewers. Only one thing can rescue both actor and viewer from the sham and shame of smut. That one thing is wisdom, the ability to foresee the delusion of porn and avoid it next time it tempts you. So if you’re a porn actor or viewer, put aside the agonizing, time-consuming self-contempt. Use your energy to Just Say No. Each time you do, you reinforce a new behavior. One that isn’t virtual but virtuous. Many folks have used the wisdom in God’s holy Word to stand strong. They’re cheering you on to do likewise. You can do it! eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 1998 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.