Devotion for Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Today’s Passage:

Proverbs 1:10-16
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:  My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Pastor Ben’s Commentary:

Solomon speaks to the reader as one of his sons.  He is giving fatherly advice to the reader to help them make wise decisions.  This is a common way he communicates throughout the book.

In today’s passage, Solomon tells his son not to consent to people who want him to get involved in their wrong doing.  He says it may look like a good idea at the time because they’ll speak of easy riches, companionship, and luxury.  He then goes on to say that it won’t add up to what they say it will be.  You’ll be a part of potentially destructive behavior to your life and others.

Application:
1. People who do wrong are always looking for others to do wrong with them.  This school year you will be invited to take part in behavior that is wrong, and potentially dangerous to the future that God has for you.  Take this advice.  Steer clear.  Don’t give in. Don’t go with them!

2. Sin looks enticing, but is actually destructive.  There is an old saying that is very true.  “Sin will take you farther than you’ll want to go, keep you longer than you’ll want to stay, and cost you more than you’ll want to pay.”

In the comments today, quote your favorite verse in today’s passage and how it will help you at school this week.