The Trap of Sin

Opening Verse

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

Introduction

2 Samuel 13 tells a heartbreaking story that begins with desire and ends in destruction. It is not a story of inspiration; it is a solemn warning. When sin is not checked, when lust is not denied, and when counsel is wicked, the end is always devastation. This chapter is one of the darkest in Scripture: we must not look away. We must learn.

Devotional Story

There was a young man who had everything: strength, position, and access. But he lacked one thing: self-control. His name was Amnon. He became obsessed with his half-sister Tamar. Instead of resisting temptation, he fed it. And when his friend Jonadab gave him a wicked plan to satisfy his lust, Amnon followed through.

He pretended to be sick; he asked that Tamar come serve him food. And when they were alone, he forced her. It was rape. Then, after his sin, the same desire that once burned turned to hatred. The Bible says he hated her “exceedingly”: more than he had loved her.

Tamar was left desolate. Absalom, her brother, burned with rage. And though two years passed, vengeance came. Amnon was murdered. The family was shattered. The kingdom destabilized. All because one man refused to master his lust and listened to the voice of a friend who spoke from hell, not heaven.

What This Means

This is not a story to be softened; it is a divine warning. Sin does not end where it begins. Lust never stays hidden. Evil friends are poison. If you are feeding sin today, know this: it will grow. If you are playing with temptation, it will strike.

To continue in sin while ignoring God’s voice is like doing wrong and tying a blindfold around your own eyes; you’re choosing darkness and pretending it’s light.

There are voices around you: some speak truth, others speak destruction. Are you listening to Jonadabs or to Jesus? Are you hiding sin or confessing it?

God sees what’s done in secret. And He warns through stories like 2 Samuel 13: stop now, before the damage is done. The shame, the guilt, the fallout—these can all be avoided. But only if you repent.

Think About This

• Who are the voices you allow to influence your decisions?

• Are you hiding a sin that needs to be confessed?

• Do you treat temptation as dangerous or harmless?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to the trap of sin. Give me strength to flee from lust, deceit, and evil counsel. Let me not be like Amnon, who destroyed others and himself. Create in me a clean heart. Surround me with godly people who point me to You. And if I’ve fallen, help me to repent quickly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

— Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)