Beware Of Evil Influence
Beware - to be on guard against, be careful, be cautious, be wary, look out, watch out, take heed, think twice.
If we see a sign that says beware falling rocks ahead, we probably aren’t going to take a leisurely walk in that area. We understand that this a place that we need to avoid because of the danger that it poses. We have the same type of warnings in the Bible concerning certain dangers to our spiritual life. The Bible warns us to beware of certain things because of the danger that’s associated with them. A failure to take heed to theses “bewares” of the Bible can lead to a lot of heartache and ultimately it can cost us our soul.
One area where the Bible teaches us to beware is in regards to influence. The actual word beware in the KJV is 1st used in Genesis 24:6 and it is used in regards to evil influence. In the context of this section of scriptures, Abraham had sent his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. He was very fearful of the influence that the Canaanite Women may have on his son and has asked his servant to find a wife for Isaac among their kindred.
In Genesis 24:6 Abraham says to him, "Beware that you do not take my son back there. Abraham was genuinely concerned that Isaac would be influenced by the wickedness of the Canaanites and his concern was certainly valid. Throughout scripture we continually see the devastating effect that the influence of pagan nations had upon God’s people. King Solomon for example got off to an excellent start. In1st Kings 3:9 Solomon ask God for an understanding heart to Judge God’s people and the ability to discern between good and evil. This pleased the Lord and Solomon ruled well for a time and Israel experienced a great period of peace. Later however Solomon found himself the victim of evil influences. 1Kings 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
1Kings 11:2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
On at least 3 separate occasions in 1st Kings Chapters 3,6 and 9 God warned Solomon of this danger. Despite these warnings and being given the knowledge to discern between good and evil Solomon fell because he ignored the sign that said beware. We must never deceive ourselves into believing that we cannot be swayed and influenced by evil company. We can and will fall if we ignore God’s warning to beware.
Jay Dixon
07/02/14