Do Not Consent

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Today's Text: Proverbs 1:10-19

Key Verse: Proverbs 1:10 (NIV): "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent."

The Christian life is like a journey along a well-lit path, in which men and things beckon us to join them on a different, darker trail. They promise quick riches and excitement, and it doesn't normally look darker or worse. Even, often, it looks brighter and better, but we can be sure the path ahead is fraught with danger and leads to a dead end. This is the essence of the biblical admonition from today's text. It is the call to resist the temptation of sin and the influence of those who practice wrongdoing. This analogy highlights the contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness. It emphasizes how important it is for us to make deliberate choices to follow God's way and avoid the company of those who would lead us astray.

This proverb is an admonition to us sons, not a matter for all. It is a word of caution intended for you whom sinners try to entice not to consent. It is a timeless piece of wisdom that warns kingdom sons against the allure of evil companionship. It's a fatherly plea from a wise teacher to us, believers. It urges us to stand firm against peer pressure and the promise of easy gain through sinful means. The passage helps us see reason by describing the tragic end of those who choose the path of evil—they become ensnared in their own traps.

The core message for our meditation is clear: you'd be lurred, but don't agree, don't give in, and don't participate. Not giving in requires a deliberate and firm decision to refuse and adress sin as sin. Never explain it away no matter how tempting or persuasive it seems. The admonition is simple: it is from a loving father to his son, an endearing instruction coming from a deep personal relationship. Yes, an instruction, not a suggestion. A vital life guide passed down from one who has experienced life's journey to a mentee who must be guided.

The phrase "If sinners entice you" acknowledges that temptation comes whether we like it or not. It may come from internal or external sources, especially from peers who have already chosen the life of sin. They may not really ask you to join them; but they actively try to lure you with appearances, promises of pleasure, wealth, or power. They make their ways look better, faster, and promising. But there is a firm "Do not consent!" A powerful command for us to consciously, resolutely refuse to participate in evil.

Today's admonition is a call for us to learn how to say "no" and stand our ground, even when it's difficult. There are consequences of yielding to enticement, which will always lead to laying a trap for one's own self. This extends far beyond physical violence. It's easy to identify and run from those; but it applies to any form of sin, whether it's deceit, gossip, dishonesty, or pride. The temptation might seem small at first, but consenting to it sets us on a slippery slope toward ruin. Therefore, great or small, we must resist peer pressure. True strength lies in the ability to stand alone and do what is right. We must choose our company wisely and be intentional about who we associate with. And lastly, we musr seek God's wisdom. Our best life is dound in the word of God, not in quick, sinful gains.

Action Steps: Learn to immediately refuse when faced with a tempting situation. Give up hesitation or rationalization. Make firm decisions. Say "no" and walk away. Review the company you keep to ensure they help you grow in wisdom and righteousness. Quit alliances that lead you toward compromise. Pray that God will give you the courage and discernment to recognize and resist temptation. Pray for a heart that desires righteousness more than worldly gain.

Quote for the Day: "A firm 'no' to Satan's proposition is the first step toward a life of profound 'yes' to God's purpose." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help me to be strong and unwavering when faced with temptation. Give me the courage to say "no" to sin and the wisdom to choose my company carefully. Protect me from the enticement of the world and keep me on Your righteous path in—Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

___________________

Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 1:1, 1 Corinthians 15:33, and James 4:7.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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