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Proverbs 1:10

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¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

My son {H1121}, if sinners {H2400} entice {H6601} thee, consent {H14} thou not.

My son, if sinners entice you, don't go along with them.

My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.

My son, if sinners entice thee, Consent thou not.

Commentary

Proverbs 1:10 (KJV): "¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not."

Context

Proverbs chapter 1 serves as the introduction to the entire book, setting forth its purpose: to impart wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Addressed as a father speaking to his son, these opening verses establish the primary audience and the relational context of the teaching. Following the prologue (v. 1-7) which defines wisdom and its source, verses 8-19 present the first major warning against the enticement of sinners and the dangers of associating with those who pursue violence and wickedness for gain. Verse 10 is the direct command within this warning, urging the son to actively refuse participation in their schemes.

Key Themes

  • Resisting Temptation: The core message is a direct instruction to say "no" when faced with the allure of sin.
  • Discernment: Implied is the need to recognize who the "sinners" are and understand their destructive intentions.
  • The Danger of Bad Company: The verse highlights the influence of wicked associates and the pressure they exert.
  • Personal Responsibility: While enticed, the individual has the choice and the responsibility not to consent or yield.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "entice" (פָּתָה, pathah) can mean to persuade, deceive, or lure, suggesting a subtle drawing in rather than outright force. The word for "consent" (אׇבָה, 'abah) means to be willing, to yield, or to desire. This pairing emphasizes that the danger lies not just in the external pressure but in the internal willingness to agree and participate.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets a foundational principle repeated throughout Proverbs and the Bible. It echoes the warning in Psalm 1:1 about not walking in the counsel or standing in the way of the ungodly. The call to resist temptation is a perpetual theme; the New Testament encourages believers to resist the devil, and he will flee. The book of Proverbs itself returns to the importance of avoiding the path of the wicked and choosing the path of wisdom.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:10 remains profoundly relevant today. It speaks directly to the pressures faced by young people (and adults) to conform to sinful behavior, whether it's dishonesty, unethical practices, violence, or other forms of rebellion against God's law. The "enticement" can come through peer pressure, media influence, or the promise of easy gain. The wisdom here is simple but vital: recognize the source of the enticement and make the conscious choice not to yield. Choosing not to consent is the first step in staying on the path of righteousness and avoiding the destructive consequences that follow the way of sinners.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:11 (20 votes)

    And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

  • Proverbs 16:29 (13 votes)

    ¶ A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way [that is] not good.

  • Psalms 1:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ Blessed [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 13:20 (9 votes)

    ¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

  • Romans 16:18 (7 votes)

    For 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 13:8 (7 votes)

    Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him:

  • Proverbs 7:21 (5 votes)

    With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.