Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. If a girl who had been strolling in the parks or pastures before breakfast came in laden with bunches of primroses and violets, with cowslips for bracelets, with daisies for brooches, and dandelions for earrings, you would not reprove her, or consider that she had forfeited a splendid chance: what was there better than these fair blossoms? But now, if every pebble in her ramble had been a diamond, or a topaz, or an amethyst, and yet she came in with nothing but these fading blossoms, what would you say to her then? Would you not; exclaim, "Silly, stupid girl! you have missed a fortune; you have despised treasures"? And what shall we say of ourselves if we occupy ourselves with worldly vanities, or scramble on anyhow in idleness, when God has strewn our path with what should enrich us for heaven? We might have gathered wisdom, which is above riches: we might have gained God's favour; we might have adorned ourselves with virtues and graces; we might have imitated Mary in her choice; but we let the whole train glide by us without seizing on a single gem. (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. |
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