An Exposition of the Book of Proverbs

Top Highlights

“But this Sovereign discrimination shows the real intent of the Scriptures—not to teach philosophy, but religion; not to make men of science, but men of sound godliness.” (Page iii)

“Awful is the thought—that there is not a sin, that the highest saint of God may not commit, if trusting in himself. ‘Thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear.’” (Page 7)

“Christian! Look at sloth—not as an infirmity, but as a sin, affecting the whole man; growing upon us with unperceived power; and therefore needing incessant watchfulness. Allow it no rest, no time to root itself. Resist it in all its forms—bodily, mental, spiritual: indulgence of sleep and appetite: self-pleasing, in all its subtle and plausible workings. Live by rule. Have your time strictly arranged. Be employed in early work for God. Store the mind with useful knowledge; ever reserving the first place for an industrious and prayerful study of the book of God. ‘Mortify’ this baneful lust ‘through the Divine Spirit;’¹ drawing all your motives from the death,² the life,³ the rules of Christ.⁴ This will ensure victory, and how enriching will be the spoil!” (Pages 55–56)

“Remember—we need not yield. We cannot be forced to sin¹³—else we might throw the blame upon God. The habitual resistance of the will clears us of responsibility.¹⁴ The consent of the will—even it be not carried out into action—lays the responsibility at our own door.” (Page 5)

“My son’—said the wise son of Sirach—‘if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy heart for temptation” (Page 5)