Men Each Other's Tempters
S. Martin. Proverbs 1:10-19 My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.… There are two worlds from which temptation reaches us — the world in which we live, and the world below us. There are two classes of beings who act as tempters, devils and men. There is, however, but one class of characters; sinners alone can be tempters. We do not know how the first sin originated. I. LOOK AT THE CASE SUPPOSED. 1. It is a common case. Sinners do entice. It is in the nature of sin to make men tempters one of another. The social character of mankind seems to involve this. 2. It is a serious case. Generally speaking, the tempters are stronger than the tempted. The tendencies of our human nature are in the direction of transgression. The principles of every sin are latent in us all. Those principles may be undeveloped because they have not been appealed to; but let an appeal be made, and they will be manifest. Temptation is presented to a nature more or less susceptible. 3. It is by no means a hopeless case. There is One who can be a refuge, a strength, and a present helper. II. LOOK AT THE ADVICE GIVEN. "Consent thou not." Without consent the temptation cannot take effect, and without consent the temptation can do no real harm. If you do consent, be sure "your sin will find you out." To consent now is to expose yourself to greater danger hereafter. If you consent to enticement to-day, it will be almost an impossible thing to refuse to-morrow. (S. Martin.) Parallel Verses KJV: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. WEB: My son, if sinners entice you, don't consent.