Proverbs 1:11

Evil friends are a great danger to youth. Peer pressure bends and molds them, even the strong and resolved, to ruin. David began Psalms with the warning (Ps 1:1). Solomon began Proverbs the same way (Pr 1:10-19). The warning was stated, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Pr 1:10). To avoid being twisted, hate the vise!

King Solomon, the wise father, illustrated his warning by a graphic invitation to join a band of cutthroats. Their cruelty and greed can hardly be matched (Pr 1:11-13); their certain ruin does not affect them (Pr 1:17-19). Few would be enticed by an offer to secretly murder innocent people for no reason. But enticement by any sinner is no better.

“Come with us.” The first word is like the Pied Piper’s horn – difficult to resist and damning in the end. Come, we are going places today. Come, we have activities planned that you have missed. Come, we are always doing exciting things. Why be bored with your simple and strict life? There are things to do and places to go that will fill your life with excitement and thrills. Why stay at home? Things are happening! Come!

“Come with us.” The second word speaks of acceptance, approval, belonging, friendship, and unity. We can be together. You can be part of a tight circle of friends. You will never be lonely again. We will co-mingle our abilities and assets; we will be invincible. Why live life alone? You will never be anything alone! We can enter the wide gate together!

“Come with us.” The third word declares the desirability of the association. We are well known. We are popular. We have accomplished great things, and we are going to do more. We have the fastest growing church in the city. We have a name. We have influence. We have antiquity and tradition with us. You are nothing in your small group.

The bait is offered. Who can resist, “Come with us”? Solomon exposed sinners by stating their wicked activities bluntly. Evil men seldom declare such profane goals up front, but all sin and rebellion are the same in the sight of God, no matter how socially acceptable. Most would reject such a calloused invitation, if it were stated, but it is usually hid.

Young girls seduced by worldly men never planned to kill an unborn baby, but many end up under the abortionist’s knife. David found it easy to take Bathsheba intimately, but he never planned to murder one of his most loyal friends. Many Jewish rulers that believed on Jesus Christ could not leave the synagogue, so they became guilty by association with the most cold-blooded murder in human history (John 12:42-43).

Young man! Young woman! If sinners entice thee, consent thou not (Pr 1:10). Walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path (Pr 1:15). Ignore their charms, invitations, or threats. Do not lie to yourself. They will corrupt you (I Cor 15:33). Guaranteed! You will end up with blood dripping from your hands one way or another. Get away! Get far away! Get away now (Pr 4:14-15; 9:6; 13:20; Ps 1:1-6; 26:4-5)!