The Subtlety & Seriousness of Sin

"I fear we do not sufficiently realize the extreme subtlety of our soul's disease.  We are too apt to forget that temptation to sin will rarely present itself to us in its true colours, saying, "I am your deadly enemy and I want to ruin you for ever in hell."  Oh, no!  Sin comes to us, like Judas, with a kiss, and like Joab, with an outstretched hand and flattering words.  The forbidden fruit seemed good and desirable to Eve, yet it cast her out of Eden.  The walking idly on his palace roof seemed harmless enough to David, yet it ended in adultery and murder.  Sin rarely seems sin at its first beginnings . . . We may give wickedness smooth names, but we cannot alter its nature and character in the sight of God." -- J. C. Ryle