Proverbs 1:10 kjv

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:10 nkjv

My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

Proverbs 1:10 niv

My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.

Proverbs 1:10 esv

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.

Proverbs 1:10 nlt

My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!

Proverbs 1 verses

Proverbs 1 10 Meaning

Proverbs 1:10 issues a foundational warning: when individuals, whose way of life is marked by habitual wrongdoing, seek to persuade or lure you into their illicit schemes or actions, do not yield to their enticement or agree to participate. It is a direct admonition against succumbing to peer pressure and the deceptive allure of sin.

Proverbs 1 10 Context

Proverbs chapter 1 serves as the prologue to the entire book, establishing its purpose and central theme. After articulating the aim of wisdom—to impart knowledge, discretion, and understanding (v. 2-6)—and stating that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (v. 7), the focus shifts to a parental call for attention (v. 8-9). Verse 10 initiates the first concrete warning against a specific danger that awaits the "son" entering adulthood: the temptation of sinful associates. This is presented as an immediate, practical test of the wisdom principle just introduced, highlighting the constant societal pressures young men faced in ancient Near Eastern society, especially those seeking quick riches through violent or dishonest means, contrasting sharply with the stable, righteous path advocated by the father.

Proverbs 1 10 Word analysis

• My son: בְּנִי (bĕnî) - A tender and authoritative term of address used throughout wisdom literature, signifying a didactic and affectionate paternal instruction. It highlights the deeply personal and relational nature of this teaching.
• if: כִּי (kî) - Here functions conditionally, "if" or "when," implying not just a possibility, but a common and expected occurrence in the real world. It signals that encountering such temptation is almost inevitable.
• sinners: חַטָּאִים (ḥaṭṭā'îm) - From חָטָא (ḥāṭā’), meaning to miss the mark. These are not merely people who commit occasional errors, but those whose characteristic way of life is defined by sin, deviating from God's standards and righteousness. They embody a lifestyle.
• entice: יְפַתּוּךָ (yĕfattûkhā) - From פָּתָה (pāthāh), meaning to be open, wide; to persuade, mislead, deceive, entice. It implies a seductive, attractive, and often deceptive persuasion that appeals to desires, suggesting something easy, beneficial, or thrilling.
• thee: Suffix indicating the direct object. The enticement is personally directed.
• consent: תֹאבֶה (tō'veh) - From אָבָה ('āvāh), meaning to be willing, to consent, to agree, to desire. This verb emphasizes the volitional aspect; the decision to participate is an active choice, a yielding of the will.
• not: לֹא (lō') - An absolute negation. It conveys an unequivocal prohibition, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise. The response must be a firm refusal.

Words-group analysis

• My son, if sinners entice thee: This phrase sets the stage for a practical ethical dilemma. The paternal instruction shifts from general principles to a specific, common scenario. The term "sinners" immediately flags these individuals as dangerous due to their inherent lifestyle, contrasting with the father's righteous path. The use of "entice" points to the insidious and appealing nature of their lure, often masked with promises of gain or excitement, making resistance a conscious effort.
• consent thou not: This is the unequivocal command and the core of the verse. It places the responsibility firmly on the "son." Despite the powerful allure ("entice"), the decision to "consent" or not is a choice of the will. It emphasizes that yielding to temptation is a failure of resolve, not an irresistible force, and therefore a personal moral responsibility. The negative command acts as an ethical imperative.

Proverbs 1 10 Bonus section

The enticement spoken of often carries a promise of immediate, material benefit, usually wealth acquired through unethical or violent means, as elaborated in Prov 1:11-14. This particular enticement directly counters the father's promise of honor and grace in v. 9, presenting two contrasting paths to fulfillment. The instruction in Prov 1:10 is an example of prophylactic wisdom, seeking to prevent sin and its destructive consequences rather than merely address them after they occur. It underscores the active role a person must take in guarding their heart and life from corrupting influences. The ultimate aim is not just avoiding negative company but actively pursuing the path of righteousness as encouraged throughout Proverbs.

Proverbs 1 10 Commentary

Proverbs 1:10 is the inaugural, specific practical instruction in the book of Proverbs, acting as an immediate application of the general wisdom principles articulated earlier. It identifies "sinners" as a direct and perilous threat to the integrity and future well-being of the young, receptive heart. The warning is not against abstract evil but against concrete human relationships that actively seek to corrupt. The word "entice" highlights the subtle, often appealing, and deceptive nature of sin's invitation; it rarely presents itself as openly destructive but rather as a path to easy gain, pleasure, or belonging. The crucial phrase "consent thou not" places the onus squarely on the individual's will. Wisdom is not merely theoretical knowledge but requires a determined act of refusal. This foundational verse teaches the critical importance of discernment and moral fortitude, recognizing that bad company is a primary conduit through which the snares of wickedness ensnare.