Hello, hoping you're well, and hankering for some happiness to come your way! Let's continue in Proverbs 7, verses 7-10, then 21-23. Then let's preview stanzas 16-19, covering verses 121-152.

"7 And as I observed the naive ones, I discerned among the youths a young man lacking good sense. 8 He passed along the street near her corner, And he marched in the direction of her house 9 In the twilight, in the evening, At the approach of night and darkness. 10 Then I saw a woman meet him, Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart...21 She misleads him with great persuasiveness. She seduces him with smooth speech. 22 Suddenly he goes after her, like a bull to the slaughter, Like a fool to be punished in the stocks, 23 Until an arrow pierces his liver; Like a bird rushing into a trap, he does not know that it will cost him his life."

Prove 7:7-10 The verse calls the young man "naïve" and one "lacking good sense." He is oblivious, unaware, of the serious consequences of his dwelling on and succumbing to immoral desires. This is in direct contrast to having wise shrewdness, or prudence, able to see the terrible consequences and develop hatred for the wrong. Wrong desire may occasionally confront anyone, whether from our own mind or from our association, including entertainment sources. But how unwise to dwell on the desire we know to be wrong! This has been illustrated by a bird's landing on someone's head, like an immoral desire. What do we do about it? Wouldn't we quickly shoo it away? We wouldn't let the bird remain and build a nest on our head, would we? So it should be with wrong thoughts entering our mind. Fight it with good reasoning on the matter, thinking of the right way to view things from God's perspective, after the example of Jesus. Thus shoo away the wrong thoughts, and switch the station to something good and upbuilding. Unfortunately, the young man of Proverbs 7 acted on his wrong desires, marching "in the direction of her house," putting himself in a compromising situation, exposing himself to temptation that could lead to disaster.

"21 She misleads him with great persuasiveness. She seduces him with smooth speech."

Prove 7:21 The immoral woman uses "smooth speech" and actions with "great persuasiveness." Verse 10 informs us she has a "cunning heart." Thus she proves very deceptive, claiming she has pleased God while violating His standards, and threatening the eternal life and happiness of herself and this young man. May we be reminded to ponder the good things we learn about God's ways, appreciating the wisdom and benefits of doing things the right way, that we may truly love Jehovah and "hate what is bad." (Psalm 97:10). This, coupled with prayer, will help the right thoughts to sink deep into our hearts, where it will affect both our speech and actions.

"22 Suddenly he goes after her, like a bull to the slaughter, Like a fool to be punished in the stocks, 23 Until an arrow pierces his liver; Like a bird rushing into a trap, he does not know that it will cost him his life."

Prove 7:22-23 Since the young man had unwisely pondered wrong desires, her immoral persuasiveness overcomes his "thinking ability" to lead him into disastrous conduct with this married woman. He didn't even stop to consider how unwise and troublesome this conduct may be. How would her husband feel once he finds out about this young man's interference with the wife? He is "like a fool to be punished in the stocks," as such conduct usually becomes exposed and known publicly, bringing humiliation and disgrace. Further, sometimes there are hidden dangers to wrong conduct, that God understands and gives Him reason to lovingly warn us against the sin. This young man didn't realize the effect on his "liver," causing disease that could end his life in untimely death, like many others who have come to "fall down slain." (verse 26). Just as important is the spiritual impact, corrupting our chaste thinking toward others, as God is preparing us for life in a clean environment spiritually on Earth, with all able to have loyal marriage partners and enjoy pure dealings with true friends worldwide, delighting in God's righteousness. May we ponder the blessings of God's loving purpose toward humans, moving us to be loyally obedient to God and Jesus' teachings and instruction.

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PSALM 119 PREVIEW OF STANZAS 16-19

* In Review 5

** Also in Final Review

Stanza 16 Theme: PROVE A LOYAL SERVANT OF GOD, BY PRACTICING WHAT IS JUST AND RIGHT.

These verses show God looks after the welfare of His loyal servants, who practice what is just and righteous. How might understanding help us to know God’s reminders, and why should we highly value God’s commandments?

Verses 121-128:
**121 I have done what is just and righteous. Do not abandon me to my oppressors!
**122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant; May the presumptuous not oppress me.
123 My eyes have grown weary waiting for your salvation And for your righteous promise.
124 Show your loyal love to your servant, And teach me your regulations.

* 125 I am your servant; give me understanding, So that I may know your reminders.
126 The time has come for Jehovah to act, For they have broken your law.
* 127 That is why I love your commandments More than gold, even fine gold.
128 Therefore, I consider every instruction from you to be right; I hate every false path.
Stanza 17 Theme: GOD’S WORDS IMPART UNDERSTANDING, THOSE LOVING GOD’S NAME ARE SHOWN FAVOR.

These verses express love for God’s reminders and commandments; Why does the psalmist sigh over those not keeping God’s law?

* 129 Your reminders are wonderful. That is why I observe them.
**130 The disclosure of your words brings light, Giving understanding to the inexperienced.
131 I open my mouth wide and sigh, Because I long for your commandments.
**132 Turn to me and show me favor, In keeping with your judgment toward those loving your name.

133 Guide my steps safely by your saying; May nothing wicked dominate me.
134 Rescue me from oppressive men, And I will keep your orders.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant, And teach me your regulations.
**136 Tears stream down from my eyes Because people do not keep your law.
Stanza 18 Theme: IN SPITE OF TEMPORARY ILL TREATMENT BY ADVERSARIES, GOD IS TRUE AND JUST, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ETERNAL.

These verses remind us of God’s eternal righteousness, His reliable reminders, His trustworthy law. How is God's saying thoroughly refined?

Verses 137-144:
**137 You are righteous, O Jehovah, And your judgments are fair.
* 138 The reminders you give are righteous And completely reliable.
139 My zeal consumes me, Because my adversaries have forgotten your words.
**140 Your saying is thoroughly refined, And your servant loves it.

141 I am insignificant and despised; Yet, I have not forgotten your orders.
* 142 Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness, And your law is truth.
143 Though distress and difficulty come upon me, I remain fond of your commandments.


Stanza 19 Theme: CALL UPON JEHOVAH WITH FAITH, HOPE, AND INTEGRITY.

We’re reminded that when we wholeheartedly call upon Jehovah He will hear and answer us. We must do so in faith, seeking integrity, and be persistent in our requests. How is knowledge of God to last forever?

Verses 145-152:
**145 I call with my whole heart. Answer me, O Jehovah. Your regulations I will observe.
146 I call on you; save me! I will keep your reminders.
**147 I have been awake before dawn to cry for help, For your words are my hope.
148 My eyes open before the night watches, So that I can ponder over your saying.

149 Do listen to my voice because of your loyal love. O Jehovah, preserve me alive according to your justice.
150 Those who engage in shameful conduct come near; They are far away from your law.
**151 You are near, O Jehovah, And all your commandments are truth.
* 152 Long ago I learned about your reminders, That you have established them to last forever.