It is difficult for new and sometimes older Christians to fully comprehend sin's effects. From God’s perspective, every facet of sin involves a vile act. However, from man’s viewpoint, though sin can be extremely harmful, the temporary pleasures (Hebrews 11:25) distract from sin's injurious nature. For instance, Proverbs 6:24 warns about the “evil woman.” We might think this to mean that we should stay away from women who say bad things, yet the evil woman does not always speak negatively. In fact, this woman is said to speak with flattery; she says nice things but with impure motives. This warning is so important that it was given on multiple occasions (Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 6:24; Proverbs 7:5, 21). The warning here is given specifically about a strange woman (a woman other than the man’s wife), but it applies to men and women alike. We ought to always be on guard about those who flatter us with their words.
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has been appropriately labeled as the “Hall of Faith.” It speaks of the great feats of faith of some Old Testament Bible characters like Noah, Abraham, Joseph and Moses. In the midst of this faith chronicle, the Lord reveals a great truth concerning faith itself. Without faith, no one can please God. In addition to this, the Lord indicates that an important aspect of faith is to “diligently seek him.” God promises to reward all those who continually and carefully seek for Him. He is not pleased when Christians fail to pray or read His word regularly. Instead, He wants men to seek Him with diligence!
