After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her. But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. 2 Samuel 13:1-3

If you haven’t read the story of Absalom, Amnon, and Tamar, then take time to read it.
It’s in 2 Samuel 13 and continues on until the rebellion and death of Absalom.
There are several lessons to learn from it all.

Lesson #1 – some things are not right no matter how you feel about it.
Amnon knew this relationship with his half-sister was wrong. He wasn’t seeking a wife, only sex. He knew it was improper.

Lesson #2 – if you want to do what’s right you need friends that also want to do what’s right. Amnon did not have this. He had a crafty man that devised a plan for Amnon to violate Tamar. Amnon needed someone to stand up to him and say, “This is wrong. This is sinful!”

Lesson #3 – Wanting something and having something are two different things. We make many mistakes that follow us for life because of a few minutes of pleasure or contentment. What we desired the most is what ruined us for life.
After Amnon violated Tamar, he hated her with more passion as he once loved her.

Lesson #4 – The wages of sin is death. Sin cannot pay sin. Tamar tells her brother, Absalom what happened. Absalom does not let Amnon know that he knows. Two years later Absalom kills Amnon.
Absalom flees and later stages a coup to take over the kingdom, which eventually led to his death.
Tamar locks herself away in her brother’s home for life.

Do what is right, honorable, virtuous, and good.
Surround yourself with Godly friends that encourage you.
A moment of pleasure is not worth an eternity of hell.
Do not reward evil with evil or sin with sin.