Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you… For preventing or redressing covetousness, these rules following are to be observed. 1. The judgment must rightly be informed in these two points. (1) In the nature of true happiness. (2) In the vanity and deceitfulness of riches.Many learned men want this point of understanding. It is the blindness of a man's mind that maketh him place a kind of happiness in the things of this world. If therefore we shall be rightly instructed, that happiness consisteth in matters of another kind than this world affords; surely their immoderate desire of riches could not be but much modified. He that said, "There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us" (Psalm 4:6), well discerned the difference betwixt earthly and heavenly blessings. So did he who said, "Riches profit not in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivereth from death" (Proverbs 11:4). 2. The will and heart of man must follow the judgment well informed, and raise themselves up to that sphere where true happiness resteth (Colossians 3:2). This will keep the heart from doting on things below. A beast which is feeding in fresh pasture will not stray into a barren heath; much less will an understanding man that finds the sweetness of heavenly blessings dote upon earthly trash (Philippians 3:8). 3. A man's confidence must be placed on God and His providence. God's providence is an overflowing and everflowing fountain. The richest treasures of men may be exhausted; God's cannot be. Be therefore fully resolved of this, that " God will provide" (Genesis 22:8). This casting of our care on God's providence is much pressed in Scripture, as (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:25, 26), &c. By experience we see how children depend on their parents' providence; should not we much more on our heavenly Father? 4. Our appetite or desire of riches must be moderate (Proverbs 30:8; Matthew 6:11). Be content with that portion which God gives thee, and be persuaded it is best for thee (Philippians 4:11). Contentedness and covetousness are directly opposite as light and darkness. 5. We must pray against covetousness (Psalm 109:36). (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. |
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