Verse 1: We know not what a day may bring forth. This does not forbid
preparing for to-morrow, but presuming upon to-morrow. We must
not put off the great work of conversion, that one thing
needful. (2). There may be occasion for us to justify ourselves,
but not to praise ourselves. (3,4). Those who have no command of
their passions, sink under the load. (5,6). Plain and faithful
rebukes are better, not only than secret hatred, but than love
which compliments in sin, to the hurt of the soul. (7). The poor
have a better relish of their enjoyments, and are often more
thankful for them, than the rich. In like manner the proud and
self-sufficient disdain the gospel; but those who hunger and
thirst after righteousness, find comfort from the meanest book
or sermon that testifies of Christ Jesus. (8). Every man has his
proper place in society, where he may be safe and comfortable.
(9,10). Depend not for relief upon a kinsman, merely for
kindred's sake; apply to those who are at hand, and will help in
need. But there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother,
and let us place entire confidence in him. (11). An affectionate
parent urges his son to prudent conduct that should gladden his
heart. The good conduct of Christians is the best answer to all
who find fault with the gospel. (12). Where there is temptation,
if we thrust ourselves into it, there will be sin, and
punishment will follow. (13). An honest man may be made a
beggar, but he is not honest that makes himself one. (14). It is
folly to be fond of being praised; it is a temptation to pride.
(15,16). The contentions of a neighbour may be like a sharp
shower, troublesome for a time; the contentions of a wife are
like constant rain. (17). We are cautioned to take heed whom we
converse with. And directed to have in view, in conversation, to
make one another wiser and better. (18). Though a calling be
laborious and despised, yet those who keep to it, will find
there is something to be got by it. God is a Master who has
engaged to honour those who serve him faithfully. (19). One
corrupt heart is like another; so are sanctified hearts: the
former bear the same image of the earthly, the latter the same
image of the heavenly. Let us carefully watch our own hearts,
comparing them with the word of God. (20). Two things are here
said to be never satisfied, death and sin. The appetites of the
carnal mind for profit or pleasure are always desiring more.
Those whose eyes are ever toward the Lord, are satisfied in him,
and shall for ever be so. (21). Silver and gold are tried by
putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is a man tried
by praising him. (22). Some are so bad, that even severe methods
do not answer the end; what remains but that they should be
rejected? The new-creating power of God's grace alone is able to
make a change. (23-27). We ought to have some business to do in
this world, and not to live in idleness, and not to meddle with
what we do not understand. We must be diligent and take pains.
Let us do what we can, still the world cannot be secured to us,
therefore we must choose a more lasting portion; but by the
blessing of God upon our honest labours, we may expect to enjoy
as much of earthly blessings as is good for us.
