Nowadays, it is easier to resist temptation. When people of earlier times withstood temptation, its evil husks were broken.

It then becomes easier for others to withstand it. People have already withstood many temptations, making it easier for the average person today.

The Talmud states, “What Joseph overcame with strength was a small matter for Boaz. What Boaz overcame with strength was a small matter for Palti ben La-ish” (Sanhedrin 19b).

It took great strength for Joseph to resist the temptation of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:8). When Boaz found himself alone with Ruth in the middle of the night (Ruth 3:8), it was much easier for him to overcome this temptation. Joseph had already broken its power.

When Saul gave David’s wife Michal to Palti ben La-ish (I Samuel 25:44; II Samuel 3:15), Palti ben La-ish lived with her for a long time and faced even greater temptation than Boaz. But here again, it was easier to overcome this temptation, for Boaz had already paved the way.

As the years pass, it becomes easier to resist temptation and for the average person to withstand it.