I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday) on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page

I’m reading Proverbs at the moment. (I’m doing George Guthrie’s Bible in a year Chronological Reading Plan). Here’s today’s eye catching, thought provoking proverb:

Put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.

Proverbs 23:2

It seems rather extreme.

Of course it’s in the context of dining with a ruler. Invited by the Queen to lunch? Don’t eat too much. She might not like the knife to the throat action, however. Not polite in the best of circles and could be misconstrued.

But it’s a useful thought to have in mind when sitting down to eat a meal and tempted by all that is available.

Mostly, however, the problem begins further back than that.

In the shops.

We drove west yesterday, to be in the country for the long bank holiday.

Stopped at a service station for petrol and coffee and lunch.

I queued at length to pay for the sandwiches; and my eye inevitably was drawn to the strategically placed chocolates and other goodies, temptingly within easy grasp.

Too easy to throw into the basket at the last minute – a treat for the holidays.

I needed a knife to the throat.

Yet deny myself every single treat and I long for more.

My father’s ‘diet’ worked well for him: Moderation in all things. Deny yourself nothing for then you long for more. Eat anything – but only in moderation.

Today we would call it portion control.

I think I need to take a knife to the shops. Better still, order online where I don’t even have to look at the temptations, just order only what is needed and necessary.

Avoiding temptation is an action that works well for me – in so many different situations.

I am not strong enough by myself. I need the continuous infilling of the Spirit’s power.

Rather more effective than a knife to the throat, don’t you think?

Lord, reign in me, reign in your power

Over every dream, in my darkest hour.

You are the Lord of all I am

So won’t you reign in me again?