Matthew 11:7-9 And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see?… Those who have not this are reeds. They may be classified thus: — 1. The irresolute; the soul which never can be got to take a decided line. But it puts off this necessary reformation; and so, although it has got a full flowery head of good intentions, they all blow away in the wills. 2. The backsliding; sincere in its weak, watery way, desiring to do what is right, but never able to stand alone — always falling for want of a prop. 3. The frivolous; unable to form a serious purpose, or take a grave view of its responsibilities. The frivolous mind is a mind outside the person; there is only emptiness within, and the mind is occupied only with externals. It is a more mischievous reed than the preceding; the winds that blow it about are fashion, folly, pleasure. 4. The timorous; a weak little rush, harmless, not noxious. It will not undertake a duty, lest it should not have strength to carry it on. (S. Baring-Gould, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? |
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