Proverbs 28:10 states a sad commentary on fallen man—he is not content to follow his path of sin and self-destruction without tempting others to do the same.
Proverbs 28:10 – “Whoso causeth the righteous [just; upright] to go astray [wander; err; be mislead; commit sin ignorantly] in an evil [sin; wicked] way [path; course of life], he shall fall [cast down; fall violently] himself into his own pit: but the upright [perfect; blameless] shall have good things [pleasant; favorable; prosper] in possession [inheritance; heritage].”
Solomon sets forth in verse 10 what every parent, son, and daughter would be wise to hear and heed–It is the nature of sinners to tempt, seduce and entrap the righteous and naïve’. This harsh, universal reality of life is evidenced everywhere…on the playground, in the classroom, at play, and at work. The tempter is often someone in a position of influence and authority…a teacher or professor in a school; an unfaithful pastor in a pulpit; a peer or co-worker; a county commissioner, judge, senator, or even a president who paints evil as though it was good and entices the simple to call good evil (Isaiah 5:20-21).
The wicked are content once they have seen others reap the sorrow and guilt they bear themselves. Why? I do not know the answer to that question, for the wicked do not profit from the failure of another unless it is to take some satisfaction in watching others suffer their inglorious pit of shame and despair.
Here is a warning to the wicked: The trap you lay for another man will be your destiny; dig a pit for a good man, and it will be your grave.
Psalm 7:15-16 – “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.”
To the upright man who loves the Lord, denies the flesh and obeys God’s Law, He promises the end of that man’s life is a blessed, eternal inheritance.
Proverbs 3:35 – “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”