Proverbs 1:10. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
Have you ever tried to fit in with people that were a bad influence on you? Everybody likes to fit in. To be welcomed and accepted is a natural human desire. But Solomon is warning his son that often we choose to fit in with the wrong people – sinners.
Of course everyone is a sinner, but Solomon is talking about people who like to sin. They act selfishly and don’t care who it hurts. They know something is wrong but they do it anyway. But worst of all they try to entice others, especially the naïve to join them. Thus the book of Proverbs – don’t be naïve. Don’t be too easily enticed.
Of course enticement to evil is no small problem. In fact, enticement is what broke the world. The serpent enticed Eve. Eve enticed Adam. Satan, the angel of light, entices us to this day. Chances are if any part of your life is a wreck right now, it is because you were enticed into doing something that you knew you shouldn’t do. You consented. You chose. And remember, we always choose what we believe is most satisfying.
Wisdom is the opposite of being enticed by sinners. Wisdom is enticement by God. Fearing him, rather than fearing man. Loving him more than loving self. Wisdom is following Christ instead of following the crowd. It is listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, keeping in step with him, walking in his way of love. In short, the wise person is enticed by Jesus more than anyone or anything else. The wise person gives Christ their consent to do with them as he pleases, knowing that such submission to Christ is the greatest of freedom and pleasure.
You: Who or what entices you?
You in Christ: In what ways does your position in Christ entice you? Draw you in?
Christ in you: What is Jesus enticing you to do that you simply need to consent to (choose to do)?
Prayer: Father, entice me into your grace and love today. Jesus, entice me to be like you and give me such joy in Christ-likeness that the enticement of sinners is absurd to me. Amen.
To Live is Christ 