At that hour, David saw Bathsheba. We are never beyond the reach of temptation. At home or abroad, we face allurements to evil. Morning opens with peril, and evening shadows find us still in jeopardy. Those whom God keeps are well kept—but woe to those who walk through the world, or even their own homes, unarmed.

Those who think themselves secure are more exposed to danger than any others. The armor-bearer of Sin is Self-confidence.

David should have been fighting the Lord's battles. Instead, he tarried in Jerusalem, surrendering to luxurious repose—rising from his bed at evening! Idleness and luxury are the devil's jackals, finding him abundant prey. In stagnant waters noxious creatures swarm. Neglected soil yields a dense tangle of weeds and briars. Oh for the constraining love of Jesus to keep us active and useful!

When I see the King of Israel sluggishly leaving his couch at day's end and falling at once into temptation, I take warning. Set holy watchfulness to guard the door.

Wait—did the king mount his housetop for retirement and devotion? If so, what a caution! Count no place, however secret, a sanctuary from sin. While our hearts are like tinder-boxes and sparks so plentiful, we need all diligence in all places to prevent a blaze. Satan can climb housetops and enter closets. Even if we could shut out that foul fiend, our own corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace prevents it.

Reader, beware of evening temptations. Be not secure. The sun is down but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day. O blessed Spirit, keep us from all evil this night. Amen.