"My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them."
— Proverbs 1:10 (NIV)
To incite others to sin is to use your words to encourage, provoke, or persuade someone else to disobey God. This sin is doubly dangerous—it not only corrupts your own soul, but it causes another person to stumble. And Jesus gives a grave warning about that:
"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned…"
— Matthew 18:6 (NIV)
What Makes Inciting Sinful?
This sin involves using influence—whether through charm, pressure, manipulation, or example—to lead someone down a path of disobedience. It includes:
Encouraging friends to lie, cheat, steal, or rebel.
Pressuring someone into immorality, lust, or compromise.
Mocking righteousness or belittling holiness.
Making sin seem fun, normal, or harmless.
Leading by bad example, especially when you're trusted.
"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble… Woe to the person through whom they come!"
— Matthew 18:7 (NIV)
Inciting others to sin is partnering with Satan's agenda. It's using your voice to repeat his whisper: "Did God really say…?"
Why It Matters
God holds us accountable not only for our personal sin, but also for the influence we have on others. When you cause someone else to fall—especially a young believer or someone vulnerable—you create spiritual damage that ripples far beyond the moment.
"Do not be a stumbling block to your brother."
— Romans 14:13 (paraphrased)
Righteousness is contagious—but so is rebellion. If your words or actions tempt someone into sin, you're not leading them toward life, but away from it.
Reflection Questions
Have I ever encouraged someone to break a rule, compromise, or disobey God?
Do I pressure others to watch, say, or do things they're uncomfortable with?
Have my jokes or stories made light of sin in a way that desensitized others?
Am I a godly example, or a spiritual stumbling block?
Have I ever excused leading others astray as "just being real" or "having fun"?
Challenge: Influence Others Toward Holiness
God has given you a voice—use it to call others higher, not pull them lower. Be someone who inspires obedience, purity, and courage—not compromise. Your words matter. Your influence matters. Speak life.
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
— Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Prayer of Repentance
"Father, forgive me for the times I've led others into sin—through words, pressure, or example. I repent for using my influence for harm instead of holiness. Cleanse me, and help me become a voice of truth, not temptation. Make me bold to stand for what's right and gentle enough to lead others toward Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen."