ESOCS Devotional 7 December 2025 – Guarding Against the Immoral Woman
MEMORY VERSE: “For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.” Proverbs 7:26 KJV
TEXT:PROVERBS 7:10-27
And there a woman met him,
With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious,
Her feet would not stay at home.
12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,
Lurking at every corner.
13 So she caught him and kissed him;
With an impudent face she said to him:
14 “I have peace offerings with me;
Today I have paid my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you,
Diligently to seek your face,
And I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with tapestry,
Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.
17 I have perfumed my bed
With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with love.
19 For my husband is not at home;
He has gone on a long journey;
20 He has taken a bag of money with him,
And will come home on the appointed day.”
21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.
22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,
23 Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it [i]would cost his life.
24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children;
Pay attention to the words of my mouth:
25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths;
26 For she has cast down many wounded,
And all who were slain by her were strong men.
27 Her house is the way to hell,
Descending to the chambers of death.
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What did Samson and Solomon have in common? They could not resist whorish women. Are men stronger than women? Yes, ordinarily. No, when the woman is an adulteress.
Solomon, a wise father, soberly warned his son about the temptation and danger of a loose woman (Prov. 7:1-5, 24-27). After describing her seduction of a foolish young man in a lengthy parable (Prov. 7:6-23), he summarized the grave danger of going near such a woman two ways – her power over men is great (Prov. 7:26), and the results are fatal (Prov. 7:26-27).
By wise design, God made the woman’s body, flattering speech, physical contact, and eagerness for intimacy to powerfully attract men. Used properly in marriage, it results in the great pleasures of the Song of Solomon. Used outside marriage, only a few men can resist the powerful temptation. As the proverb declares, “Many strong men have been slain by her.” The only sure way to avoid adultery is to stay far from her (Prov. 7:25).
Joseph resisted the repeated advances of Potiphar’s wife, to eventually rule Egypt, second only to Pharaoh (Gen 39:7-12). Though never having the strength of Samson or killing a giant like David, Joseph is a greater hero.
What will adultery cost? You will be wounded and slain! Delilah took Samson to an early grave of ignominy and shame. Bathsheba cost David enormously the rest of his life. And pagan women from other nations ruined Solomon’s life and dynasty. Adultery is not the exciting diversion the world claims; adultery is a painful hell and death (Prov. 7:27).
How can men defeat the adulteress? They cannot go near her because they do not have the strength to resist. They must avoid her altogether. She has four wiles: looks, flattery, touch, and willingness. Reject pornography, coed swimming, and immodestly clothed women. Reject flirting, phoning, texting, or email liaisons. Reject dancing, embracing, or other physical contact with another woman. And never allow personal or intimate conversation or opportunity where her willingness for sin can be communicated. GUARDING against these woman, produces a life that glorifies God.
CHALLENGES
- Do you realize your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost that ought not to be defiled by any means?
PRAYER POINT
- God our Father, give us grace to flee from fornication and adultery.
FURTHER READING: Zechariah 8:9-11; Luke 1:17-27; 1 Peter 4:1-11
ESOCS Devotional 7 December 2025
