IF SINNERS ENTICE THEE, CONSENT THOU NOT

Proverbs is a book in which the reader is instructed in how to acquire wisdom. The basis of this is the fear of God. Those who become wise are contrasted with those described as ‘simple’.

Solomon’s advice in this opening section is addressed to his son. If he obeys his father and mother he is promised understanding. The advice accepted will become like a celebratory garland on his head or a chain of honour round his neck. The importance of wise counsel is fundamental to this whole book.

Verses 10-16 deal with the first of a series of warnings. The son will be warned later of many other hazards due to his own inclinations and the seductions crossing his path to divert him into sinful habits. Here the subject is the peril of being lured by sinners into joining them in a shared project of violent crime.

These sinners have a plan, verse 11, to choose ‘soft’ targets, people who cannot hit back. Such plans are not always a matter of physical violence against old people, for example; often they are commercial conspiracies which deprive vulnerable business people of their livelihood. Here, the sinners plan what is primarily a violent attack.

In verse 12 they promise an easy and total success in their wicked assault. There will be rich pickings, v. 13. It is all so easy, and so profitable. The young man must, of course, make a financial contribution. He can hardly expect returns without an investment - ‘terms and conditions apply’. Today, the unwary are still lured into foolish financial ventures which promise short-term, rich rewards. Solomon’s advice to his son is clear: ‘consent thou not’. He should keep clear of these men, avoiding their influence and invitations.

Walking with evil men may soon lead to running with them, v. 16. An initial deliberate choice may soon become a headlong rush into evil. The rich profits promised are delayed; they demand increasingly rash and unprincipled commitments. So the unwary find themselves involved in situations which they never expected would arise. The tempters will themselves be drowned in destruction and perdition, 1 Tim. 6. 9. The advice is clear: consent not; walk not, refrain thy foot from their path.