My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Proverbs 1:10
Explanation:
The speaker here continues to be Solomon. In the two previous verses, Proverbs 1:8-9, He began speaking to his son about hearing and not forgetting the instruction and law of his parents. Here in verse 10 he gives very practical instruction to his son. “if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Sinners do not always sin alone. Often when we sin we want others involved. It makes us feel less guilty when we are not the only one. This can be a difficult temptation for any human being, but can be especially tempting for the young. We want to be accepted. We want to have friends. The young often do not want to go against the flow.
Solomon is warning his son of something that is to come. He’s getting ahead of the temptation. You are going to be invited to sin. Do not give in. This is wise. If the decision is made at the time of the temptation and not before, the right decision becomes more difficult to make.
Application:
In the New Testament, Paul makes the case that God the Father wants to help us in time of temptation.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1Corinthians 10:13
Jesus, our Savior and God’s Son, was also tempted. He defeated temptation with the Word of God. He knows what we are going through, and wants to help us in the moment of temptation.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all p points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
The Holy Spirit indwells the believer to help them at the moment of temptation.
(16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh… (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16, 22-25
Response:
- What can you do to walk in the Spirit today so that you are ready for temptation when it comes?
- If someone entices you today, don’t give in! Decide now to do the right thing with God’s help.
Study the Scriptures with Ben Jennings 