![]() These truths may be despised by the covetous and luxurious, but everlasting contempt will be the portion of such scorners, while Divine favour is shown to the humble believer. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors far be it from the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. It will be found there is little got by striving. Verses 27-35 Our business is to observe the precepts of Christ, and to copy his example to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of covetousness to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife, and bearing evils, if possible, rather than seeking redress by law. The natural life, and all that belongs to it, shall be under the protection of God's providence the spiritual life, and all its interests, under the protection of his grace, so that we shall be kept from falling into sin or trouble. Verses 21-26 Let us not suffer Christ's words to depart from us, but keep sound wisdom and discretion then shall we walk safely in his ways. ![]() He has wherewithal to make good all his promises. Christ is that Wisdom, by whom the worlds were made, and still are in being happy are those to whom he is made of God wisdom. Were it not for unbelief, remaining sinfulness, and carelessness, we should find all our ways pleasantness, and our paths peace, for his are so but we too often step aside from them, to our own hurt and grief. This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and his salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer. We must make wisdom our business we must venture all in it, and be willing to part with all for it. Verses 13-20 No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity be considered. Afflictions are so far from doing God's children any hurt, that, by the grace of God, they promote their holiness. The father corrects the son whom he loves, because he loves him, and desires that he may be wise and good. We must not faint under an affliction, be it ever so heavy and long, not be driven to despair, or use wrong means for relief. Should the Lord visit us with trials and sickness, let us not forget that the exhortation speaks to us as to children, for our good. Worldly wealth is but poor substance, yet, such as it is, we must honour God with it and those that do good with what they have, shall have more to do more good with. ![]() The prudence and sobriety which religion teaches, tend not only to the health of the soul, but to the health of the body. Verses 7-12 There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in the heart, than self-conceit of our own wisdom. It is promised, He shall direct thy paths so that thy way shall be safe and good, and happy at last. ![]() In all our ways that prove uncomfortable, and that are hedged up with thorns, we must acknowledge him with submission. In all our ways that prove pleasant, in which we gain our point, we must acknowledge God with thankfulness. Do not design any thing but what is lawful, and beg God to direct thee in every case, though it may seem quite plain. Those who know themselves, find their own understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will fail. ![]() We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee God's mercy in promising, and his truth in performing: live up to them, keep up thine interest in them, and take the comfort of them. Verses 1-6 In the way of believing obedience to God's commandments health and peace may commonly be enjoyed and though our days may not be long upon earth, we shall live for ever in heaven. (1-6) To piety, and to improve afflictions. ![]()
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