My sonThis phrase indicates a paternal or mentoring relationship, suggesting wisdom being passed from a father to a son. It reflects the familial structure of ancient Israelite society, where the family was the primary unit of education and moral instruction. The use of "my son" is common in wisdom literature, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of the guidance being offered. It also mirrors God's relationship with His people, portraying Him as a loving Father who desires the best for His children.
if sinners entice you
The term "sinners" refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and moral standards. In the context of ancient Israel, this could include idolaters, thieves, or those who engage in corrupt practices. The word "entice" suggests a temptation or lure, often appealing to one's desires or weaknesses. This reflects the ever-present danger of being led astray by those who reject God's ways. The Bible frequently warns against the influence of the wicked, as seen inPsalm 1:1, which advises against walking in the counsel of the ungodly.
do not yield to them
This is a clear directive to resist temptation and maintain one's integrity. The call to "not yield" implies an active decision to stand firm in one's convictions, despite external pressures. This echoes the broader biblical theme of resisting evil, as seen inJames 4:7, which encourages believers to resist the devil. The instruction aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who resisted temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), serving as a model for believers to follow. The emphasis is on personal responsibility and the strength found in adhering to God's wisdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
My SonThis phrase is often used in Proverbs to address the reader in a personal and intimate manner, suggesting a fatherly or mentoring relationship. It implies a setting of instruction and guidance.
2.
SinnersRefers to those who live in opposition to God's commandments and seek to lead others astray. In the context of Proverbs, sinners are often portrayed as those who reject wisdom and pursue wickedness.
3.
EnticementThe act of luring or tempting someone into sin or wrongdoing. This is a common theme in Proverbs, warning against the seductive nature of sin.
Teaching Points
Guard Your HeartBe vigilant in protecting your heart and mind from the influence of those who do not follow God's ways. This requires discernment and a commitment to God's truth.
Recognize the Deception of SinUnderstand that sin often appears attractive and harmless at first. Recognize the long-term consequences and the spiritual danger it poses.
Seek Godly CounselSurround yourself with wise and godly individuals who can provide support and guidance. This community can help you resist temptation and grow in faith.
Develop Spiritual DiscernmentCultivate the ability to discern right from wrong through regular study of Scripture and prayer. This will help you identify and resist enticements.
Stand Firm in FaithStrengthen your resolve to follow God's commandments, even when faced with pressure or temptation from others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:10?
2.How can we resist the enticement of sinners mentioned in Proverbs 1:10?
3.What practical steps help avoid the temptation described in Proverbs 1:10?
4.How does Proverbs 1:10 connect with 1 Corinthians 15:33 on bad company?
5.Why is it important to heed the warning in Proverbs 1:10 today?
6.How can prayer strengthen our resolve against enticement as in Proverbs 1:10?
7.How does Proverbs 1:10 address the influence of peer pressure on moral decisions?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 1:10?
9.How does Proverbs 1:10 relate to the concept of free will in Christianity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What is the Bible's perspective on gangs?
12.What is Hesychasm?
13.Should we avoid following the crowd?
14.Does God act solely for His own pleasure?What Does Proverbs 1:10 Mean
My sonThe verse opens with a warm, fatherly appeal. Solomon addresses the reader as part of his own household, reminding us that wisdom is first learned in the family.Proverbs 1:8 invites children to “hear, my son, your father’s instruction,” whileEphesians 6:1–4 affirms that parents are God-appointed teachers. This personal form points to relationship before rules: love motivates warning.
Key ideas
• We are not anonymous students; we are beloved children.
• God places parents and mentors in our lives to impart truth (Proverbs 4:1–4).
• Listening is an act of honor that leads to life (Proverbs 3:1–2).
if sinners entice youTemptation often arrives dressed as friendship. Sinners lure rather than shove; they make wrongdoing look reasonable, profitable, even fun.Proverbs 1:11-14 paints the scenario: “Come with us… we will fill our houses with plunder.”Deuteronomy 13:6-8 warns that even a close friend can invite you to rebel.Psalm 1:1 echoes the danger of standing “in the path of sinners.”
What enticement looks like
• Promising quick gain or pleasure (James 1:14-15).
• Minimizing consequences: “No one will see.”
• Appealing to belonging: “Everyone is doing it.”
• Masking rebellion as boldness or freedom (Isaiah 5:20).
do not yield to themThe command is simple and firm: refuse. Yielding is a choice; with God’s help, we can say no. Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife rather than negotiate (Genesis 39:7-12).James 4:7 urges, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”1 Corinthians 15:33 reminds, “Bad company corrupts good character,” so distance may be the wisest response.
