Providing a Message of Hope, to the Hopeless
Providing a Message of Hope, to the Hopeless
Matthew Henry Commentary: 10-11 Verse 1 There is great hope of those that reverence their parents. There is little hope of any who will not hear those that deal faithfully with them. Verse 2 By our words we must be justified or condemned, Mt 12:37. Verse 3 He that thinks before he speaks, that suppresses evil if he have thought it, keeps his soul from a great deal both of guilt and grief. Many a one is ruined by an ungoverned tongue. Verse 4 The slothful desire the gains the diligent get, but hate the pains the diligent take; therefore they have nothing. This is especially true as to the soul. Verse 5 Where sin reigns, the man is loathsome. If his conscience were awake, he would abhor himself, and repent in dust and ashes. Verse 6 An honest desire to do right, preserves a man from fatal mistakes, better than a thousand fine-drawn distinctions. Verse 7 Some who are really poor, trade and spend as if they were rich: this is sin, and will be shame, and it will end accordingly. Some that are really rich, would be thought to be poor: in this there is want of gratitude to God, want of justice and charity to others. There are many hypocrites, empty of grace, who will not be convinced of their poverty. There are many fearing Christians, who are spiritually rich, yet think themselves poor; by their doubts, and complaints, and griefs, they make themselves poor. Verse 8 Great riches often tempt to violence against those that possess them; but the poor are free from such perils. Verse 9 The light of the righteous is as that of the sun, which may be eclipsed and clouded, but will continue: the Spirit is their Light, he gives a fulness of joy: that of the wicked is as a lamp of their own kindling, easily put out. Verse 10 All contentions, whether between private persons, families, churches, or nations, are begun and carried forward by pride. Disputes would be easily prevented or ended, if it were not for pride. Verse 11 Wealth gotten by dishonesty or vice, has a secret curse, which will speedily waste it. Verse 12 The delay of what is anxiously hoped for, is very painful to the mind; obtaining it is very pleasant. But spiritual blessings are chiefly intended. Verse 13 He that stands in awe of God, and reverences his word, shall escape destruction, and be rewarded for his godly fear. Verse 14 The rule by which the wise regulate their conduct, is a fountain yielding life and happiness. Verse 15 The way of sinners is hard upon others, and hard to the sinner himself. The service of sin is slavery; the road to hell is strewed with the thorns and thistles that followed the curse. Verse 16 It is folly to talk of things of which we know nothing, and to undertake what we are no way fit for. Verse 17 Those that are wicked, and false to Christ and to the souls of men, do mischief, and fall into mischief; but those that are faithful, find sound words healing to others and to themselves. Verse 18 He that scorns to be taught, will certainly be brought down. Verse 19 There are in man strong desires after happiness; but never let those expect any thing truly sweet to their souls, who will not be persuaded to leave their sins. Verse 20 Multitudes are brought to ruin by bad company. And all that make themselves wicked will be destroyed. Verse 21 When God pursues sinners he is sure to overtake them; and he will reward the righteous. Verse 22 The servant of God who is not anxious about riches, takes the best method of providing for his children. Verse 23 The poor, yet industrious, thrive, though in a homely manner, while those who have great riches are often brought to poverty for want of judgment. Verse 24 He acts as if he hated his child, who, by false indulgence, permits sinful habits to gather strength, which will bring sorrow here, and misery hereafter. Verse 25 It is the misery of the wicked, that even their sensual appetites are always craving. The righteous feeds on the word and ordinances, to the satisfying of his soul with the promises of the gospel, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of life.
