Proverbs 1:10: No means NO!

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV)

Sinners: reckoned as offenders (against God)

Entice: persuade, seduce

Not: expressing a deprecation or prohibition: deny

Consent: desire, be willing 

As I read this verse, I had to think of how easy it is to be enticed. Lately a catching tune caught my ear, and as with many of the popular songs, I had NO idea what the words actually were. So, I googled the song lyrics. I was shocked. The tune enticed me to listen and although I did not understand the words, the correct and very ungodly words were filling my mind. 

I had to stop and evaluate—why I would be willing to listen to such a song? I read this quote the other day: 

"Few things are more infectious than a godly lifestyle. The people you rub shoulders with everyday need that kind of challenge. Not prudish. Not preachy. Just cracker jack clean living. Just honest to goodness, bone - deep, non-hypocritical integrity." Chuck Swindoll

What opinion of me did people have, when they heard me listening to that song—especially if they knew the lyrics! Not only, that the song does not fit the criteria for what should be entering my thoughts. 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thingsare lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Satan makes sin very pleasing and seem very good. However, the consequence of sin can be deadly. 

Do not consent—there is a strong will and desire that one does NOT consent. A pleading to withstand the enticement. Notice that sinners will entice. But in wisdom, we are warned... DO NOT DO IT! 

Don't do it. Period. No, try it to see what happens. No justification. No rationalization. Simply—Deny it. NO, means NO! 

How do I continue to withstand the enticement of sin? It begins with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when my heart is in tune with God Almighty, I will be more aware of the enticement and be able to say "no".