Provérbios 7

Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin

Provérbios 7

Spurgeon note) 10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. ( Spurgeon note) 11 Your word I have treasured (tsaphan) in my heart, that I may not sin against You ( Spurgeon note). (Ps 119:9, 10, 11) I like what John

Provérbios 7

Provérbios 7:1-27

Spurgeon writes that "One danger of secret sin is that a person cannot commit it without its being eventually betrayed into a public sin (see above - Nu 32:23). If a person commits one sin, it is like the melting of the lower glacier on the Alps, the others must follow in time (cp Pr 5:22, Jn 8:34). As certainly as you heap one stone on the landmark today, the next day you will cast another, until the heap, stone by stone, becomes an actual pyramid. See the coral insect at work, you cannot guess where it will create its pile. It will not build its rock as high as you please; it will not stop until an island is created. Sin cannot be held in with bit and bridle; it must be mortified. Bridges - Her husband is not named, as that might have awakened the youth’s conscience. “My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.” Meanwhile, they take their fill of love without fear of interruption. Unarmed with principle, the weakness of resolution yields to the seduction of lust, and her unsuspecting prey rushes on to ruin. Trace this sad end to its source. Was not idleness the parent of this mischief? The loitering evening walk, the late hour, the vacant mind all bring the youth into contact with evil company. Was this not courting sin and tempting the tempter? How valuable self-discipline, self-control, constant employment, and vigorous activities are in keeping us from danger and preserving us under God’s blessing. See also the base varnish of religion. It is often used as a cover for sin (1Sa 2:22; 2Sa 15:8-11; John 18:28). “She dared not play the harlot with man until she had played the hypocrite with God and stopped the mouth of her conscience with her fellowship offerings” (Gurnall). It is a well-known fact that the favorite mistress of Louis XIV was so rigid in her religious duties that her bread was weighed during Lent, in case she should break the austerity of fasting. The adulteress in the Book of Proverbs is pictured as if she was reaping the reward for her religious observances. Beware of any voice, even if it comes from the most revered quarter, that manifestly encourages forbidden indulgence. Observe also the infatuation of the snare. “Man cannot be ruined till he has been made confident to the contrary. A man must get into his victim’s heart with fair speeches and promises before he can come at it with a dagger” (South). Thus the adulteress’s flattering speech chained the young blindfolded for destruction. As the ox goes to the slaughter, unconscious of his fate, perhaps dreaming of rich pasture, or as a fool goes to the stock, careless and unfeeling, so does this poor deluded victim rush on with pitiable mirth or indifference till an arrow pierces his liver (Pr 7:23). He is like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life (Pr 7:23). What will recollection bring but the fragrance of exciting perfume (Pr 7:16-17), changed into the bitterness of wormwood and gall? The short night of pleasure is succeeded by the eternal night of infernal torment. A cup of pleasure is replaced by an ocean of wrath (Pr 7:27). Lastly, note the danger of venturing into temptation. Could we expect any other results when we saw the youth going toward her house? He intended merely his own idle gratification, and when he yielded, it was probably not without some struggle. But it is a just judgment that those who do not fear temptation fall. “Who would avoid danger must avoid temptation to sin. Who would avoid sin must avoid temptation to sin” (Geier). Self-confidence has ruined many a promising profession. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) Proverbs 7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him, At the full moon he will come home 2Chronicles 2:4 She assures him that nobody will find out about it (except that somebody is watching, Pr 7:6) and that her husband won’t be home for many days. They have plenty of time to enjoy themselves. Full moon - This is somewhat enigmatic but most likely (from the context) is that she means to assure him that her husband's return is some days off. Proverbs 7:21 With her many persuasions she entices him. With her flattering lips she seduces him. Pr 7:5; 5:3; Jdg 16:15, 16, 17; Ps 12:2 1Sa 28:23; 2Ki 4:8; Lk 14:23; 24:29; Acts 16:15; 2Co 5:14 Many persuasions...entices...flattering lips...seduces - Once again note the abundance of and attractive power of her words. Persuasions (03948)(leqah/leqach - word study) comes from a root verb which means to take, seize. The idea is of grasping with the mind. Leqach is used 9 times in the OT - Deut 32:2; Job 11:4; Pr. 1:5; 4:2; 7:21; 9:9; 16:21, 23; Is 29:24 - here are uses in Proverbs... (Prov 1:5) A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, (Prov 4:2) For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction. (Prov 7:21) With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him. (Prov 9:9) Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. (Prov 16:21) The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Prov 16:23) The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips. Entices (05186)(natah) is from a root word which means to extend or stretch outward or toward something or someone. Moses stretched out his hand over the water (Ex 7:19). Figuratively as used in this verse it has the sense of inclining one’s ear, heart and mind in a certain direction, in this context to commit adultery. Natah was a verb Solomon should have been quite familiar with as it relates to the enticing effects of strange women because it is used repeatedly in the description in first Kings... Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away (natah) your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. (1Ki 11:2, other uses of natah = "turned away" in 1Ki 11:3, 4, 9!) David used natah in prayer to God... Ps 17:6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline (natah) your ear to me; hear my words. (cp Ps 27:9 "turn not", Ps 31:2, 40:1, 71:2, 86:1, 88:2, 102:2, 116:2) Seduces (05080)(nadach/nadah) means to banish, drive away and in the present verse the idea is that of being drawn away, lured or led astray to sinful behavior (cp "drawn away", "entices" Dt 4:19, 30:17, 13:6). Proverbs 7:22 Suddenly he follows * her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool, Job 13:27; Je 20:2; Acts 16:24) Sometimes temptation comes with urgency, with a “hurry up and do it now” mentality. When something has to be done right away, it is rarely a good thing. Solomon reminds us later of a similar picture "Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit. (Pr 25:28) As an ox - See note on the value of observing and accurately interpreting terms of comparison = metaphors and similes. See also Guidelines for Figuring our Figurative Language Dr. Grey, making a slight alteration in the text, renders, "as a dog to the chain, and as a deer, till a dart strike through his liver;" and Dr. Hunt, "Or as a hart boundeth into the toils, till a dart strike through his liver." The LXX., Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, concur in this interpretation. The circumstance of the dart, as applied to the deer, is beautiful and proper, which otherwise we are at a loss to dispose of; and this creature, of all others, was the most proper to be noticed on this occasion; for the usual representation which the Egyptians made of a man overthrown by flattery and fair speeches was the picture of a heart captivated and ensnared by the sound of music. Proverbs 7:23 Until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life. Arrow - Nu 25:8,9 Bird - Pr 1:17; Eccl 9:12 As a bird - See note on the value of observing and accurately interpreting terms of comparison = metaphors and similes. See also Guidelines for Figuring our Figurative Language ILLUSTRATION - Sin has a price tag attached (Ro 6:23). Here's an illustration - A Golfer walks into the pro shop at the local course and asks the golf pro if they sell ball markers. The golf pro says, “Yes, they are just $1.00 each. “ The guy gives the golf pro a dollar and says he’ll take one... The golf pro opens the register, puts the dollar in the tray and with a big smile hands the guy a quarter. That’s the way it is with sin – you get back far less than you put into it. Jill Briscoe sums it up observing that "The world is littered with the debris of what eros has promised but been unable to provide. Charles Bridges unabbreviated comments on Proverb 7:6-23 - 6. For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, 7. And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, 8. Passing through the street near her corner: and he went the way to her house, 9. In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: 10. And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12. Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) 13. So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, 14. I have peace-offerings with me: this day have I vowed my vows. 15. Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 16. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. 19. For the good man is not at home, he is gone a long journey: 20. He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. 21. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23. Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. Solomon paints the deadly snare of the strange woman with a master’s hand, with exquisite fidelity of coloring. A young man without understanding, (Pr 1:4, 22, 13:16) in company with youths as simple as himself, taking in the dark of evening the way to the harlot’s house. She meets him—her attire (Ge 38:14, 15.); her subtilty (Pr 23:27, Eccl. 7:26, Jdg. 16:4–20); her loud and stubborn voice (Pr 9:13); her feet at this late hour not abiding in her house;(Comp. 1 Tim 5:13, Titus 2:5) lying in wait at every corner of the street; (Pr. 9:14, 15, 23:28. Dr. Richardson mentions seeing ‘these wretched women in a large commercial town in Egypt, in the harlot’s attire, sitting at the doors of their houses, and calling on the passengers as they went by, in the same manner as we read in the Book of Proverbs.’