For every great temptation there will be many small ones. Wolves and bears are more dangerous than flies, but we are bothered most by flies.
~ Francis of Sales
The hell to be endured hereafter . . . is no worse than the hell we make for ourselves in this world by habitually fashioning our characters in the wrong way. Could the young but realize how soon they will become mere walking bundles of habits, they would give more heed to their conduct while in the plastic state. We are spinning our own fates, good or evil, and never to be none. The drunken Rip van Winkle in Jefferson’s play excuses himself for every fresh dereliction by saying, ‘I won’t count this time!’ Well, we may not count it, and a kind Heaven may not count it, but it is being counted none the less. Down among his nerve-ends and fibers the molecules are counting it, registering it, and storing it up to be used against him when the next temptation comes.”
~ William James, in Talks to Teachers on Psychology and to Students on Some of Life’s Ideals
Temptation is not a sin; it is a call to battle.
~ Erwin Lutzer
It is easier to stay out, than to get out.
~ Mark Twain
To what may the Yetzer ha-Ra [Evil Impulse] be compared? To a man who comes to a door, opens it, and if no one halts him, enters as if he were an invited guest. If no one still objects, he gives orders as if he were the master of the house.
~ Talmud, Zohar, v, 267b
Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
~ The Bible, Galatians 5:16
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
~ The Bible, James 4:7-8a
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