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 13:1-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 13:1-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 13:9-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 13:12-999
Matthew Henry Commentary: 10-11 Verse 1 A woman who has no fear of God, who is wilful and wasteful, and indulges her ease, will as certainly ruin her family, as if she plucked her house down. Verse 2 Here are grace and sin in their true colours. Those that despise God|s precepts and promises, despise God and all his power and mercy. Verse 3 Pride grows from that root of bitterness which is in the heart. The root must be plucked up, or we cannot conquer this branch. The prudent words of wise men get them out of difficulties. Verse 4 There can be no advantage without something which, though of little moment, will affright the indolent. Verse 5 A conscientious witness will not dare to represent anything otherwise than according to his knowledge. Verse 6 A scorner treats Divine things with contempt. He that feels his ignorance and unworthiness will search the Scriptures in a humble spirit. Verse 7 We discover a wicked man if there is no savour of piety in his discourse. Verse 8 We are travellers, whose concern is, not to spy out wonders, but to get to their journey|s end; to understand the rules we are to walk by, also the ends we are to walk toward. The bad man cheats himself, and goes on in his mistake. Verse 9 Foolish and profane men consider sin a mere trifle, to be made light of rather than mourned over. Fools mock at the sin-offering; but those that make light of sin, make light of Christ. Verse 10 We do not know what stings of conscience, or consuming passions, torment the prosperous sinner. Nor does the world know the peace of mind a serious Christian enjoys, even in poverty and sickness. Verse 11 Sin ruins many great families; whilst righteousness often raises and strengthens even mean families. Verse 12 The ways of carelessness, of worldliness, and of sensuality, seem right to those that walk in them; but self-deceivers prove self-destroyers. See the vanity of carnal mirth. Verse 14 Of all sinners backsliders will have the most terror when they reflect on their own ways. Verse 15 Eager readiness to believe what others say, has ever proved mischievous. The whole world was thus ruined at first. The man who is spiritually wise, depends on the Saviour alone for acceptance. He is watchful against the enemies of his salvation, by taking heed to God|s word. Verse 16 Holy fear guards against every thing unholy. Verse 17 An angry man is to be pitied as well as blamed; but the revengeful is more hateful. Verse 18 Sin is the shame of sinners; but wisdom is the honour of the wise. Verse 19 Even bad men acknowledge the excellency of God|s people. Verse 20 Friendship in the world is governed by self-interest. It is good to have God our Friend; he will not desert us. Verse 21 To despise a man for his employment or appearance is a sin. Verse 22 How wisely those consult their own interest, who not only do good, but devise it! Verse 23 Labour of the head, or of the hand, will turn to some good account. But if men|s religion runs all out in talk and noise, they will come to nothing. Verse 24 The riches of men of wisdom and piety enlarge their usefulness. Verse 25 An upright man will venture the displeasure of the greatest, to bring truth to light.
Matthew Henry Commentary: 26-27 Those who fear the Lord so as to obey and serve him, have a strong ground of confidence, and will be preserved. Let us seek to this Fountain of life, that we may escape the snares of death. Verse 28 Let all that wish well to the kingdom of Christ, do what they can, that many may be added to his church. Verse 29 A mild, patient man is one that learns of Christ, who is Wisdom itself. Unbridled passion is folly made known. Verse 30 An upright, contented, and benevolent mind, tends to health. Verse 31 To oppress the poor is to reproach our Creator. Verse 32 The wicked man has his soul forced from him; he dies in his sins, under the guilt and power of them. But godly men, though they have pain and some dread of death, have the blessed hope, which God, who cannot lie, has given them. Verse 33 Wisdom possesses the heart, and thus regulates the affections and tempers. Verse 34 Piety and holiness always promote industry, sobriety, and honesty. Verse 35 The great King who reigns over heaven and earth, will reward faithful servants who honour his gospel by the proper discharge of the duties of their stations: he despises not the services of the lowest.
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 14:1-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 14:1-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 14:5-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 14:15-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Proverbs 14:20-999
Matthew Henry Commentary: 0-999 Chapter Outline A collection for the poor at Jerusalem. (1-9) Timothy and Apollos commended. (10-12) Exhortation to watchfulness in faith and love. (13-18) Christian salutations. (19-24)
Matthew Henry Commentary: 1-9 The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this world, should be rich in good works, 1Ti 6:17, 18. The diligent hand will not make rich, without the Divine blessing, Pr 10:4, 22. And what more proper to stir us up to charity to the people and children of God, than to look at all we have as his gift? Works of mercy are real fruits of true love to God, and are therefore proper services on his own day. Ministers are doing their proper business, when putting forward, or helping works of charity. The heart of a Christian minister must be towards the people among whom he has laboured long, and with success. All our purposes must be made with submission to the Divine providence, Jas 4:15. Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers| hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies| attempts.
