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1994-03-01
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25410
#23-29 Solomon, in his search into the nature and reason of
things, had been miserably deluded. But he here speaks with
godly sorrow. He alone who constantly aims to please God, can
expect to escape; the careless sinner probably will fall to rise
no more. He now discovered more than ever the evil of the great
sin of which he had been guilty, the loving many strange women,
#1Ki 11:1|. A woman thoroughly upright and godly, he had not
found. How was he likely to find such a one among those he had
collected? If any of them had been well disposed, their
situation would tend to render them all nearly of the same
character. He here warns others against the sins into which he
had been betrayed. Many a godly man can with thankfulness
acknowledge that he has found a prudent, virtuous woman in the
wife of his bosom; but those men who have gone in Solomon's
track, cannot expect to find one. He traces up all the streams
of actual transgression to the fountain. It is clear that man is
corrupted and revolted, and not as he was made. It is lamentable
that man, whom God made upright, has found out so many ways to
render himself wicked and miserable. Let us bless Him for Jesus
Christ, and seek his grace, that we may be numbered with his
chosen people.
25417
* Commendations of wisdom. (1-5) To prepare for sudden evils and
death. (6-8) It shall be well with the righteous, and ill with
the wicked. (9-13) Mysteries of Providence. (14-17)
#1-5 None of the rich, the powerful, the honourable, or the
accomplished of the sons of men, are so excellent, useful, or
happy, as the wise man. Who else can interpret the words of God,
or teach aright from his truths and dispensations? What madness
must it be for weak and dependent creatures to rebel against the
Almighty! What numbers form wrong judgments, and bring misery on
themselves, in this life and that to come!
25422
#6-8 God has, in wisdom, kept away from us the knowledge of
future events, that we may be always ready for changes. We must
all die, no flight or hiding-place can save us, nor are there
any weapons of effectual resistance. Ninety thousand die every
day, upwards of sixty every minute, and one every moment. How
solemn the thought! Oh that men were wise, that they understood
these things, that they would consider their latter end! The
believer alone is prepared to meet the solemn summons.
Wickedness, by which men often escape human justice, cannot
secure from death.
25425
#9-13 Solomon observed, that many a time one man rules over
another to his hurt, and that prosperity hardens them in their
wickedness. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Vengeance comes
slowly, but it comes surely. A good man's days have some
substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are
all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Let us pray that we may
view eternal things as near, real, and all-important.
25430
#14-17 Faith alone can establish the heart in this mixed scene,
where the righteous often suffer, and the wicked prosper.
Solomon commended joy, and holy security of mind, arising from
confidence in God, because a man has no better thing under the
sun, though a good man has much better things above the sun,
than soberly and thankfully to use the things of this life
according to his rank. He would not have us try to give a reason
for what God does. But, leaving the Lord to clear up all
difficulties in his own time, we may cheerfully enjoy the
comforts, and bear up under the trials of life; while peace of
conscience and joy in the Holy Ghost will abide in us through
all outward changes, and when flesh and heart shall fail.
25434
* Good and bad men fare alike as to this world. (1-3) All men
must die, Their portion as to this life. (4-10) Disappointments
common. (11,12) Benefits of wisdom. (13-18)
#1-3 We are not to think our searching into the word or works of
God useless, because we cannot explain all difficulties. We may
learn many things good for ourselves and useful to others. But
man cannot always decide who are objects of God's special love,
or under his wrath; and God will certainly put a difference
between the precious and the vile, in the other world. The
difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward
supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit
they derive from varied trials and mercies. As far as the sons
of men are left to themselves, their hearts are full of evil;
and prosperity in sin, causes them even to set God at defiance
by daring wickedness. Though, on this side death, the righteous
and the wicked may often seem to fare alike, on the other side
there will be a vast difference between them.
25437
#4-10 The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to
that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts
the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their
condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their
Father's love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish.
Not that we may set our hearts upon the delights of sense, but
what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here
described, is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of
the Divine favour. This is the world of service, that to come is
the world of recompence. All in their stations, may find some
work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their
souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn
the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.
25444
#11,12 Men's success seldom equals their expectations. We must
use means, but not trust to them: if we succeed, we must give
God the praise; if crossed, we must submit to his will. Those
who put off the great concerns of their souls, are caught in
Satan's net, which he baits with some worldly object, for which
they reject or neglect the gospel, and go on in sin till they
suddenly fall into destruction.
25446
#13-18 A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he
could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be
against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of
wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How
forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often
content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good,
or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good
they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the
good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner
destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys
much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways.
See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if
one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.