Proverbs 5:3 (NLT)
“The lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil.”

The Marketing of Immorality

The author focuses on two primary senses: taste and touch. He compares the lips of the “immoral woman” to honey—the sweetest substance in Israel—and her mouth to olive oil—the smoothest substance known to the ancient world.
Here is the reality: Immorality is always well-packaged. Temptation and wrongdoing will always present themselves in a manner that is sweetest to you and so smooth that it seems foolish to ignore. Why? Because the enemy has been doing this for a long time. “She” is good at it. “She” knows that all it takes is one smooth word to push you into doing what you were already secretly contemplating. If sin were ugly, no one would choose it. It’s the sweetness that sets the snare.

The Practice

 Avoiding the Bait
1. Look Past the Palette
Temptation is never ugly at the beginning; only the outcomes are. It starts as sweet as honey, but it ends as bitter as gall. If you judge a choice only by how it “tastes” in the moment, you are setting yourself up for a stomach full of poison. Don’t be fooled by the presentation; investigate the ingredients.
2. Distinguish Between the “Want” and the “Need”
We often miss what God has for us because we are distracted by what “tastes” better right now. We fall for the smooth talk of a shortcut and lose the solid ground of a blessing. Don’t trade your destiny for a delicacy.
3. Don’t Play with “Her”
Sin’s ultimate goal is to lure you away from God’s presence and His plan for your life. It has been said: Those who would be kept from harm must keep out of harm’s way. You cannot “out-game” temptation. “She” is seductive, “she” is experienced, and “she” has game. The question is: Do you look like a target? The only way to win this fight is to refuse to step into the ring. Don’t play with it!

Today’s Declaration

“I will not be deceived by the sweetness of temptation or the smoothness of a shortcut. I recognize that sin is a master marketer, but I choose the solid Truth of God over the oily words of the enemy. I will stay out of harm’s way and protect my purpose at all costs.”

If it’s too smooth to be the Cross, it’s likely a trap. Today is a great day to make a Fresh Start!
God bless,
+Pastor Kris