Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנִ֡י
My son
H1121
בְּנִ֡י
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 6
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יְפַתּ֥וּךָ
entice
H6601
יְפַתּ֥וּךָ
entice
Strong's:
H6601
Word #:
3 of 6
to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)
Cross References
Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.Proverbs 16:29A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.Proverbs 13:20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.Deuteronomy 13:8Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:Psalms 50:18When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.
Historical Context
Written by Solomon around 950 BC, this proverb addresses the universal temptation to join in wrongdoing for material gain.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific situations or relationships in your life present the temptation to 'consent' to sinful enticements?
- How can you develop the moral courage to say 'no' when peers, colleagues, or cultural pressures entice you toward compromise?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse addresses the fundamental issue of peer pressure and moral influence. The imperative 'consent thou not' (אַל־תֹּבֵא/al-tove) is emphatic—absolutely refuse. The Hebrew verb 'abah' means to be willing, to consent, to acquiesce. The warning assumes that sinners will indeed 'entice' (יְפַתּוּךָ/yefatucha)—attempt to seduce through persuasive words and attractive promises. The verb 'pathah' means to persuade, deceive, or entice, often with connotations of seduction. Proverbs recognizes the powerful influence of companionship and the reality that wicked people actively recruit others into their sin. The parental voice ('My son') provides authoritative wisdom to counter seductive voices of peers. This verse establishes a principle developed throughout chapters 1-9: wisdom requires decisive rejection of sinful influences, regardless of how attractive or persuasive they may appear.