The Way of the Thief

Proverbs 1:10 gives one of the most generalized and greatest pieces of information any person could give another: resist sinful temptation and peer pressure. Acts 2:40 gives a similar message. In Proverbs 1:11-14 we see a very short description of someone tempting another with ill-gotten gain. Jesus gives a similar narrative in Luke 10:27-37, citing that we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and demonstrating that anyone you meet qualifies as your neighbor.

Then Proverbs 1:15-16 goes on to say that we shouldn't even associate ourselves with these people. They are dangerous, and they will as quickly turn on you for their gain as they have turned you on others. An interesting example then is used in Proverbs 1:17-18, "How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!" These men have been warned openly of the penalty for their ways, yet they continue to be snared by their desires. The net has been laid out in full view of them, and yet they run to the bait with no thought of self-restraint. "They waylay themselves!"

Finally, Proverbs 1:19 finishes saying that this is how all ill-gotten gain ends, with the loss of ones life. Now sure, many people get things by many unscrupulous ways and live to a ripe old age. The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). We cannot serve sin and have eternal life. We must steer clear of those who would tempt us into such a foolish trap, and thus cause us to lose all that is most important in life.