Proverbs 1:11-15

 

Prov 1:11 (KJB)

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

 

Lay wait - Ambush

Lurk privily - hide or conceal

 

If there is one thing the criminal or evil mind believes is that they will never be found out. Here the evil people are enticing the son from verse 10 to go with them and hide in secret to ambush the innocent. It is not known what this is referring to but the main principle is clear in that the sinner will entice the believer to partake in sin and they will claim that they will never be caught because their secrecy will protect them. In ancient times, there were roads which were traveled by many to engage in commerce and unfortunately along these roads were many highwaymen who would prey upon the weary travelers. In fact, the parable of the Good Samaritan is based upon this problem where the man was attacked and left on the road. (Luke 10:30 KJV) And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. When a person chooses to rob a stranger, it is not because the victim deserves it, but the perpetrator is the one who desires to steal what the other person has so they do not have to go to work and earn money, instead they think stealing is the better way. That will only last for a season and then the inevitable happens, they get caught. John Dillinger, probably the most famous of all the bank robbers of the depression era, rose to fame quickly but his life of crime only lasted about one and a half years before he was killed by the FBI in Chicago. Any time we begin to think that crime is an easy way to live, has never really looked at the reality of a life of crime. They are forever looking over their shoulders.

 

Prov 1:12 (KJB)

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

 

Here they state that if they can overpower them and kill them, then they believe their plans will succeed. When we look at this, it can be any type of ambush such as political, physical, financial, etc. If a person can overcome another person, then they believe they might be able to take their place and enjoy the benefits. How many characters have been assassinated by enemies, especially in the arena of politics. We hear the continuous slander of politicians by others seeking their office. The principle here is that those who are assassinating others, whether physically or otherwise, are opening themselves up to the same treatment.

 

Prov 1:13 (KJB)

We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

 

Here is the desire of the deluded. If they believe that they can get away with their nefarious plans, then they really believe that they will reap the rewards of their actions and that is to fill themselves up with all kinds of worldly goods. They seek instant wealth without having to work for it. Greed and jealousy is their underlying motivation. (1 Tim 6:10 KJV) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy gives great insight into this verse in Proverbs. It is not money that is the root of evil but the love of money which is the root of all evil. Those who love money for the wrong reasons, will always find that love a snare and they will find that love has betrayed them.

 

Prov 1:14 (KJB)

Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

 

Here is one of the great snares of organized crime. They entice people to join them so their numbers will be many and their goals united. How many are snared into gangs this way only to later wind up dead in the morgue from a gunshot from a rival gang. If there is one purse or bag, this denotes that all spoils should be shared equally among all those who perform the acts of crime. Of course, history always proves this can never work because there is always someone who wants more of the share. It must be realized that just because they want a common purse, does not mean the risk of getting the spoils is any less. In fact, the less in the gang, the more for everyone else.

 

Prov 1:15 (KJB)

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

 

Walk - Go or act

Refrain - Withhold

 

Here wisdom shares its warnings that the wise one will not throw in with any type of thieves or evil workers. The wise will look at the big picture and realize that criminal activity may yield more earthly rewards but they will not be enjoyed plus the person who engages in illegal activity, is subjecting himself to the same treatment he gave others. (1 Tim 6:5-6 KJV) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. {6} But godliness with contentment is great gain. One of the great principles of Scripture is that we are to be content with what we have. (Prov 23:17 KJV) Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. God knows our every need and Christians need not envy the riches of sinners in this world because they will take nothing with them to hell. This is why wisdom tells us not to follow the froward in this world because they do not have a peaceful existence. (Isa 57:21 KJV) There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. There is never any peace among those who partake in illegal activities. Christians have the promise of God that all things we need in this world will be supplied to us according to the riches of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19 KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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