Proverb 2:20

“So you may walk in the way of goodness
And keep to the paths of righteousness.”

So.

You have the freedom to choose evil, with the knowledge of the death it results in. So you may choose wisely and walk in an upright manner!

Perhaps you’ve tasted the kiss of the seductress and you remember the bitter taste it leaves in your mouth. It lingers a while along with the feeling that you’ve been taken advantage of, degraded, used, objectified.

We will shame ourselves, hate ourselves and try with all of our own might to flee the temptation to return to her. But we will remember her promises and slowly forget the destruction they lead to. If we dwell long enough on the highs we sought after on the way to her house, the bitterness will begin to fade. And it feels good to release it. But when you pay the seductress another visit, you bury yourself a little deeper in that pit of shame and depravity. The bitterness stings your tongue. You make your way a little closer to death.

But eventually it, too, will wear off. 

If only we would keep our attention on the bitter result of it all that we may never return! To face it each day, relying on His might and grace, knowing that we can muster enough strength in His presence to say no to her this time and choose to tread a different path. 

When the new way feels awkward and unsteady, we will remember glimpses of the sweet words from the seductress. You will grow weary when you try to stay to the righteous path in your own strength. And she, the seductress will be there to take your hand and invite you back to her bed. Refuse to dwell on her words, and remember her bitter kiss, so you don’t succumb to her invitation to your own deathbed this time. 

It will be hard to muster up the memories: when you were left alone, bitterness in your mouth, tears streaming down your face and a heart heavy with betrayal. It was not your proudest moment and you don’t want to relive it.

But the alternative will lead you back to that place every single time. We must dwell on that moment so we may remember and never return by the grace of God.