Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, said he to you; but his heart is not with you. The body is not the man. Our bodies die. Neither are a man's words himself. Words are often used to conceal, to misrepresent, to counterfeit. Neither is it possible, universally, to discern the essence of character in action. What good man is there who has not again and again failed to do himself justice in his life? Often, on the other hand, actions are much more beautiful than the thoughts of the heart. The essence of human character is found in the heart. It is the disposition, it is the heart-state, which is the true man. This test of human character is a just one, for our life is a progress, is in the direction of the realisation of this heart-state. Action is but heart-expression. The heart-thought, or purpose, is the true man. Not only is human progress towards the realisation of this heart-state, but the separation of the man from this full expression and realisation of his inner desire is not a matter of his own choice or creation, and therefore cannot enter as an element into his character. The field open, covered by the human choice, is only this, present desire. It often happens that a man is to a certain extent kept under the power of religious truth who is in heart utterly disloyal to the Divine law. When the life differs from the heart the latter, not the former, must be regarded as the true man. Sooner or later the full coincidence between the external and internal is inevitable; the full expression of the heart is sure to come. 1. Tendency is everything in the moral world. 2. Explain the different destinies of the Christian and un-Christian life. 3. Abstain from all judgment of your fellow-men. 4. Encourage those who are true and good at heart. (S. S. Mitchell, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. |
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