With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk (Proverbs 7:21).

There is an incredible power in words.  Power to build up or tear down (see 2 Corinthians 13:10), power of life and death (see Proverbs 18:21)... power to maintain fidelity or to fall into adultery.  I think it's significant to note that the adulteress's words were what ultimately led to the downfall of the "youth who lacked judgment" in Proverbs chapter 7.  It was her smooth talk that secuded him.  Not her voluptuous beauty or sexy lingerie... Not her sensual touch or physical arousal of specific parts of the young man's body... Not her creatively-devised "love nest" with all its exotic sights, smells, and sensations... It was with persuasive words and smooth talk.

Men are notoriously influenced by verbal affirmation -- or lest I speak too broadly for my brothers, let me say that I am notoriously influenced by verbal affirmation.  Fortunately, I've grown through the years, and this is not nearly the Achilles Heel that it once might have been.  But suffice to stay:  there's still something very powerful in the way that words can draw me in and influence my behavior.  I'd like to think that I could withstand the unexpected sight of some strange, naked woman sprawled out on my bed -- running away without a second thought.  I'd like to think that I could withstand the temptation of a woman throwing herself into my arms and passionately reaching for my crotch -- quickly and deliberately disentangling myself from her embrace.  I'd like to think that I could withstand the temptation of being directly propositioned for sex -- turning it down without a second thought (though, let it be clear that I'd rather not put any of these situations to the test, if I can help it!).  But a prolonged campaign of warmth, empathy, respect, admiration, fawning, and eventually persuasive words and smooth talk -- now, that's a more scary situation to consider.

Truth be told, there have been times when I've found myself inappropriately stirred by such developments -- even though they were most likely innocently intended -- and I've had to take action to get myself away from the persuasive words and smooth talk.  I've had to talk about the situation with my wife (a conversation which is never particularly enjoyable).  I've had to seek accountability from trusted guy-friends.  I've had to devise ways to create some separation from any potential temptation.  And by God's grace, I've been able to remain faithful to my wife for over a dozen years now...

But still, I recognize the significance of protecting ourselves not just from the "sexual stuff," but also from the persuasive words and smooth talk that can eventually lead up to that.  There really is something to the summary of the young man's downfall, offered in Proverbs 7:21.  Adultery is a temptation against which we need to vigorously guard ourselves.  It's really not a bad idea for make to deliberately take time each month to read through Proverbs chapters 5, 6, and 7.  Because the pitfalls are plenty.  "Many are the victims that [the adulteress] has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng" (see Proverbs 7:26).  So if you don't want to become one of that mighty throng, then look out for the power of persuasive words and smooth talk.