Proverbs 7:7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Now reason is the glory of man. It is a light within the soul by which he is exalted above the brutes that perish. And yet God often charges men with displaying less judgment than the mere animal creatures (Isaiah 1:3). I. THE EVIDENCES OF THIS STATE. How can we know with certainty the young who are void of understanding? 1. Those who throw off the restraints and counsels of their parents and friends. When counsel and supervision are most needed they are rejected, and who so fit to guide and counsel as the parent? 2. Those who become the companion of the foolish and wicked. No other influence will be so disastrous on our highest interests as that of evil companionship. It will insidiously undermine every good principle. 3. Those who disregard the opinions of the wise and good around them. 4. Those who neglect the institutions of religion. The atmosphere of religious ordinances is that of health and life to every virtue and grace of the soul. By neglecting Divine ordinances and services, the heart and mind run fallow. 5. Those who yield themselves up to sensual gratifications. The text refers to the ensnaring woman. "For at the window of my house I looked through my casement," etc. How fearful the result! Money, reputation, health, mind, morals, life, and the soul, all sacrificed! II. ITS EVIL RESULTS. 1. The morally evil condition of the youths themselves. Here are powers perverted — talents prostituted — sin and misery increased. 2. The pernicious influence they exert on others. Every such youth has his young friends and relations, all of whom may be corrupted by his conduct. 3. The eternal misery to which they are hastening. III. THE ONLY REMEDY. 1. Immediate and genuine repentance. Prompt consideration. 2. There must be the yielding of the heart to Christ. Christ alone can open the blind eyes, expel the foul spirit, renew the heart. 3. By the regulation of the life by the Word of God. 4. Union to, and fellowship with, God's people. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,WEB: I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding, |
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