Sin by nature is insidious, and it always leads to death. The way which feels so right leads to destruction. The soul that sins will surely die, and like the presence of fatal disease often produces severe symptoms in the living, sin brings suffering and misery. God is gracious and merciful to warn of the dangers of sins and instructs us to walk uprightly.
Solomon taught his son to fear the LORD and keep the commands near to his heart because seducers and flatterers who induce us to sin are everywhere. Read for yourself the consequences one faces when they yield to sin in Proverbs 7:21-23: "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 would cost his life." All these examples share a common theme: the victim never realised the danger until it was too late.
When baiting a hook to fish, presentation is important. Care should be taken to conceal the sharp and shiny hook within the appetising bait. A skilled angler knows good presentation is not enough. Many of varieties of fish will take the bait and spit it out again. Tap, tap goes the fish, but don't set the hook too soon: wait until the fish ingests the bait or begins to carry it away. That is when the angler pulls strongly on the hook to "set" it, and it isn't long before the fish is exhausted and successfully landed. Satan presents sin in the manner most pleasing and appetising to the flesh. There is always a hidden cost to sin which is conveniently left out, like an unscrupulous salesman who is secretly aware but silent concerning a severe mechanical flaw in a car.
The ox did not discern the intent of the one intending his slaughter, and the fool who followed his heart never imagined he would be confined in the stocks. No fighter could prepare himself to deflect an arrow he never saw coming, and a bird that flies speedily upon a familiar route cannot avoid the hunter's snare. How much pain, bondage, and suffering we save ourselves when we recognise and repent of our sin! Here the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The Holy Spirit provides conviction of sin and guides us into all truth. Praise the LORD He does not only warn us of evil but leads and empowers us to do good. And glory to God, Jesus Christ is able to forgive all our sins when we repent through His blood shed on Calvary. We've all been pierced by sorrow from our own sin, and Jesus has been pierced for us.
Solomon taught his son to fear the LORD and keep the commands near to his heart because seducers and flatterers who induce us to sin are everywhere. Read for yourself the consequences one faces when they yield to sin in Proverbs 7:21-23: "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 would cost his life." All these examples share a common theme: the victim never realised the danger until it was too late.
When baiting a hook to fish, presentation is important. Care should be taken to conceal the sharp and shiny hook within the appetising bait. A skilled angler knows good presentation is not enough. Many of varieties of fish will take the bait and spit it out again. Tap, tap goes the fish, but don't set the hook too soon: wait until the fish ingests the bait or begins to carry it away. That is when the angler pulls strongly on the hook to "set" it, and it isn't long before the fish is exhausted and successfully landed. Satan presents sin in the manner most pleasing and appetising to the flesh. There is always a hidden cost to sin which is conveniently left out, like an unscrupulous salesman who is secretly aware but silent concerning a severe mechanical flaw in a car.
The ox did not discern the intent of the one intending his slaughter, and the fool who followed his heart never imagined he would be confined in the stocks. No fighter could prepare himself to deflect an arrow he never saw coming, and a bird that flies speedily upon a familiar route cannot avoid the hunter's snare. How much pain, bondage, and suffering we save ourselves when we recognise and repent of our sin! Here the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The Holy Spirit provides conviction of sin and guides us into all truth. Praise the LORD He does not only warn us of evil but leads and empowers us to do good. And glory to God, Jesus Christ is able to forgive all our sins when we repent through His blood shed on Calvary. We've all been pierced by sorrow from our own sin, and Jesus has been pierced for us.
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