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1994-03-02
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24462
#14-27 The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest
way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end
ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not
said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never
think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous
is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints
will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall
shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness.
The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall
into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble,
but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor
what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to
shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a
work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying
it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all
diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must
set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing
hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of
it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the
Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing
forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put
away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned
from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by
the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and
Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee
more closely for the time to come.
24476
* Exhortations to wisdom. The evils of licentiousness. (1-14)
Remedies against licentiousness, The miserable end of the
wicked. (15-23)
#1-14 Solomon cautions all young men, as his children, to
abstain from fleshly lusts. Some, by the adulterous woman, here
understand idolatry, false doctrine, which tends to lead astray
men's minds and manners; but the direct view is to warn against
seventh-commandment sins. Often these have been, and still are,
Satan's method of drawing men from the worship of God into false
religion. Consider how fatal the consequences; how bitter the
fruit! Take it any way, it wounds. It leads to the torments of
hell. The direct tendency of this sin is to the destruction of
body and soul. We must carefully avoid every thing which may be
a step towards it. Those who would be kept from harm, must keep
out of harm's way. If we thrust ourselves into temptation we
mock God when we pray, Lead us not into temptation. How many
mischiefs attend this sin! It blasts the reputation; it wastes
time; it ruins the estate; it is destructive to health; it will
fill the mind with horror. Though thou art merry now, yet sooner
or later it will bring sorrow. The convinced sinner reproaches
himself, and makes no excuse for his folly. By the frequent acts
of sin, the habits of it become rooted and confirmed. By a
miracle of mercy true repentance may prevent the dreadful
consequences of such sins; but this is not often; far more die
as they have lived. What can express the case of the self-ruined
sinner in the eternal world, enduring the remorse of his
conscience!
24490
#15-23 Lawful marriage is a means God has appointed to keep from
these destructive vices. But we are not properly united, except
as we attend to God's word, seeking his direction and blessing,
and acting with affection. Ever remember, that though secret
sins may escape the eyes of our fellow-creatures, yet a man's
ways are before the eyes of the Lord, who not only sees, but
ponders all his goings. Those who are so foolish as to choose
the way of sin, are justly left of God to themselves, to go on
in the way to destruction.
24499
* Cautions against rash suretiship. (1-5) A rebuke to
slothfulness. (6-11) Seven things hateful to God. (12-19)
Exhortations to walk according to God's commandments. (20-35)
#1-5 If we live as directed by the word of God, we shall find it
profitable even in this present world. We are stewards of our
worldly substance, and have to answer to the Lord for our
disposal of it; to waste it in rash schemes, or such plans as
may entangle us in difficulties and temptations, is wrong. A man
ought never to be surety for more than he is able and willing to
pay, and can afford to pay, without wronging his family; he
ought to look upon every sum he is engaged for, as his own debt.
If we must take all this care to get our debts to men forgiven,
much more to obtain forgiveness with God. Humble thyself to him,
make sure of Christ as thy Friend, to plead for thee; pray
earnestly that thy sins may be pardoned, and that thou mayest be
kept from going down to the pit.