Proverbs Part II-Here Kitty, Kitty (Proverbs 1:10-33)

I always loved the part of movies or tv shows when the devil and angel would show up on a character's shoulders trying to influence him in opposite directions. I never understood why the character would so often listen to the Devil.

We daily live with a similar circumstance in our own life. There are 2 forces trying to influence our life in opposite directions. According to Proverbs 1:10 one of these is the Enticement of Sin while the other is the Call of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:20)

Let's contrast these two:

The Enticement of Sin
1. Is Private (vv 10-11)-this is not something you would expect to hear proclaimed aloud to a group of hundreds of people. This enticement usually comes privately.

2. Is Encouraged (vv 11-14)-Look at how far the details go. We encourage the enticement of sin by listening to the details. We often recognize it as sin pretty easily, but then we like to hear what we may get out of it or how easy it will be to get away with. We need to stop encouraging the enticement of sin and start cutting it off as soon as we recognize it.

3. Attacks People (vv 11-12)-physically, mentally, emotionall. It's victim is real!

4. Promises Riches (vv 13-14)-Whatever those riches may be. This is not necessarily money, but can also include other desires. Sin is pretty good at enticing us with the current desires we have, showing us an "easier" way to get them.

5. Is Dangerous (vv15-19)-The enticement of sin sets a trap and leads to death...period!

The Call of Wisdom
1. Is Public (vv 20-21)-It cries aloud in the streets!

2. Is Ignored (vv 24-25)-Despite its public nature, we still often ignore it. Why? Because it is not what we want to hear!

3. Attacks the Status Quo (v 22)-Instead of attacking people, wisdom attack the ideas behind the way we live, challenging us to live differently. (which is one of the reason we ignore it...we don't want to change even though it would be better to change!)

4. Promises Life (vv 23, 33)-Eternal!

5. Is Warnful (vv 24-32)-yes, I know this is a made up word, but I think you get it. Wisdom is full of warning about what will happen if we don't listen to Wisdom. Pay close attention to these verses.

So, what about you? Which one are you listening to?

What do you need God to change in your heart so that you will stop listening to the enticement of sin and start opening your ears to the call of wisdom?