Reflections on the Proverbs - Day 4

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."

This being the season for the pungent fruit, a story was told about a man who liked durian, but wanted to stop eating it for a while because of recent overdose. Here are his thoughts (thanks to Jonathan for this story):

I will drive by the durian stall, just to smell it, but I won't park my car.

I will park my car, just to admire the durians, but not alight.

I will get off my car, just to take a closer look, but not pick up the fruit.

I will pick up the fruit, just to see if quality has changed, but not buy it.

I will buy it, just for my family, but not eat it myself.

I will eat it, but only with my family.

I will just eat it here, to avoid taking the smell home.

It is not a sign of weakness to run away from temptations. In fact, we are exhorted to flee from youthful lusts, which surely includes bravado in the face real dangers.

"Don't be a wimp" - giving heed to these four words have cost us more than we know. Run, run away from spiritual dangers. Draw near to God in these moments, and He will draw near to us.