“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” ~ 2 Cor. 2:11
Paul said it, but Peter could say “Amen” to this text. He did not know that the devil would use his natural Sanguine temperament to get him to fall. No wonder he wrote in his first Epistle “Arm yourselves.” Or as the adage goes, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
Satan does not know our thoughts, but he does observe our natural temperament and tempts us accordingly. He does not tempt us contrary to our constitution. Whatever way the tide of the heart moves, the wind of temptation blows the same. The old farmer knows what grain is best for the soil.
Whenever the devil baits his hook, it is always with something that fits our natural taste.
“The devil shapes himself to the fashions of all men. If he meets
with a proud man, then he makes himself a flatterer, if a covetous man, then he comes with a reward in his hand. He hath an apple for Eve, a grape for Noah, a change of raiment for Gehazi, a bag for Judas. He can dish out his
meat for all palates. He hath a latch to fit every shoe; he hath
something to please all conditions.”~ (Puritan Saying)
by an Aged Saint
Is "apple" here a figurative speech? I meant that the Bible didn't say the fruit of good and evil was an apple.