The Pulpit Commentary — Proverbs — Section 298

our f:ie1;td an<l to our own1 the result of the former. For the latter, rend tho exquisite <lescnptlons of the New 'l estameut wherever the word "long-suffering" occurs, and see the matchless beauty, and learn to covet tho possession of that character-the impress of God in human nature-and those best gifts which belong to "the more excellent way." II. IDLENESS AND HONESTY. (Ver. 19.) 'l'he way of the former beset with difficulty. Lazy people 1:&ke the most trouble,. in the affairs of the soul as in everything. The honest path 1s the only easy path m the long run. We must remember that it iB a long r~n _we have t~ pass o,er, and must make ou_r choice accordingly. Life is no mere p1cmc or excursion. For amusement of the leisure hour we may strike into a by-path, but never lose sight of the high-road of faith. Ill. PARENTAL JOY AND SORROW. (Ver. 20.) On the whole, these are one of the best indices of a man's character. A truly good parent may not understand his child as Mary misunderstood Jesus; but at the bottom of the heart, when there is filiai goodness there is parental sympathy and approval. IV. Srcrnrous JOY AND QUIET PERSISTENCE IN RIGHT, (Ver. 21.) This is a good contrast. The fool is not content with saying or doing the foolish thing; he must needs chuckle over it and make a boast of it, often gaining applause for his mero audacity. But the man of true sense is content to forego the momentary triumph, and goes on his way. Ever to forsake the way we know to be right, even in momentary hilarity, brings its after-sting. V. FAILURE AND SUCCESS IN COUNSELS. (Ver. 22.) Wild tumultuous passion causes the former; and calm deliberation, the comparison and collision of many minds brings about sound and stable policy. To lean upon one's own weak will, to act i; haste or under impulse, how seldom can a prosperous issue come of this! See how individuals rush into lawsuits, nations into war, speculators into bankruptcy,-all for want of consultation and good advice. We need the impetus of enthusiasm, not less the direction of cool prudence; if one or the other factor be omitted, disaster must ensue. VI. SEASONABLE WORDS, (Ver. 23.) We must consider not only the matter, but the manner, of our utterances. This requires" a mind at leisure from itself" to seize the happy opportunity, to refrain from introducing the jarring note, to turn the conversation when it threatens to strike on breakers. Oh, happy art! admirable and enviable in those that possess it, but cultivable by all who have the gentle heart. We cannot conceive that the conversations of Christ were ever other tha.n thus seasonable.-J. Vers. 24--33._..:Religion and common sense, What is religion without common sense? Fanaticism, extravagance, and folly. What is common sense without religion? Dry, bald, uninspired and uninspiring worldliness. What are they united? The wisdom of both worlds, the wisdom of time and of eternity. Let us look at some of their combined teachings. I. TEACHINGS OF COMMON SENSE. 1. To avoid danger and death. (Ver. 24.) This is obvious enough, but, unguided by religion, prudence may easily make mistakes. 2. To avoid unjust gains. (Ver. 27.) Every advantage must be paid for, in some coin or other. Then, "is the game worth the candle?" Will a dishonest speculation, looked at on mere commercial principles, pay 1 3. To be cautious in speech. (Ver. 28.) Speech is the one thing that many think they have a right to squander. There is no more common profligacy than that of the tongue. Yet, is there anything of which experience teaches us to be more economical than the expense of the tongue? 4. To be generous of kind looks and words. (Ver. 30.). What can cost less, or be worth, in many cases, more? "Good words," says George Herbert, "are worth much, and cost little." 5. To be a good listener. (Ver. 31.) And this implies willingness to receive rebuke. .All superior conversation in some way or other brings to light our ignorance and checks our narrowness. And just as he is not fit to govern who has not learned to serve, so only he who has long sat at the feet of the wise will be entitled himself to take his place among the wise. One of Socrates' disciples exclaimed that life indeed was to be found in listening to discourses like his. May we all feel the like in sitting at the feet of our Master, who commends those who have thus chosen the good part which shall never be taken away from them I 6. To avoid conceit and cultivate humility. (Ver. 32.) It is the over-estimate of self which makes us contemptuous in any sense towards others. But to look down as from a superior height on others is the most 011, xv. 1-33.] THE PROVERBS. 305