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And though it be their sin and vanity that is the cause…

“And though it be their sin and vanity that is the cause [of lust], it is nevertheless your sin to be the unnecessary occasion…You must not lay a stumbling-block in their way, nor blow up the fire of their lust…You must walk among sinful persons as you would do with a candle among straw or…” quote by Richard Baxter
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“And though it be their sin and vanity that is the cause [of lust], it is nevertheless your sin to be the unnecessary occasion…You must not lay a stumbling-block in their way, nor blow up the fire of their lust…You must walk among sinful persons as you would do with a candle among straw or gunpowder; or else you may see the flame which you did not foresee, when it is too late to quench it.”

Richard Baxter

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

It warns that even if others' sin is their fault, we must not enable it; our actions can unintentionally fuel their wrongdoing.

In simple terms: Don't enable others' sin.

Key Takeaway

Avoid facilitating harmful behavior.

Themes

responsibility morality influence

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

ethical advisory

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • community building
  • teaching
  • counseling

Key Concepts

ethical duty temptation consequences

Questions to Reflect On

  • How might you recognize when you are unintentionally encouraging harmful behavior?
  • What steps can you take to protect others without being judgmental?
A Different Perspective

People may argue that individuals are fully responsible for their own sins, limiting our duty to intervene.

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