This is Not a Fairy Tale
TODAY’S PROVERB: Keep your path far from her and do not go near the door of her house— lest you give your strength to others and your years to one who is cruel; lest strangers feast on your strength, your labors go to a foreigner’s house. Proverbs 5:8-10
Today’s proverb is reminiscent of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale recorded by the German brothers, Grimm. For those who never read or heard of the gruesome story, it can be summed up with: an evil — albeit blind — witch builds a home of delicious treats and lures two very hungry, lost children into her home. Her intent? To eat them.
The witch has been very successful with her trap, having eaten lots of children. However this brother and sister have their own clever tricks.
The story has a happy ending — at least for Hansel and Gretel.
I wonder, do we think we’re like Hansel and Gretel and can nibble on temptation’s door and get away with it? That we can trick temptation and triumph over evil?
Temptation is a cunning thing. Temptation springs from the enemy of our souls. Neither blind or foolish. If we believe we can trick the enemy we’re the foolish one.
Temptation’s deception sneaks up on the naive and wise alike. The difference between the fool who succumbs and the wise who avoids it is the proximity to the temptation once it’s recognized. Nibbling on temptation is the first step to sin. Avoiding the “house” — no matter how “hungry” we are — will save us from the heartbreak of sin.
Deception will always be revealed to those who walk in God’s wisdom. The more we walk in wisdom and faith, the easier it will be to spot the traps and turn away.
Still, my friends. should we nibble and become trapped, our Redeemer has ransomed our souls from evil. The Holy Spirit convicts our hearts to repentance and will help us overcome. Our Heavenly Father will embrace us and help us navigate whatever repercussions before us. Like the Prodigal’s Father, He waits with expectation for us to return.
May we avoid temptation’s trap, my friends.
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society’s CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