Matthew Henry Commentary: 10-12 Timothy came to do the work of the Lord. Therefore to vex his spirit, would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise him, would be to despise Him that sent him. Those who work the work of the Lord, should be treated with tenderness and respect. Faithful ministers will not be jealous of each other. It becomes the ministers of the gospel to show concern for each other|s reputation and usefulness.
Matthew Henry Commentary: 13-18 A Christian is always in danger, therefore should ever be on the watch. He should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert or give it up. By this faith alone he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation. Christians should be careful that charity not only reigns in their hearts, but shines in their lives. There is a great difference between Christian firmness and feverish warmth and transport. The apostle gave particular directions as to some who served the cause of Christ among them. Those who serve the saints, those who desire the honour of the churches, and to remove reproaches from them, are to be thought much of, and loved. They should willingly acknowledge the worth of such, and all who laboured with or helped the apostle.
Matthew Henry Commentary: 19-24 Christianity by no means destroys civility. Religion should promote a courteous and obliging temper towards all. Those give a false idea of religion, and reproach it, who would take encouragement from it to be sour and morose. And Christian salutations are not mere empty compliments; but are real expressions of good-will to others, and commend them to the Divine grace and blessing. Every Christian family should be as a Christian church. Wherever two or three are gathered together in the name of Christ, and he is among them, there is a church. Here is a solemn warning. Many who have Christ|s name much in their mouths, have no true love to him in their hearts. None love him in truth, who do not love his laws, and keep his commandments. Many are Christians in name, who do not love Christ Jesus the Lord in sincerity. Such are separated from the people of God, and the favour of God. Those who love not the Lord Jesus Christ, must perish without remedy. Let us not rest in any religious profession where there is not the love of Christ, earnest desires for his salvation, gratitude for his mercies, and obedience to his commandments. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ has in it all that is good, for time and for eternity. To wish that our friends may have this grace with them, is wishing them the utmost good. And this we should wish all our friends and brethren in Christ. We can wish them nothing greater, and we should wish them nothing less. True Christianity makes us wish those whom we love, the blessings of both worlds; this is meant in wishing the grace of Christ to be with them. The apostle had dealt plainly with the Corinthians, and told them of their faults with just severity; but he parts in love, and with a solemn profession of his love to them for Christ|s sake. May our love be with all who are in Christ Jesus. Let us try whether all things appear worthless to us, when compared with Christ and his righteousness. Do we allow ourselves in any known sin, or in the neglect of any known duty? By such inquiries, faithfully made, we may judge of the state of our souls.
Matthew Henry Commentary: 25-27 1 Corinthians The Corinthian church contained some Jews, but more Gentiles, and the apostle had to contend with the superstition of the one, and the sinful conduct of the other. The peace of this church was disturbed by false teachers, who undermined the influence of the apostle. Two parties were the result; one contending earnestly for the Jewish ceremonies, the other indulging in excesses contrary to the gospel, to which they were especially led by the luxury and the sins which prevailed around them. This epistle was written to rebuke some disorderly conduct, of which the apostle had been apprized, and to give advice as to some points whereon his judgment was requested by the Corinthians. Thus the scope was twofold. 1. To apply suitable remedies to the disorders and abuses which prevailed among them. 2. To give satisfactory answers on all the points upon which his advice had been desired. The address, and Christian mildness, yet firmness, with which the apostle writes, and goes on from general truths directly to oppose the errors and evil conduct of the Corinthians, is very remarkable. He states the truth and the will of God, as to various matters, with great force of argument and animation of style.
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 1 Corinthians 16:1-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 1 Corinthians 16:2-999
A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For 1 Corinthians 16:5-999