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

PROVERBS 1:10KJV
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Proverbs 1:10 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 1:10 mean?

Proverbs 1:10 warns the reader not to agree or go along when people who do wrong try to persuade them to join in. The verse is a direct instruction to resist pressure from those who want to lead others into wrongdoing.

In this verse, the speaker is a father addressing his "son," offering practical advice for life. The situation assumes that the listener will face moments when others—called "sinners"—will try to lure them into harmful or dishonest actions. The verse sets a clear boundary: no matter how tempting the offer, the right response is to refuse.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 1:10

  • "son" (בֵּן, ben): This word shows the personal, caring tone of the advice. The speaker is not talking to a stranger, but to someone he cares about and wants to protect.
  • "sinners" (חַטָּאִים, chatta'im): This term refers to people who are known for missing the mark or acting against what is right, not just anyone who makes a mistake.
  • "entice" (פָּתָה, pathah): This word often means to persuade in a way that is seductive or misleading, suggesting that the danger is not always obvious.
  • "consent" (אָבָה, avah): This verb means to be willing or to yield, highlighting that the choice to join in is an act of agreement, not something that just happens passively.

Why Proverbs 1:10 matters

  • Proverbs 1:10 makes clear that peer pressure is not new; even in ancient times, people needed to be warned about the influence of others who do wrong.
  • The verse highlights personal responsibility, showing that saying "no" is a deliberate choice, even when others try to persuade us.
  • This warning sets the stage for the rest of Proverbs 1, where the father continues to describe the dangers of following the wrong crowd and the consequences that can follow.

Where else these words appear

“sinners” Hebrew H2400 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
  • Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
  • Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

“entice” Hebrew H6601 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 9:27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
  • 1 Kings 22:22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
  • Proverbs 16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

“consent” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 10:4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.