—Travels, Vol. i. p. 270.) her impudent face and conduct—all shew the harlot’s forehead (Ge 39:7, 12, Jer. 3:3). She allures her victim with the garb of sanctity. She had just been engaged in special religious duties. Now she was come forth to seek diligently her lover, that they might feast together upon her peace-offerings (See Holden. Comp. Lev. 7:16, 19:6, Deut. 12:6. Scott takes the same view—adding—‘that it is no wonder, that these sacred ordinances should have given occasion to carnal indulgence, when our Christian festivals Christmas especially)and abused for similar profanations.’), and solace themselves with love, with every indulgence. The goodman (perhaps the name of husband might have awakened conscience) is gone a long journey till the time appointed. Meanwhile therefore we may take our fill of loves without fear of interruption. Unarmed with principles, the weakness of resolution yields to the seduction of lust; and her unsuspecting prey rushes on to ruin. Trace this sad end to its beginning. Was not idleness the parent of this mischief? (2 Sam. 11:2) The loitering evening walk—the unseasonable hour (Judges 19:25, Job 24:15, Rom. 13:12, 13.)—the vacant mind—all bringing the youth into contact with evil company (Pr 13:20, 1 Cor. 15:33)—was not this courting sin—tempting the tempter? “The house was empty,” and therefore ready for his reception, and soon altogether in his possession. (Matt. 12:44, 45.) How valuable are self-discipline, self-control, constant employment, active energy of pursuit, as preservatives under the Divine blessing from fearful danger! See also the base varnish of religion. It is often a cover for sin (1 Sam. 2:22, 2 Sam. 15:8–11, John 18:28.). ‘She durst not play the harlot with man, till she had played the hypocrite with God, and stopped the mouth of her conscience with her peace-offerings.’ Nay—she seems to have emboldened herself in her wickedness, as if her meeting was a happy providence, the reward of her religious services.(Pr 7:14, 15, 1 Sam. 23:7, Zech. 11:5). Beware of any voice—from the most reverend quarter, that manifestly encourages forbidden indulgence. Observe also the infatuation of the snare. ‘Man cannot be ruined, till he has been made confident to the contrary. (READ THAT AGAIN!!!) A man must get into his victim’s heart with fair speeches and promises, before he can come at it with a dagger.’ Thus the harlot’s flattering speech chained the youth blindfolded for destruction. As the ox goeth to the slaughter, unconscious of his fate—perhaps dreaming of rich pasture: or as a fool goeth to the stocks, (Ecc. 7:26, Judges 16:15) careless and unfeeling; so does this poor deluded victim rush on with pitiable mirth or indifference, till the dart strikes through his liver.(Ecc. 7:26, Judges 16:15) He hasteth as a bird to the snare,(Ecc. 9:12) thinking only of the bait, and he knoweth not that it is for his life. (Pr 9:18) What will recollection bring, but the fragrance of exciting perfume, (Pr 7:16, 17) changed into the bitterness of wormwood and gall; the short night of pleasure succeeded by the eternal night of infernal torment! Lastly—mark the danger of venturing into temptation. Could we expect any other results, when we saw the youth going the way to the harlot’s house? (Pr 4:15; 5:8, Judges 16:15) He intended merely his own idle gratification; and when he yielded, it was probably not without some struggle. But it is a just judgment, that those who fear not temptation, should fall into it. ‘Who would avoid danger, must avoid temptation to sin. Who would avoid sin, must avoid temptation to sin.’ The force, to which the youth’s own folly subjected him, he could not plead as an excuse. When the first bounds of modesty are broken through, the door of the fancy is open to the tempter for the kindling of lusts. Thus to rush into the very jaws of ruin, is to “enter into temptation,” by our own will, instead of being led or falling into it, under the providential discipline and dispensation of God. (Matt. 25:41, with Mt 4:1, James 1:2) Self-confidence has ruined many a promising profession. Tenderness of confidence, sensibility of weakness, dependence on Divine strength and promise (ED: The enabling power of the Holy Spirit - Ro 8:13+, Gal 5:16-18+)—this is the frame, in which “he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” (1 John 5:18) Proverbs 7:24 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth. Pr 4:1; 5:7; 8:32,33; 1Co 4:14,15; Gal 4:19; 1Jn 2:1 Bridges - In the hand of a licentious poet or painter this picture might contaminate the unsanctified imagination. But as it stands on the page of inspiration, it is God’s solemn warning to sons, whether in years, understanding, or experience. Now then, now that you have seen the end of sin (Pr 7:22-23), listen to me. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) (See his full comment below) Listen - I like the ring of the old King James = "Hearken". Not a suggestion but an command (imperative). This is a "life and death" issue. Hearing is vital. In warfare if we mishear or misinterpret or fail to obey the commander, we may pay for it with our live. In spiritual battle for our souls (1Pe 2:11-note), the outcome is no different and even potentially worse (cp Mt 10:28). Therefore Lord, give all of us as your men, whether we be young and old, open hears and obedient hearts to hear the clarion call and command from the Captain of the hosts (Joshua 5:14,15), our Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Pay attention (also a command) (qashab) describes the activity of hearing, and emphasize either paying close attention or obeying (heeding). (In other words, Proverbs 5-7 do not just go "in one ear and out the other"!). The first use of qashab is instructive... And Samuel said (to disobedient King Saul), "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed (qashab) than the fat of rams. (1Sa 15:22) Comment: Saul did not obey and it cost him everything - including his kingdom and eventually his life! Proverbs 7:25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths. Pr 4:14,15; 5:8; 6:25; 23:31, 32, 33; Mt 5:28 Pr 5:23; Psalm 119:176; Isaiah 53:6 Bridges - An impure thought, an idle look, foolish company, are her ways (cf Eph 5:4, 5, 11). Dread the first step, and do not imagine that you can stop yourself when you want to. Familiarity with sin weakens our abhorrence of it. Soon you will begin to love the object of detestation. Too late you will find that you have chosen her house as your home. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) (See his full comment below) THOUGHT - Let me paraphrase Solomon's words and Bridges' comment ("do not imagine that you can stop yourself when you want to"). "Do not make even one click of that mouse on that pornographic link." Do not think you can hold back the flood of fleshly passions that a single mouse click will unleash! What you thought would be only a faucet dripping that you could easily turn off will turn out to be a spiritual tsunami you will not be able to resist! Only a fool reasons that they can "handle" the temptation. Just ONE LOOK is all it took for the fish to take the bait and be hooked and end up caught and dead. Just one look of a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22+) is all it took to bring irreparable damage to David's family (2 Sa 11:1-5). As James says "each one is tempted when he is carried away (see exelko) and enticed (see deleazo) by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-16+) Do not let your heart turn aside - Ultimately we make a choice either to turn or not to turn - that is the question - will you (I) refuse to turn aside? We see that from the beginning God gave us free will and in some way I do not completely understand (especially in the OT) even gave Cain the ability to turn aside... (Gen 4:6) Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? (Gen 4:7) “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (The only way God could have given this instruction is if Cain had also been given the ability to master it! What choice did he make? Read on...) (Gen 4:8) Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. (Gen 4:9) Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” To quote Winston Churchill in his famous speech to a boy's school in the dark days of the WWII in England "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never--in nothing, great or small, large or petty--never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. (Read and listen to his full speech) Turn aside (satah) means to go astray from certain behavior that is expected and thus is used to describe a woman who goes astray and commits adultery (Nu 5:12, 19, 20, 29). In Proverbs 4:15 satah speaks of turning away from the wicked. Here in Proverbs 7:25, satah describes one who allows their heart to turn aside to a harlot. Job 31:7 tells us that ones heart follows one's eyes so we must diligently guard what we allow into our eyes (see Ps 101:3). Samuel Chandler writes on satah that "Mr. Schultens hath shown in his commentary on Proverbs 7:25 that satah hath a much stronger and more significant meaning than that of mere turning aside; and that it is used of an unruly horse, that champs upon the bit through his fiery impatience; and when applied to a bad man, denotes one impatient of all restraint, of unbridled passions, and that is headstrong and ungovernable in the gratification of them, trampling on all the obligations of religion and virtue. Such as these are the deserved objects of the hatred of all good men, whose criminal deviations and presumptuous crimes they detest; none of which shall cleave to them; they will not harbour the love of, or inclination to them, nor habitually commit them, or encourage the practice of them. Persons of this character are too frequently about the courts of princes, but it is their honour and interest, as far as ever they can, to discountenance them. Matthew Henry rightly described the deadliness of lust when he said "Natural desires are at rest when that which is desired is obtained, but corrupt desires are insatiable. Nature is content with little, grace with less, but lust with nothing. Proverbs 7:26 For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain. Pr 6:33; Jdg 16:21; 2Sa 3:6, 7, 8,27; 12:9, 10, 11; 1Ki 11:1,2; Neh 13:26; 1Co 10:8; 2Co 12:21; 1Pe 2:11 For - Another term of explanation - what's Solomon explaining? Did he listen to his own advice? Read 1Ki 11:1-12. Bridges - Many are slain in this way. It is the Almighty’s miracle of power and grace that plucks the child of God from the brink of destruction. The Gospel presents only one remedy. The love of Christ counters the love of lust. “If impure love solicits, remember the holy love of thy Savior to thee, proved by his most shameful death. Think of him as looking into thy heart boiling over with corruption, showing thee his wounds, and moving thee to a reciprocal love of himself” (Geier). The crucifixion of the flesh by a living union with him will keep us from iniquity (Galatians 5:24). The person who walks with God in gospel freedom and Christian discipline and watchfulness is safe. