“With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.”

The word persuasive in this verse emphasizes the seductive and deceptive nature of the words being spoken. The most persuasive speech that seeks to deceive us will always be seductive; otherwise, it would not be very effective. In this context, it also lets us know that her flattering speech comes with “many persuasions”. That term, many persuasions, paints a picture of being in a room with a lot of people, all of them trying to convince us that a wrong is right. They work diligently and overtime to chip away at what we know is right and get us to acquiesce to what we know is wrong. They seek to wear us down. In a somewhat similar way, we live in a world that works on us like this consistently—through all forms of media and even casual relationships. We sometimes put ourselves in a position to receive a steady stream of persuasion. This is why it’s critical to surround ourselves with good people who are speaking God’s positive truth—people who care about us and want the best for our lives. People who understand God’s Word and know that it is as important for our survival as air and water. Today, check the voices around you and make sure they represent the God of our story. #BeTheEdge

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV