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

The Hebrew word for sinful men in this verse is “hattaim,” and it means those who “miss the mark.” The word sin is actually an archery term for missing the mark. It refers to when an archer shoots at a target and misses the bullseye—the perfect shot. Scripture tells us that we are all broken; we all have missed the mark of God’s perfection. Therefore, we should resist the temptation to see ourselves only as the potential victim in this verse and not as the one who might entice others. In a narrower sense, Solomon is warning his son to beware of those who would try to get him to follow them into sinful behavior. God wants us to heed the same advice. When those who are not following God try to get us to join them—and they will—we are to reflect on this instruction from Solomon and resist their offer. He explains in this chapter that there are those who will encourage us to hurt others—possibly physically, but definitely spiritually and even financially. The possible ways to do that are endless. The way to avoid it is, as Joseph did and as Paul instructs us—to flee. We can also simply avoid those kinds of people and walk in the company of like-minded believers. Whichever way you choose, know that Solomon’s warning is as valid—possibly even more so—today than it has ever been. Today, walk in the company of Christ-followers. #BeTheEdge

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV