There are two chief sources of temptation which Solomon indicates in these Chapter s, and which, when we have stripped off the figure or the accidental circumstances of age and time, are not less applicable to our days than to his.
I. The first is sensuality, figured and summed up in that repeated picture of the "strange woman which flattereth with her tongue, which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God."
II. The other is that of evil companionship.
You may see in chap. ii. the two distinguished very clearly and put as the two things from which wisdom, discretion, understanding, should preserve you.
"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." The particular sins to which Solomon imagines the young man as being enticed are not at the moment sins of sensuality, but sins of violence. He is invited to join, to throw in his lot with, a band of brigands or highwaymen. The words describe the temptation to sin offered by companionship sin of lawlessness, sin of daring, sin of cruelty, and sin of injustice. There is the natural temptation to go with a multitude, to feel that we are in the stream. There are the subtle temptations, which make use in part of our better nature, to adventure, to braving risk, to standing by companions. It may be a little matter at first, a youthful freak, but it will be defended presently by falsehood; and will they have the courage to draw back then? "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but the companion of fools shall be destroyed."
E. C. Wickham, Wellington College Sermons,p. 216.
I. Look, first, at the case supposed. (1) It is a common case. Sinners doentice. It is the nature of sin to make men tempters one of another. Men do not like to sin alone. Sinfulness begets a spirit of mischief; and if a man injures himself, he desires to see somebody else injured. (2) It is a serious case. Generally speaking, the tempters are stronger than the tempted. Temptation, when it is presented, is presented to a nature more or less susceptible. To be enticed is to be in danger of yielding to the inducement and of falling into sin. This is a serious case, but (3) it is by no means a hopeless one. "Consent thou not."
II. Notice the advice given. (1) Without consent the temptation cannot take effect, and without consent the temptation can do no real harm. (2) "Consent thou not," for if you do consent, "be sure your sin will find you out."
S. Martin, Westminster Chapel Pulpit,2nd series, No. 17.
This verse, in brief compass and transparent terms, reveals the foe and the fight. It is a Father's voice. It speaketh unto us as unto children. With a kindness and wisdom altogether paternal, it warns the youth of the danger that assails him, and suggests the method of defence.
I. The danger is, "if sinners entice thee." There are enticers and enticements, the fowler and his snare. (1) The enticers of youth may be divided into two great classes: the internal and the external. The sinners that entice from within are the man's own thoughts and desires; the sinners that entice from without are fellow-men who, having gone astray themselves, are busy leading others after them. (2) Among the enticements we may name: (a) the theatre; (b) the customs of society encouraging the use of intoxicating drinks.
II. The defence prescribed is, "Consent thou not." It is a blunt, peremptory command. Your method of defence must be different from the adversary's mode of attack. His strength lies in making gradual approaches, yours in a resistance sudden, resolute, total. The means of resisting (we do not speak here of the first and best means: the word of God and prayer) are: (1) refinement of manners; (2) profitable study; (3) benevolent effort; (4) improving company.
W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven,1st series, p. 34.
References: Proverbs 1:10. Preacher's Monthly,vol. ii., p. 151, and vol. iii., p. 337; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. ix., p. 96. Proverbs 1:10-19. R. Wardlaw, Lectures on Proverbs,vol. i., p. 23; T. G. Horton, Homiletic Quarterly,vol. iv., p. 141.Proverbs 1:17. Outline Sermons to Children,p. 62.Proverbs 1:19. W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven,1st series, p. 57.