Proverbs 7:6-27: "Nothing good happens after midnight."

You can read Proverbs 7:6-27 here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+7%3A6-27&version=NKJV

Devoid: lacking, has less of, failing, in want of, in need of

Understanding: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

"Nothing good happens after midnight." In this passage there is a young man, who is out wandering the streets late at night. He has no wisdom, for is he did, he would not be out wandering the streets. He is an easy target for trouble. 

He is void, empty of understanding. He is were he should not be. And what does he find? Temptation. 

Too often temptation finds us when we are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet, even if we are exactly where we are to be, doing what we are to be doing.... Satan still temps us. What should we do when we find ourselves being tempted to sin? Is there a way out? Is it really possible to "pass by the harlot, and ignore the temptation." 

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God isfaithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Pastor Nathan Osborne, III shared what to do when temptation comes.

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

• 1. Pray out loud. (Draw near, submit to God.) Talk to God. Tell Him what is happening. Tell Him you are being tempted and need His help. Cry out to God! 

• 2. Quote Scripture out loud. (Resist the devil.) Any Scripture. God's Word. (This is one reason why memorizing Bible verses is important!)

• 3. Change your position. (Devil will flee.) Leave the room. Turn off the computer, phone, tablet, TV, music, etc. Get up and MOVE. Get away from the area of temptation! 

Too often we place ourselves in the position to be tempted. We go searching for something to replace wisdom. We listen to the flattering words and smooth talking. We justify in our minds that we deserve to feel good. We have earned it. We have freedom to enjoy. 

Sadly, we learn too late that after giving into temptation we are still empty, and left searching for something to fill the void. The smooth talking just doesn't sound to good anymore, for we have learned the truth—no matter how good it sounds, it is sin. 

"Nothing good happens after midnight." And nothing good happens when we ignore wisdom and go searching for something else. A heart is permeated with a deep sense reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), is the strongest foundation for resisting temptation. That's where the desire to submit to God and resist the devil begins. 

"Nothing good happens after midnight." Yet, even in the darkness of temptation, God is still there and willing to help you resist the temptation. 

Change my Location

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 91. Here is what I learned.

God will ·save [protect] you from ·hidden traps [the snare of the fowler] and from deadly ·diseases [pestilence]. Psalm 91:3 (EXB)

For He will rescue you from the snares set by your enemies who entrap you and from deadly plagues. Psalm 91:3 (VOICE)

He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid. Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name; and encourage others to trust in him also. (Psalm 91:1-8) Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Temptation in and of itself is not sin. It’s when we give into the temptation that we sin. Sin is sin and is an abomination to God. There are not “little sins”.  

There are many justifications and rationalizations we create to ease our minds when we sin. And often we put ourselves in situations that not only create temptation, but make it so easy to give in to the temptation. Think of it this way, an alcoholic should not be spending time in bars. To avoid the temptation to drink, the alcoholic needs to change his location. Remove himself from the opportunity to drink. One way to avoid giving in to the temptation is to avoid the location of the temptation! 

If we do find ourselves tempted, we still don’t need to give in—God provides a way to escape and not sin! 

The only ·temptation [or trials] that has come to you is ·that which everyone has [(common to) human life]. But ·you can trust God [God is faithful], who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to ·stand [endure] it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (EXB)

To create a positive day, I need to change my location, if I find myself the place of temptation, knowing that God has provided the way of escape!