Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

Tuesday Devotional: We are now focusing on the book of Proverbs!

LISTEN TO TODAY’S READING

PROVERBS 1:8-19
Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

VERSES 8-9 Listen, my son (daughter), to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

VERSE 10: My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.

VERSES 11-14: If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots with us; we will all share the loot.

VERSE 15: my son (daughter), do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths.

VERSES 16-19 for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it! These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.

VERSES 8-19 CATHY’S THOUGHTS

VERSES 8-9 This goes beyond simple obedience to our parents. This also includes respect and consideration. It is showing us that we are to follow the wise instruction of our parents. However, it’s also is to remind parents that they have a responsibility to raise and guide their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

VERSE 10: There is a little word there that has great meaning “if”. It could actually mean “when”, it’s something that will happen. We need to be aware that people will try to distract us from the original teachings of the bible or the solid foundations that parents were supposed to instill into us. The bottom line is do not stray from what you know is right regardless of the peer pressure.

VERSES 11-14: We all could be enticed by being part of a group or people that are popular. That sense of belonging can be strong. Even though what they are doing is totally off the charts and goes against everything you know is right. You could be tempted to join them just to be included.

This is an exaggerated scenario, for a reason. It’s to show how we should respond to foolishness and trouble. This is meant to be applied anywhere we are tempted, not only in cases of obvious evil. This is also showing the dangers that can be presented in a group mentality or from peer pressure.

They think they are going to achieve success or obtain money or something great is going to come from this activity; which of course is a trap and a lie. They also use excuses to cause harm on others saying they deserved it or they were going to die anyway. Be aware of peer pressure taking you down the wrong road, regardless of what age you are.

VERSE 15: Whenever something is repeated twice in one short section, I believe it’s something important and something to pay attention to. We are told to not even consider or even think about joining them. Don’t even listen to what they say, immediately turn away and run from them. Solomon is speaking from experience as he writes this book and he’s saying it’s not worth the heartache, run and run fast as you possibly can when there is trouble or evil temptations.

VERSES 16-19

This is yet another warning to stay away from evil or temptations or people who revel in this type of behavior. They WILL take you down with them at any cost. There is no care, concern, or loyalty; they do not care about you. They will do anything to get ahead, including shedding blood, even your blood.

Those who persist in willful evil should be avoided at all costs. While this might seem like common sense, Solomon’s warning is meant to expose how even the worst sinners will tempt others to join them. This goes back to the fact that you become like the people who spend the most time with. Choose your friends and choose how you will live your life. Don’t be tempted by something that sounds and looks good, when you know in your heart it isn’t’.

DAILY DEVOTIONALS

DAILY DEVOTIONALS are biblical based mini studies to encourage you, help you grow on your journey, and to inspire you to share with others!

• Sunday: Video teachings with a variety of teachers, bishops, and pastors.
• Monday: Hearing from God Each Morning (365 Daily Devotional) Joyce Meyer
• Tuesday: Study of a book in the bible along with scripture readings (Proverbs)
• Wednesday: Jesus Calling; Enjoying Peace in His Presence (365 Daily Devotional) Sarah Young
• Thursday: Becoming A Vessel God Can use; Donna Partow
• Friday: Devotions from the Mountains by Lisa Ham
• Saturday: Created For Excellence; 12 Keys to Godly Success, Kevin Baerg