Proverbs 1:10-19
If sinners entice you, Do not give in to them. If they say, “Come with us; We will kill; we’ll condemn. We will find possessions And fill our homes with loot. Cast your lot among us. We’ll share in this pursuit.” Son, do not walk with them. Keep away from their path. Their feet run to evil. They shed blood in their wrath. In vain, the net is spread; The innocent are sought. Men lie in wait for others, But their own souls are caught. Such is the end of those Who are greedy for gain. It takes away their lives; Only truth will remain.
Do sinners entice you? God’s people need to be careful and wise in their choice of friends. Peer pressure happens at all stages in life. Everyone gets enticed, young and old. Be aware of the dangers of bad company. How do you keep faithful to God’s Word?
- Stay on the right path. Sinner’s paths are broad and convenient, but the believers’ path is narrow. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7;13-14)
- Stay away from evil social media. Be selective in what you see and hear. It has benefits, but it also has many dangers. It allows room for secret sin, steals precious time, and can pollute the mind. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
- Stay away from envy and greed. Envy creeps in without warning, grumbling about how life is not fair. Greed is a deadly sin that must die. ” For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1Timothy 6:10)
- Stay close to the Lord. The closer you stay, the less likely you will hear from the enemy. Stay involved in church and in searching for truth in Scripture. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Stay close to God and be faithful. Pick your friends carefully.
