Timing for Temptation

(Proverbs 7:9 KJV)  In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

Just when does this take place?  I get the idea that this is a description of an observed event but in looking at this it seems that the events to unfold were sought after repeatedly.  Notice that the first term is “twilight” (5399).  In the Hebrew this can refer to morning or evening.  The second phrase is a compound word that means “evening of the day”.  The third phrase in the Hebrew makes it clear that the darkest night is referred to.  Which is it?

I am guessing that it is all of the above.  I think we are looking at a foolish young man who makes it a habit of going places he knows he should not be, but it is fun.  He may like to go back to his friends and brag about how he was walking on the wild side.  He was looking for it while trying to deny it.  Eventually he will find it and the chapter makes it clear that hell is waiting.

So?  How often does a tragedy have a long approach that could have been avoided?  How many of the “innocent” choices we make today are just us playing with temptation because it is exciting?  I think of the cliche that no one has ever gotten drunk who did not take the first drink.  That principle could apply to every area of life.  Walk upright.  Learn not to lean.  There are eternal consequences.