I was looking out my window today and I saw a sad sight. A young and foolish man was being led by the nose to his death, but he didn’t even know it.

Okay, okay, I wasn’t actually looking out my window. I was reading about a father who was in Proverbs 7:6-27. This father was trying to convince his son to be intimate friends with wisdom instead of an adulteress. In this chapter, he explains the 7 appeals of the seductress. While this is written from a father to a son, the same points can be made to a daughter about the 7 appeals of a seducer.

We need to see these appeals for the lies they are so we can guard against them. When we know the point of attack, we can build up better defenses.

 

The 7 Appeals of a Seductress

#1: The visual appeal: In Proverbs 7:10, the woman is dressed like a prostitute. She doesn’t have to say much. Her dress declares it all. She is offering and her clothing gives the invitation. But do not be fooled. You may think she’s inviting you to a party of pleasure, but it’s actually an engraved invitation to your own funeral.

#2: The sensual appeal: In Proverbs 7:13, she seizes him and kisses him. Oh my goodness, I can almost sense it just by typing it on the screen. Can you imagine a hot woman with exposed flesh pressing her body against yours? Don’t! If you’re like me, just reading that sentence shows the danger of the sensual appeal. The flirt. The “accidental” rub or touch. The pushing of the propriety lines in conversation. Don’t be fooled by it. She’s promising you the life you think you want, but all she’ll give you is death.

#3: The spiritual appeal: In Proverbs 7:14, she claims to have offered her sacrifices and paid her vows. She’s already taken care of the religious issues. “Don’t worry about this being a sin,” she tells you, “I’ve already dealt with that.” Or perhaps you’ve heard, “It’s alright, we love each other. Sex is for those who are really in love.” “Everybody’s doing it. It can’t be wrong.” Or, “If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to be right.” Don’t let your spiritual sensibilities get in the way, she says, just trust me. This feels right because it is right. And then she kills you.

#4: The ego appeal: In Proverbs 7:15, she says “I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.” Oh, yeah, baby, this is all about you. You have her turned on because you are so awesome. You are the only one that can please her, so she’s been looking for you. That kind of ego-stroking is hard for a guy to resist. But don’t forget, she’s actually been in the street, then the market, and at every corner (vs. 12). You just happened to be the only fool she could lure in today. Don’t believe her lies.

#5: The pleasure appeal: In Proverbs 7:16-17, she has set this up to be the most amazing experience. Her sheets are the most luxurious. Even the smells will be sensual aphrodisiacs. This is going to be fun, exciting, and pleasurable on so many levels. And, this is the tough one, because she is right. It will be. On many levels it will be all of that. Until the deed is done and you come crashing down to the reality of what you’ve done. Until the guilt and shame sets in. Until her husband finds out. Until your wife or future wife finds out. Until you find out she’s pregnant and now your youth is stolen away as you have to become a parent before you are ready. Until it destroys the family you already have. Need I go on?

#6: The emotional appeal: In Proverbs 7:18, she asks you to delight in love with her. “If you love me,” she says, “you’ll do it.” “This is what people who love each other do.” The ultimate manipulation. This isn’t just about sex organs and animal pleasure, oh no, remember she was hunting you down because she loves you (even though she’s married to that other guy). She promises real emotional fulfillment. After all, your marriage is struggling. You haven’t figured out how to get the true connection with your wife. Or maybe you aren’t married and are lonely. She promises real fulfillment, but notice it is only until the morning. This isn’t a lifetime commitment. This isn’t going to last. It will only leave you empty when her husband does come back.

#7: The anonymity appeal: In Proverbs 7:19-20, she promises that there is no way her husband will ever know. She knows you know it is wrong. She knows you fear getting caught. She is trying to set your mind at ease. No one will know. You can do this and get away with it. But, God will know. Even more than that, as my 11-year-old son pointed out to me when we discussed this passage, you will know and the woman will know. You will have to live with this shame and guilt. Not to mention she will be able to hold this over your head for a long time. Don’t think she won’t. She’s already demonstrated that she’s not above sin. What is blackmail added on to adultery?

The seductress/seducer will pull out all the stops and will say anything to get you in her bed. Or on her porn site. Or in her magazine. She is an amazing lure, but don’t be fooled. She’ll hook you and reel you in to your death. “Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death” (Proverbs 7:27). Get ready for these attacks so you can overcome.

What do you do to protect against sexual temptation? Click here to add your input.

Check out this great follow-up post by Doug Hoffman: 7 Ways Wives Can Beat the Seductress