Mixed maxims of life-wisdom
I. HUMAN KINDNESS. (Proverbs 19:22.) There is no purer delight than in the feelings of love and the practical exercise of universal kindness. If the mere pleasure of the selfish and the benevolent life be the criterion, without question the latter has the advantage.
II. TRUTHFULNESS. (Proverbs 19:22, Proverbs 19:28.) So the honest poor outweighs the rich or successful liar in intrinsic happiness as well as in repute. The worthless witness is pest to society, an abomination to God.
III. PIETY. (Proverbs 19:23.) It is a living principle in every sense of the word—hath the promise of life in both worlds. It provides for the soul satisfaction, rest, the consciousness of present and eternal security.
IV. IDLENESS. (Proverbs 19:24.) Exposed by a vivid picture of the idle man's attitude. It reminds one of the saying concerning a certain distinguished writer's idleness, that were he walking through an orchard where the fruit brushed against his mouth, he would be too idle to open it to bite a morsel. No moral good can be ours without seeking.
V. SCOFFING FOLLY CONTRASTED WITH SIMPLICITY AND SENSE. (Proverbs 19:25, Proverbs 19:29.) He that places himself above instruction ends by bringing himself beneath contempt. Scorn for good has, like every sin, its own determined punishment. And "God strikes some that he may warn all."
VI. FILIAL IMPIETY. (Proverbs 19:26, Proverbs 19:27.) The shame and sorrow that it brings to parents is constantly insisted on as a lesson and a warning to the latter. If these bitter experiences are to be avoided, let children be timely trained to obedience, respect, and reverence for God. God's Word is the true rule and guide of life, and he who departs from it is a corrupt and seductive teacher.—J.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON