"CONSENT THOU NOT" (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 8/11/26

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.” (Proverbs 1:10-15)

Those who are given to sin will often endeavor to seduce others to join and, in the case of people like Solomon’s son, from the instruction and advice of their parents. They will try to make use of all plausible arguments to persuade people to join in vanity and lead them astray. These notorious sinners live in sin and give themselves over to work all kinds of wickedness, as sin is the constant course of their lives. They do all they can to draw the devout into their perversion as well. In these verses is an exhortation to guard oneself against falling in with bad company, which all young people are liable to be drawn into, because wickedness is always of fatal consequence. We cannot yield to the persuasions or solicitations of the lost, neither by words nor deeds. When tempted, say, "I will not!" no matter all their entreaties to the contrary.

If they encourage you to depart from the life you once lived and align with their corruption as a member of their vain, amoral congregation, to lie in wait for an innocent to waltz by to rob and murder them “just cause,” you must flee quickly; despite the “social ground” you may lose with this crowd. He has done no injury to any, yet these miscreants still plot to take his life and/or property. They say, “Let’s get this guy, and leave no evidence behind.” Covetousness underscores this wickedness, and almost all sin really, because dissatisfaction with the things you have is the foundation of sin.

Of course, Solomon is just providing an example here, but the truth that underscores the example is vital regardless. You’re likely not tempted to jump and rob a stranger just going about his day, but there are many other ways sinners can tempt us. In pursuit of making friends with the world, perhaps you are coerced to deny your faith and engage in unbecoming activities. Maybe you’re drawn toward giving in to fleshly lusts by so-called “friends;” to blaspheme your God and go against the teaching of your parents. Whatever it is, you cannot yield to it.

We cannot tread the same path as the lost, which can only lead to destruction. Solomon warns not to set even one foot on it; even if it may seem pleasant and profitable, it will end disastrously. We need to refrain from following their manner and course of life. When there is an inclination or a temptation toward it, you must withstand and return to your faith, remembering the instruction you once received.