Three Suggestions Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Three Suggestions ------------- Date: 11/09/1998 Keywords: “counterfeit” “sex” “Solomon” “Song of Songs” 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 5:1-8* 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. 5. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. 6. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not. 7. Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. 8. Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, Question What three things does the Proverbs writer urge in verses 7 and 8?   Practical help In verse 7, the writer urges us to a. Hear wisdom and b. Heed it. In verse 8, the writer encourages us to steer clear of temptation. These three recommendations make good advice for folks struggling with web porn. The sequence is also noteworthy: Hear and heed wisdom, then avoid the smut. On the other hand, it’s hard to stand strong when we haven’t first let wisdom convince us of why we should. Though it’s easy to castigate ourselves for visiting smut sites, it would be smarter to use the energy first to explore why the Bible says it’s unwise. If we give biblical wisdom a chance to persuade us, we’d stand stronger the next time we’re tempted. Consider these sources of wisdom: a. The Bible. Read the wisdom books beginning with Proverbs. b. Wise people. Find Christian friends who can help you explore biblical wisdom and develop practical applications, then hold you accountable. Many people who have struggled with web porn have stood stronger by first paying attention to wisdom. 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.