Character Studies in Proverbs : Lesson #1 Consent thou not

Proverbs 1:10-19

Here we see the first direct teaching in the book of Proverbs and it is important to note that it deals with the temptation to sin, and specifically the invitation to sin from an outside source.

In verse 10 we are given a command to not consent unto sin when enticed by others. Let us note the word Consent.

Consent – Agreement of the mind to what is proposed or stated by another; accord; hence, a yielding of the mind or will to that which is proposed. [American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster 1828]

Now from this definition we see that not only should we not be a partaker of the sin that we are being enticed with but we should also not even consider it in our minds nor be in agreement with others who are doing those sins.

An excellent passage in the New Testament for this same thing is Ephesians 5:6-17

Vs 6  Note the vain words.

Vs 7  Do not be partakers with them

Vs 11  Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works

Vs 12  It is a shame to even talk about those works even if you do not partake in them

Remember 1 Corinthians 15:33 “ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Now let us look at the invitation given in verses 11-14.

• Note that the positive is given before the negative (verse 13). This is exactly what Satan did with Eve and this is what the world does is to give you the positive side without showing you the negative. Examples: Tobacco, drugs, sex, alcohol, or any other sin is glamorized by TV, magazines and Billboards every day.

• Note the negative in verse 14, “let us all have one purse”. Whether you are the getaway driver or the one who robs the bank in a court of law you are both charged with the same crime. Here is the point of no return.

Judas took the money to betray Jesus Christ and note that when he tried to give it back they said “what is that to us, see thou to that” (Matthew 27:3-10). That is exactly what will happen when you get caught and your friends do not, they will say we don’t know you, you deal with it.

In verse 16-18 we see an accurate description of these people and what happens to them in the end.

Vs 16  They run to evil and love to shed blood.

Vs 17  If one looks their net is plain to see for everyone but themselves

Vs 18  In the end it is their own blood and their own lives that are destroyed.

These things here ought to be enough to make us see how important it is to “consent thou not”.

Now when we read this passage we have a tendency to only think of thieves or murders but if who read verse 19 you will see the Bible says that so are the ways of those who are greedy of gain.

Not just murders are being warned about this will include anyone who is greedy of money.

1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Character Studies in Proverbs : Handout #1 Consent thou not

Proverbs 1:10-19

1) What does this first main teaching in the book of proverbs deal with?

2) What does it mean to consent to sin?

3) What are some passages that help us to understand why we should consent not?

4) What can we say about the invitation given by the wicked in verses 11-14?

5) What is the final out come for these types of people who try to get you to follow their ways?

6) What important thing do we see from verse 19?