Practicing refusal
• Decide beforehand—convictions established early prevent wavering later (Daniel 1:8).
• Walk with the wise; companionship matters (Proverbs 13:20).
• Rely on the Spirit’s power, not willpower alone (Galatians 5:16).
• Replace the offer of sin with something better—obedience brings true life (John 10:10).
summaryProverbs 1:10 is a father’s urgent counsel that blends affection with authority. Because we are loved children, we must stay alert when sinners dress rebellion in attractive colors, and we must make the conscious choice to refuse their invitation. Listening to godly voices, recognizing deceptive promises, and standing firm through the Spirit guard our hearts and keep us on the path of life.
(10)
If sinners entice thee.--A warning against taking part in brigandage, a crime to which Palestine was at all times peculiarly exposed, from the wild character of its formation, and from its neighbourhood to predatory tribes, who would invade the country whenever the weakness of the government gave them an opening. The insecurity to life and property thus occasioned would provide a tempting opportunity for the wilder spirits of the community to seek a livelihood by plunder.
Verse 10. -
My son, if sinners entice thee. (As to the form of address, see ver. 8.) It is here used because the writer is passing to a warning against bad company, and hence the term is emphatic, and intended to call especial attention to what is said. It is repeated again in ver. 15, at a further stage in this address, with the same view.
Sinners;
חַטָּאִים (
khattaim), the plural of
חַטָּא (
khatta), from the root
חָטָּא (
khata), properly "to miss the mark, to err;" cf. Greek,
ἀμαρτάνω, "to sin" (Gesenius), here equivalent to "habitual, abandoned sinners," and those especially who make robbery and bloodshed a profession. Not simply
peccantes, i.e. sinners as a generic designation of the human race, for "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (
Romans 3:23), but
peccatores (Chaldee, Syriac, Pagin., Tigur., Versions and Vulgate). "sinners,"
i.e. those who sin habitually, knowingly, wilfully, and maliciously (Gejerus), or those who give themselves up to iniquity, and persuade others to follow their example (Cartwright). In the New Testament they are styled
ἀμαρτωλοὶ. They are those of whom David speaks in strikingly parallel language in
Psalm 26:9, "Gather not my soul with sinners (
khattaim), nor my life with bloody men" (cf.
Psalm 1:1). The LXX. has
ἄνδρες ἀσεβεῖς (
i.e. ungodly, unholy men).
Entice thee; '
יְפַתּוּך (
y'phattukha); the piel form,
פִתָּה (
pitah), of the kal
פָתָּה (
patah), "to open," and hence to make accessible to persuasion, akin to the Greek
πειθεῖν, "to persuade." The noun
פְּתִי (
p'thi), is "one easily enticed or persuaded" (Gesenius). The LXX. reads
μὴπλανήσωσιν, "let them not lead thee astray." The idea is expressed in the Vulgate by
lactaverint;
i.e. "if sinners allure or deceive thee with fair words." The Syriac, Montan., Jun. et Tremell., Versions read
pellexerint, from
pellicio, "to entice."
Consent thou not. (
אַלאּתֹּבֵא,
al-toveא). The Masoretic text here has been emended by Kennicott and De Rossi, who, on the joint authority of fifty-eight manuscripts, maintain that
תֹּבֵא (
toveא) should be written
תּלֺאבֵא (
tosves). Others read
תָּבלֺא (
tavos)
, i.e. "thou shalt not go," which, though good sense, is incorrect.
אַלאּ (
al) is the adverb of negation,
i.
q.μὴ,
ne. The Hebrew
תֹּבֵא (
toves) is derived from
אָבָה (
avah). "to agree to, to be willing" (Gesenius, Delitzsch), the preformative
א being omitted, and is accurately rendered by the LXX.,
μὴ βουληθῇς, and the Vulgate,
ne acquiescas. The warning is especially brief and striking. The only answer to all enticements of evil is a decided negative (Plumptre). Compare St. Paul's advice to the Ephesians (
Ephesians 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My son,בְּנִ֡י(bə·nî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121:A sonifאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notsinnersחַ֝טָּאִ֗ים(ḥaṭ·ṭā·’îm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2400:A criminal, one accounted guiltyentice you,יְפַתּ֥וּךָ(yə·p̄at·tū·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6601:To open, be, roomy, to be, simple, deludedo notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notyield [to them].תֹּבֵֽא׃(tō·ḇê)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 14:To breathe after, to be acquiescent
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:10 My son if sinners entice you don't (Prov. Pro Pr) 
