Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, Proverbs 5:8

With these and other verses, they can be divided into two views: literal and figurative. The literal is just that: there is no deep subtle meaning in the verse at all. This is such a verse; it’s referring to the adulteress. The author intended the verse to be literal, but through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, there are figurative meanings behind the words.

Also, though, I believe there’s a principle behind the literal that we should examine. For example, put in the word sin or any specific type for “her” and see what I mean.

We’re tempted a lot to do things we know we shouldn’t. If we’re honest, we would admit that we even cozy up to sin at times just to get a taste, but back away. Take gossip as an example. We like gossip, don’t we? But everything we read in Scripture tells us to avoid it, but it’s fun and can be juicy. With this on your mind, read the verse. It brings the meaning to life, doesn’t it? You could say that with just about every sin on the books. Keeping away from sin can be and probably is a full time job.