Proverbs 1:14 “throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”
This passage is linked back to verse 10, where the writer starts by drawing our attention to enticement. The enticement is a real part of our life. We are constantly under the pressure of enticement in so many ways – not just in our own thinking but from so much media and marketing influences as well. So many voices trying to tell us what we need, what will make us happy, and what we can’t live without.
Growing up I often threw my lot in with individuals or small groups of people who seemed to be living exciting lives, and who seemed to want me to come and be part of that. Invariably as the relationships unfolded, I discovered another part of the story, and found myself very frequently [but not always] in a classic Lose/Win situation – I lose and they win. When I was about 20 years old I was in the middle of a real Lose/Win season, I had thrown my lot in with those who seemed to enjoy life as one big party. The payback was panic attacks, anxiety, poverty and loneliness. The minute I did not want to be part of the scene and live the way they were living, I was out.
At one point I had nowhere to live, and so ended up living in an abandoned house in a wealthy part of Edinburgh. I would sneak quietly up the common stairwell and climb over the barriers to get into the abandoned house, where I would sleep. I think the promise the writer of Proverbs 1:14 makes is somehow the truth about a lie. We will all share in one purse, the only thing for me, was that the purse was empty, and the abandoned lifestyle led to an abandoned house.
KNOWLEDGE
The counter-call cries instructions also, there is a counterfeit feel to the counter call. The call is to be all in, to take a blind chance, to share everything – so close to the way of life, to surrender all, to live by faith, to share a common bond and be generous with others. The word for “have” is ehyeh – I am, the self-designation of God. There is a sense of light and so close to the truth about the components of this call. You can be part of something bigger than yourself, have a great adventure, and be independent and yet share in everything. This is temptation.
UNDERSTANDING: Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live? The word for “lot” in Hebrew is “goral”, and is used 77 times in the Old Testament. It is translated into the English words, lot; allotment; territory; and. choice [Ezek 24;6] ESV. The call is to blindly jump in and give everything to their way of life and share everything with them. The return on this investment, according to verse 26, is that you will have your fill of calamity and terror. Yikes – look before you leap!
WISDOM: What activities, people, or opportunities can get under your guard and cause you to consider stepping onto a path of promise that leads to a great sense of purpose and provision, that sets you up as your own boss, but consistently and constantly takes you away from wholeheartedly pursuing holiness? (See Gen 1:29 – Behold I have given you….)
STRENGTH THOUGHT: Positivity is a beautiful Relationship Strength – you help others see past the challenges to be creative and to be courageous. You help others catch a glimpse of the possible, of the unexpected yet achievable. Although others may seem to be surrounded by all the things that are going wrong – you bring the vision of what is going right and build from there. Allowing others to state clearly where they are and what they see in front of them will create a platform for positivity.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version: [dive in blindly with the party crowd and see how you will get to share in all they have]
PRAYER: Father thank you for today. Please help me to have really great understanding, and to apply that well in the decisions I make in direction and companions. Thank you.
So important to let others share their thoughts first – even their frustrations.
We are in this world but we are not part of the world. With God we know He has separated us from the temptations of this world that we are to be light when we front situations like this.
Jesus was tempted but He knew who He was and what His Fathers will was and His purpose. The enemy will test us the same way offering benefits that may be look good in this world or time or when we needed the most and even look like it is from God but discernment and knowing who we are in Christ knowing scriptures like this one and that gives light and let us understand the enemies plans.
Thanks God we got Jesus we got His example and His strength in us and He has taken us though experiences that had help us to grow and understand the gifts and the future He has for us.
Thank you for this word in Jesus name.
Amen
Pastor Allan, thank you for this message and prayer. I learn today that throwing in our lot with “them” brings short term gain, then, misery and despair. Instead, we need to listen, reject their offers and steer them towards positive change and God’s wisdom.
Your daily message is teaching me how to bring changes in myself, one step at a time, and be a source of strength to others.
Thank you.
Allan
Your opening reflection on your past made me think a lot about my and who I threw in my lot with. I reflected on my friendships my leaders in work and church through my life. I can sit here this morning and think about my current situation in life reflecting on friends , family my work and feel that with the benefit of being open to godly wisdom I’m now more enticed by things of God than things of the world.
As I was reading I thought about the opposite… The disciples were called by Jesus and threw it all in. If I think about Christ and being all in for Him…the joy, the peace, the security and more then false appeal of the foolish pales in comparison.
“All that glitters is not gold”
The attractive and tempting external appearance is not a reliable indication of its true nature.
Very often in life we get drawn into situations and products that are misleading.
Therefore it is wise to be cautious to always seek God’s will,to have discernment to stay the path God has for you ,and
Not give into temptation !
“Let’s all have one purse”
So easy to go with the flow. To be socially accepted or for belonging.
I have been thinking about my life after becoming a widow.
Especially to deal with assets and liabilities and how to navigate it through!
Can’t put all in one purse here;
When different factors and life style
varies.
Wisdom and right counsel is Vital.
Must hear the right voice and be willing to “not put in one purse!”
Honestly I am not sure if I make any sense here?
Verse 10 as you have well said.
Thank you so much Allan
With this scripture I see the importance of having discernment & being a free thinker all the while listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. We as humans can be easily drawn into associating with the wrong crowd out of our need to belong & be accepted. We may then find ourselves in unsavory situations which are hard to get out of. This can then affect our life choices & not set us up for a win. We may gain some immediate gain or pleasure but ultimately it may lead to heartache & regret. Hence our need for Godly people too who have our best interests at heart to speak into our lives & encourage us to flourish. So too we see the need for us to come alongside & speak life over others.
“The counter-call cries instructions also, there is a counterfeit feel to the counter call. “ Alot to get your head around in this verse.. lots of reflection. Especially your wisdom question. Thanks Allan
Great scripture to look at with a degree of sarcasm. Throw in your lot and see we will have one purse. Yep, we’ll spend it all and leave you with nothing!
Thankfully as I bring all and throw in with Jesus it’s a different story. He throws open the windows of Heaven and pours His blessing out.
“Throw in your lot among us …” there are always going to be voices and peers with appealing ideas, suggestions that may not always lead to a better end. “And we will have one purse” – best never to rush into or listen to suggestions that promise a lot which you will have little or no control over. Stay true to what God has called you to do.
I take it as, sometimes the best decision taken right now might be the wrong decision later with the temptations of the world and everything we are surrounded with such as social media platforms.
The verse that good shepherds leave the 99 to find one sheep was misinterpreted when I learned about the verse that we need to go out and rescue the lost abandoning the 99 people who are happy and healthy. Looking back that was the idea the enemy wanted me to be enticed with, not wanting me to be free from drama or toxic environment. I pray this year I will live free from guilt or shame of not being able to fix or change people because that is not in my circle of influence.
How beautifully written. I have been in lose situations most of my life but I thank God for Jesus who revealed Himself to me and saved me.
I could totally relate to this passage. Thank you pastor Allan for putting this so beautifully. It is a great reminder to always stick close to God and his people.