Introduction:  For some reason we have imagined the Devil and his workers as evil appearing creatures that cry aloud of wickedness.  This, however, is not the reoccurring presentation of temptation and sin as given in the Bible and especially in the Book of Proverbs.  Sin is inviting.  It seems profitable.  It appears to be a good deal.  It seems innocent. It is pleasurable for a season.  Yet we also find a truth that the end of sin is death.  It will find you with something to offer and leave you with nothing.

1. THE PLACE OF TEMPTATION (Proverbs 9:13-15 [13] A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. [14] For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, [15] To call passengers who go right on their ways:
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1. The Picture Presented (Proverbs 9:13-15 [13] A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. [14] For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, [15] To call passengers who go right on their ways:
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1. A woman sitting at the door of her house
2. Her house is in a high place for all to see
3. Her house must be near the city gate so that all who come and go on their business will pass by her house
2. The Place of Temptation
1. In a location where all will be invited by it
2. In a location that is in the direction you are going
3. Temptation does not have to be sought by you; it puts itself in your path so that you cannot ignore it.
2. THE PEOPLE SOUGHT (Proverbs 9:16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
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1. The Simple
1. The simple believe every word (Proverbs 14:15The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
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2. The simple do not perceive evil (Proverbs 22:3A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
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3. The simple are easily deceived (Romans 16:17-18 [17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
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2. Him that Wanteth Understanding
1. To depart from evil is understanding (Job 28:28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
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2. Understanding is connected to obeying God’s word (Psalm 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
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3. The entrance of God’s word gives understanding (Psalm 119:130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
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4. Knowledge of the holy is understanding (Proverbs 9:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
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3. THE TEMPTATION PRESENTED (Proverbs 9:17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
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1. Necessities Offered
1. Water
2. Bread
2. Positive Presentation
1. Sweet waters
2. Pleasant bread
3. Sinful Connotations
1. Stolen waters
2. Bread eaten in secret
4. THE HIDDEN END (Proverbs 9:18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
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1. The Dead are There (Proverbs 21:16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
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2. Her Guests are in the Depths of Hell

Conclusion:  The Bible teaches that we are to walk circumspectly in this world because we have an adversary who is roaming around like a lion seeking whom he may devour.  Believers are to watch, we are to be sober, and we are to be seeking God’s wisdom.  You never know when temptation is just around the bend and willing to take everything you have.