The Pulpit Commentary — Proverbs — Section 431

IV. SocH A DEPENDENCE Ol!l' THE GREAT IS BURE TO BE DISAPPOINTING. The syco- phant succeeds in obtaining a place at the banquet. But he cannot enjoy the feast like those guests who meet the host on terms of equality. He sits in constant dread of offending the great man. Though hungry, he shrinks from eating too much. He must o.lmost put a knife to his throat to check his appetite; i.e. he must be al ways nervously on his guard against trespassing too far on the good will of his host. Surely such a condition must be miserable at the best I , V. THE ONLY SAFE DEPENDENCE IS THAT OF MAJ!l' ON Go». This is not degrading, but ennobling; for God is worthy of all trust, honour, and adoration. He never deceives those who put their confidence in him. Thero is no painful fear for those who accept bis gracious invitation to the "wedding-feast," for ho is kind and merciful. VI. AMONG MEN THE SAFEST CONDITION IS O!;E OF MANLY INDEPENDENCE. This does not mean churlish indifference and selfish isolation from all social intercourse. The text supposes a person's presence at the great man's table, while it warn~ against the danger of the situation. We want to learn to be friendly with all men, and, at the samo time, self-reliant through inward dependence on God alone. Ver. 4.-Labouring to be rich. Never was the advice of the wise man more appro- pl'iate than it is in the present day; but never were people more slow to accept it. Let us consider the grounds on which is based the warning, "Labour not to be rich." I. .IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR MOST PEOPLE TO BECOME RICH. In the lottery of life tho prizes are few and the blanks many. If the race for wealth is accelerated, the stakes are not multiplied. Or, if it be by production rather than by commerce that the riches are to be got, so that greater industry may actually create more wealth, stiU each of the multitude of the toilers can share but a fraction of the total produce. Riches only fall into the bands of a very small number of persons. Consequently, labouring to be rich often becomes just a species of gambling. It frequently partakes of the selfish, cruel character of gambling, the few fortunate persons enriching themselves at the expense of the large number of unfortunate persons. If a m1m can be content to work with his fellows and share with them, he will be saved from a multitude of anxieties that must besiege him the moment he enters the exciting race for riches. II. THE COST OF LABOURING TO BE IlI0H IS EXORBITANT. 1. In energy. The fierce battle of life tries a man who only strives to keep his ground. They who would force their way on to marked success must toil with double effort. Rising early, sitting up late, taking no holidays, working at high pressure, they must put out every effort if they·would pass equally eager competitors, 2. In time. The riches are not usually reached soon. .As a rule, it takes many years to pile up a great fortune, and ,vhen the coveted end is attained, the tired toiler is too old and weary to enjoy it. 3. ln l1igher riches. 'l'he wealth-seeker sinks into a low materialism. He becomes a mere machine for coiniug guineas, and his soul is ground to dust in the money-making mill. III. \VHEN THE PURSUIT OF BI0HEB IS SUCCESSFUL, THE ATTAINMENT IS DISAPPOINT- ING, Riches bl'ing new cares, There is an anxiety to retain what has been won at so great e. cost. 'fhey may make themselves wings, and "fly away as an eagle toward heaven" ~ver. 5). lf no fear is felt on this account, wealth itself is found to be unsatis- factory. l'he mere money-seeker has not cultivated any taste for the finer enjoyments which his wee.Ith could buy him. Ile cannot satisfy his soul with money; he bas no soul to enjoy the best thiugs in art, etc., which money can purchase, But even if he could enjoy those things, they would not satisfy; for man bas deep wants which neither money nor its purchases can evor meet. Riches are a poor ~o.lve for a breaking heart. IV. LABOURING TO BE men LEADS TO THE NEGLECT OF THE NOBLER PURSUITS OF LIFE, 1. Mind-culture. It might bo better to be more poor and to have time for reading, music, meditation. 2. Social intercourse. Buried in business, the ficrco toiler after money has no leisure or heart for cultivating the friendship of his neighbours. 3. The service of God. " Life is more than meat; " " Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Labouring to be rich too often meo.ns working for self and toiling for earth. Men sometimes make family claims an excuse for doing nothing directly in the service of Christ; when, if they were honest, they would confess that they are simply labouring to be rich. The family, which in this case is a larger self, becomes a. shield for selfishnesa. WI THE PROVERBS. [011. xxm. 1--86.