Vers. 22-29.-Right in social re7ations. I. RELATIONS TO THE POOR. (Vers. 22, 23.) 1. Robbery and oppression are a breach of the positive external law (Exod. xx. 15), mucli more of the inward and eternal law written in the heart, "Thou sbalt love thy neighbour as thyself." 2. The perversion of law nnd magisterial authority to this end is an aggravation of the offence. It makes the refuge of the poor the market for bribery. 3. Above aH, such oppression shows contempt for the authority of God. .Among his titles to the throne of the world are these-that he is Protectot· of the helpless, Father of the fatherless, Judge of widows. 'l'he judgment on Ahab and the Captivity in Babylon (1 Kings xxi. 18-24; Isa. xxxiii. 1) may be referred to as examples of retributive judgment on the spoilers of the poor. II. .AGAINST ASSOCIATION WITH PASSIONATE AND PRECIPITATE IIIEN. (Vers. 24, 28.) It is a contagious temper. How soon is the habit of hot and violent language caught np from another! It is a daugerous temper. "Never anger made good· guard for itself." It becomes more hurtful than the injury which provoked it. It is often an affected temper, compounded .)f pride and folly, and an intention to do commonly more mischief than it can bring to pass. III. AGAINST TBE RASH INCURRING OF LIABILrrIES, (Vers. 26, 27; see on eh. vi. 1-4; xi. 15; xvii. 18; xx. lG.) IV. AGADJST THE REMOVAL OF THE ·OLD LANDMARKS. (Ver. 28. See the express commands of the Law, Deut. xix. 14; :xxvii. 17; Job xxiv. 2; Hos. v. 10.) A strict respect for the rights of others is the foundation of alt social order. And connected with this is the duty of respect for the feelings for what is ancient and tiwe-bonoureil. 'fhere should be no violent change in old customs of life and thought. Necessity may compel them; caprice should never dictate them. A spirit ever restless nnd bent on innovation is a nuisance in society. 'l'he existence of a custom is a proof of its meaning and relative worth ; until it is discerned that the significance is now a false one, it should not be swept away. V. ON THE PRINCIPLES OF sucCEss. (Ver. 29.) 1. .A man must lenow Ms business in the world. This is determined partly by his talents, partly by providential circum- stances. "Know thy work" is as important a precept as "Know thyself." 2. He muat be diligent in Ms business, doing "with his might" what his band finds to do, labou1ing "with both hands earnestly" in every good cause. 3. The result will be advancement and honour. We have shining examples in Joseph, Nehemiah, Daniel. Ability and capacity are no less acquired than natural; use alone fully brings to light the talent; and to it Providence opens the suitable sphere of activity. Men may seem to be failures in this world who are not really so. He alone can judge of the fidelity of the hea.rt who is to utter at the end of the sentence, "Well done, good o.nd faithful servant I " "Many that are first will be last, and the last first."-J. OJI, llll. 1-29.] THE PROVERBS. 435
Ver. 1.-Ricltes or reputation 1 Both of these things are good in their way and in. their measure. 'fhey m11y be held together, for many wealthy men have enjoyed a good name and much "loving favour." But it is not given to all men to command both of these. A large proportion of rich men have lost their reputation for equity and humanity by the way in which they have gained their wealth. And they must necessarily be many who are compelled to take and keep their place among the poor. But if only one of these two desirable things is open to us, we may be very well satisfied that this is not the wealth, but the worthiness, not the full treasury, but the .good name and the kind regard. For- I. WEALTH IS VERY LlMlTED IN ITS CAPACITIES. It is true that it commands considerable material advantages, and that it puts it in the power of its po~sessor to enlarge bis own mind, to extend bis social circle, and to multiply bis usefulness. This, however, it only does as an instrument. It does not ensure any of these things. Men may possess it, and they may, as very many of them do, altogether neglect to avail themselves of the opportunity. It does not even dispose men to do these wise things; it is as likely as not to allure them in other and even contrary directions. '!.'he power of mere wealth, apart from the character of its owner, is very much slighter than it seems. It only really secures bodily comforts and the means of advancement. l. It does not confer even happiness, for mere jollity or transient excitement is not happiness. 2. It does not supply knowledge, much less capacity, and still less wisdom. 3. It does not provide the friendship which is worthy· of the name, for no man who respects himself will be the friend of the rich simply because he is rich. We do not love a man because be has a large account at bis bank. 4. It does not include the .possession of any estimable moral qualities, nor, therefore, the favour of God. Moreover- II. WEALTH HAS ITS SERIOUS DRAWBACKS. 1. It involves heavy burdens, great ·anxieties lest it should he lost. 2. It entails the most serious responsibility, lest its misuse or its non-use should bring down the weighty condemnation of God (Matt. xxv. 26). 3. It tempts to a dishonourable and degrading self-indulgence; also to a cynical and guilty contempt of the poor and lowly. ill. A GOOD REPUTATION It-CLUDES OR IMPLIES THE BEST THINGS, Of course, men ·may acquire a fair name and even loving favour by very superficial qualities; but if they do, it is usually but short-lived. It break:! down under the weight of bard fact ·and accumulated experience. 'l'he good name which Solomon is thinking or, and which is the only thing of the kind worth pursuing, is that which is built upon or which springs from a sound character. It therefore implies the possession of upright- ness, of purity, of truthfulness, of kindness, of reverence; and it therefore implies the possession of piety and the favour of God. IV. A GOOD REPU'l'ATION 18 A SOURCE OF TRUE AND PURE SA.TIBFACTION. 1. It satisfies oui· self-respect; for we rightly wish to enjoy the intelligent esteem of our neighbours. "\Ve are rightl.v troubled whcu we lose it; we are justified in our satisfac- tion thnt we possess it. It is a pure and lasting gratification. 2. It satisfies our affections. To have the "loving favour" of men is to have much true gladness of heart. • v. A GOOD REPUTATION IB A SOURCE OF MUCH POWER. While the bad rich man is steadily declining in his command, his humbler neighbour, who is esteemed for his wisdom and his worth, is gaining an influence for good with every passing year.-O.