The Dangers to Which the Young are Exposed
John Hunter. Proverbs 1:10-19 My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.… Youth is the most interesting and important period of our moral probation for eternity. In it the young begin to be freed from that parental authority and discipline which restrain them from the practice of vice. They were then called, in some measure, to think, to judge, and to act for themselves. Then the principles early instilled into their minds are to be brought to the test of trial. I. YOUNG MEN MAY BE EXPOSED TO THE BANEFUL INFLUENCE OF BAD EXAMPLE, TO THE FORCE OF RIDICULE, AND TO THE POWER OF PERSUASION. II. THE YOUNG ARE ENTICED BY SETTING BEFORE THEM SPLENDID AND SEDUCTIVE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE RICHES AND ENJOYMENT WITH WHICH VICE IS ACCOMPANIED. III. THE YOUNG ARE ENTICED TO THE COMMISSION OF VICE BY CONCEALING ITS NATIVE DEFORMITY. Sedulously endeavouring to diminish impressions of the danger with which it is attended. IV. THE YOUNG ARE ENTICED BY MISREPRESENTATIONS OF THE DIVINE BEING AND RELATIONS. God's mercifulness is overpressed, and His justice and holiness are put out of sight. God will never let sin go unpunished. (John Hunter.) Parallel Verses KJV: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. WEB: My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.