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) (See his full comment below) Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. Pr 2:18,19; 5:5; 9:18; Eccl 7:26 Repeatedly Solomon warns that death stalks the adulterer, either figuratively (separation from relationships in this life, death of reputation, loss of job, etc in this life) and even physical death from a sexually transmitted disease. Bridges - But if sin is not mortified by these principles (Col 3:5+), sooner or later it will break out; if it does not result, as here, in open disgrace, it will defile the conscience and quench the Spirit and by a certain, though perhaps imperceptible, course bring the soul and body to hell (Ro 6:21; James 1:14-15), to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. (Proverbs 7 Exposition) (See his full comment below) See word study - Sheol (07585) she'ol Here is Bridges' unabbreviated comments on Pr 7:24-27 - 24. Hearken unto me now, therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 26. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. In the hand of a licentious poet, or painter, a picture like this might serve to contaminate the unsanctified imagination. But as it stands on the page of inspiration, it is God’s solemn warning to children—whether in years, understanding, or experience. Now therefore, that you have seen the end of sin (Pr 7:22, 23), hearken unto me. That you may not go astray in her paths, let not thine heart decline.(Pr 4:23, 10:8) An impure thought, a polluted fancy, an idle book, filthy conversation, foolish company, theatres or places of vain resort—these are her ways. Dread the first steps, and dream not that you can stop yourself at pleasure in her course. Familiarity with sin weakens abhorrence. Soon will you begin to love the object of detestation, and what! should you find too late, that you have chosen as your home her house, which is the way to hell, and to the chambers of death? (Pr 2:18, 9:18. The plural number (the ways, Heb.) seems to imply ‘many other ways of guilt, branching out—many other paths of ruin coinciding.’—Hervey’s Theron and Aspasio. Letter v. Schultens insists, that the present most wretched state—full of all horror and execration—is included, so that the man who hath entered the seducer’s house may be said to have entered alive into hell, and gone down to the chamber of death.—Pr 5:5) Many, not of the meaner sort, but strong men, has she cast down wounded and slain. And a miracle is it of Almighty power and grace, that plucks the child of God from the brink of destruction! Let not then the most established Christian dismiss this subject as of no personal concern to himself. Be it so—that “you are risen with Christ;” that you have “set your affections on things above;” that “your life is hid with Christ in God;” that you are looking for the glorious hope of his “appearing” (Col 3:1-4+)—It is to you—in whom “fleshly lusts are yet warring against the soul,” (1 Pe 2:11+)—that the exhortation is given—mortify therefore your members that are upon the earth—even the worst members of the old man—fornication, uncleanness, evil concupiscence. (Col. 3:1–5+. A similar exhortation is given to another flourishing Christian Church. 1 Th 4:3–5+) And who—with the picture of the wounded and slain before him, will revolt? (2 Kings. 8:13)—“Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this thing?—that he should need this warning? Look at the footsteps of the strong men who have gone in. (Samson—David—Solomon. Neh. 13:26. Vestigia terrent—Felix, quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum.) Whom do we see come out whole? ‘Behold Kings stood not before her; how then shall we stand?” (2 Kings 10:4) Nor let present steadfastness, or seclusion from temptation, blind our eyes to the liability of yielding to the vilest indulgence. The eye of God discerns a far deeper corruption than appears in the outer man—such a totality of depravation, that even the affections, designed to be the sources of our holiest delight, become the principle and occasion of the most awful departure from the ways of purity and peace. The Gospel presents the only remedy. The love of Christ is the counteracting principle to the love of lust. (ED: See Expulsive Power of a New Affection) ‘If impure love solicits, remember the holy love of thy Saviour to thee, proved by his most shameful death. Think of him, as looking into thy heart boiling over with corruption, shewing thee his wounds and exciting thee to a reciprocal love of himself.’ (Comp. 1 Cor. 6:18, 20, 2 Cor. 5:14, 15) The crucifixion of the flesh by a living union with Him “will keep us from our iniquity.” (Gal. 5:24, with Ps 18:23) “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Ro 6:2, 3) “The flesh will still lust against the spirit.” (Gal. 5:17) But the man, who walks with God in Gospel liberty, and Christian discipline and watchfulness, is safe (Ro 6:14, with 1 Cor. 9:27). But if sin be not mortified by these principles, sooner or later it will break out; if not, as here, to open disgrace,—yet so as to defile the conscience, to “quench the Spirit,” (1 Th 5:19) and by a sure, though perhaps imperceptible course, to bring soul and body to hell,—to the chambers of eternal death. (Ro 6:21, James 1:14, 15+)