Proverbs / Question
Proverbs 1:10–19 warns that the invitation to violence and quick gain is a trap. The passage says their path is “greedy for gain” and that it “takes away the life of its owners.” It portrays their plan as ultimately turning back on them.
In Proverbs 1:10–14, a father warns his “son” not to agree when “sinners” try to recruit him. Their invitation is framed as group loyalty and easy profit: they propose ambushing people who have done them no wrong, taking their goods, and sharing the gains. These verses sit early in Proverbs’ opening instructions, where a parent-like teacher addresses a young learner (“my son”) and aims to shape choices before habits form.
These verses present a realistic recruitment speech: a young person is pressured by a group to join wrongdoing.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Proverbs 1:10-19, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
10My son, if sinners entice you, don`t consent.
11If they say, "Come with us, Let`s lay in wait for blood; Let`s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
12Let`s swallow them up alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down into the pit.
13We`ll find all valuable wealth. We`ll fill our houses with spoil.
14You shall cast your lot among us. We`ll all have one purse."
15My son, don`t walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path,
16For their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.
17For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:
18These lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain. It takes away the life of its owners.