Genesis 4:7 (NIV)

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Context

After God rejected Cain’s offering, Cain became angry and discouraged. God gently warns him that he still has a choice: to do right and be accepted, or let sin control him. God compares sin to a wild animal ready to pounce, reminding Cain (and us) that we have the ability—and responsibility—to resist it.

Theme

Personal responsibility, temptation, free will, sin’s power

Author

Traditionally attributed to Moses

Key Word

“Crouching” – paints sin like a wild beast, waiting to strike when we’re weak or careless

Application

This verse shows that even when we feel hurt, angry, or rejected, God offers us a path forward. We’re not powerless—God calls us to overcome temptation with His help and choose what’s right.

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