Wisdom in Temptation

The book of proverbs comes to the end with a lesson in temptation.

We are all tempted to foolish things and actions.

Momentary pleasure rather than delayed satisfaction - Moses in Pharaoh’s house (Hebrews 11:25)

Proverbs points us to wisdom but that is a road less travelled

The Foundation of Wisdom in Temptation

Humility (2-4)

Realizing that wisdom comes from outside of ourselves

Our heart is deceitfully wicked (Jeremiah 17:9)

God is the only truly wise one (Proverbs 8:22-31 wisdom was with God in the beginning)

God’s word (5-6)

God’s word is pure and will never lead us astray

God, through his word, will protect us from all temptation

Nothing needs to be added or taken away

Jesus trusted in the Word of God during temptation (Luke 4:1-4)

Two requests for Wisdom in Tempation

Remove vanity and lies from me

Do not allow me to be tempted from the world around me

Jesus’ prayer- Lead us not into temptation (Matthew 6:13)

Give me neither poverty nor riches

Do not allow me to be tempted from within

Jesus’ prayer- Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11)

nothing more and nothing less but a daily trust in God to provide for all my needs