What other scriptures warn against similar temptations as Proverbs 23:28? Pulling back the curtain on Proverbs 23:28 “ She lies in wait like a robber and increases the faithless among men.” The verse pictures sexual temptation as a predatory thief, hiding in ambush and multiplying betrayal. Scripture repeatedly sounds this same alarm. Old-Testament echoes of the same warning • Proverbs 2:16-19 – “It will rescue you from the forbidden woman… For her house sinks down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.” • Proverbs 5:3-5, 8 – “For the lips of an adulteress drip honey… Her feet go down to death… Keep your path far from her.” • Proverbs 6:24-29 – “They will keep you from the evil woman… Can a man embrace fire and not have his clothes burned?… No one who touches her will go unpunished.” • Proverbs 7:21-23 – “With her great persuasion she entices him… little knowing it will cost him his life.” • Proverbs 9:17-18 – “Stolen water is sweet… But they do not know that the dead are there.” • Ecclesiastes 7:26 – “I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare… The man who pleases God escapes her.” New-Testament echoes of the same warning • Matthew 5:27-28 – “Anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” • 1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee from sexual immorality… He who sins sexually sins against his own body.” • Ephesians 5:3-6 – “Among you… not even a hint of sexual immorality… Because of such things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – “It is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality… not in lustful passion like the Gentiles.” • Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” • James 1:14-15 – “Each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires… Sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.” • 2 Timothy 2:22 – “Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.” Threads that tie these passages together • Temptation pretends to offer pleasure but conceals spiritual robbery and death. • The call is not to negotiate but to flee; distance is safety. • Immorality fractures covenant faithfulness—first with God, then with people. • Judgment is certain, yet escape is always possible for the one who runs to the Lord. Moving from warning to wisdom • Keep truth close—regular Scripture intake sharpens spiritual sight. • Guard the heart long before the body is involved; lust begins inside. • Choose distance over dialogue with temptation; proximity feeds desire. • Treasure covenant relationships—honoring marriage is active protection. • Walk in community; righteous companions strengthen resolve. |
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