Be Careful of Your Company
Read Proverbs 1:10-19 and Soap verses 10 and 15
My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!My child, don’t go along with them!
Proverbs 1:10, 15
Stay far away from their paths.
Solomon gives his children instructions – teaching them here to ‘be careful’ around sinners – those who follow after the ways of the world instead of God’s way. When these people attempt to get us (believers) to join them in their sin we must be ready to not only turn our backs but to choose to stay away from them, or as Peter says – we must be self-controlled and alert because the enemy prowls around seeking someone to devour, – and we know he uses sinners to accomplish his purpose. Solomon knew the dangers of turning toward sin and away from God.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
The Apostle Paul knew the dangers too. Consider the wisdom statements he made throughout the new testament, such as – Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” and James 4:7 “Submit yourselves then to God resist the devil and he will flee from you”, or this one – 1 Corinthians 15:58 where Paul says to “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Afraid you won’t be able to turn your back or stay away from their paths?Then you will find great encouragement from these words of Paul from 1 Corinthians 10:13 (some of my favorite) – The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
We must, as God’s children, listen to the instructions of Solomon and walk in them rather than ‘with’ the world – and we must remember God has empowered us to do just that.
Me from the inside out
May God keep us alert to the enemy’s presence so that we choose paths that are safe. May He Strengthen us against the sinner’s tactics and enticements that we may be faithful to turn away from him and all his minions. And, may all of this bring Him the utmost glory! In Jesus’ Name – Amen!
Me from the inside out
Me From the Inside Out 