My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded. (Proverbs 1:10)
Proverbs 1:10 offers some sound advice for all of life. In this verse, we hear a father’s words to his son, and the father says, “if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded.” There are a few truths in here that we need to see.
The first is that this instruction comes from a father to a son. The instruction is not meant to be restrictive or oppressive. It comes from a father that wants the best for his son and a father who loves his son. The second is that sin can be enticing. That’s right. If there were no appeal to sin, then we’d never consider it. Never wrestle with it. Never give in to it. Do not be fooled. The father wants his son to be aware of that. Son, sin will be intriguing. It will offer you a quick buck or some temporary pleasure. But the third thing the father wants his son to know is this, do not be persuaded by the promises that sin offers.
Sin says you can kill, steal, destroy, or plunder. Sin says that you can do whatever you want without consequence. But what sin offers will never ultimately satisfy. Ultimately, sin leads to death. Such are the Proverbs 1:19 says, “it takes the lives of those who receive it.” The father is saying it may entice, but it will never end well. Even if the wicked prospers in this life, apart from Jesus, everyone will stand before God and give an account for their sins. So when you’re tempted by sin, consider its eventual end, death. Then let that turn you toward your God, our good Father.