Proverbs 1:10-19 My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.… I. A DANGER IMPLIED It is the nature of sin to be aggressive. Wherever it obtains an entrance it will, if not destroyed, ultimately become the master. It cannot exist without seeking to push itself forward to some new conquest. There was never one transgressor yet who did not try to make another like himself. There is on earth what may be called a huge propaganda of evil. Self-security only makes more easy victims. II. A METHOD EXPOSED. The word "entice" implies that they do not ask you plainly and directly to commit sin as sin, but rather set before you some real or imaginary pleasure which you can get only by a commission of that which is sin. They dexterously conceal the fact that it is sin. They bait their hook. The sin is to be committed as a means to an end, and the mind is so occupied by the end that the guilt of the means is overlooked. Then it is well to know the enticements which are commonly employed to delude and allure the unwary. 1. One common enticement is the increase of knowledge. The assertion is made that they will "see life." 2. Another is pleasure. That may be good, but it is well to ask, "What will it cost?" It is dear if it can only be bought by the forfeiture of peace of conscience and the favour of God. 3. Another is the love of liberty. You are asked to do the doubtful or the wrong "just to assert your liberty." 4. The tempter promises that you will never be discovered. It is urged, "Nobody will ever know." Yes, God will know. III. RESISTANCE. ENFORCED. "Consent thou not." Give a plain, downright, emphatic refusal. The right use of the word "No" at the critical turning-points of life will save a man from destruction. There are two excellent maxims as regards our moral actions — 1. Always force yourselves to come to a positive decision in all matters of conduct. 2. Never allow yourselves to deliberate on a matter in reference to which conscience is clear. IV. A MOTIVE SUGGESTED. In this resistance which has been urged. The text is a parental appeal, and brings to bear upon us all the memories and associations of our earliest home. Cherish them, and they will build for you a breakwater within reach, by means of which you may safely override the fiercest storms and whirlwinds of temptation. (W. M. Taylor, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. |
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