Sincerity Tested
Matthew 19:16-22
And, behold, one came and said to him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?…


Observe the excellent method that Christ took to convince this person. Had he tried him by a precept of temperance, chastity, or just dealing, He had never sounded the bottom of his heart: for the civility of his life would have afforded a fair and satisfactory reply to all these: but when He came close to him, and touched upon his heartstring, his beloved possessions, the man quickly shows himself, and discovers the temper of his spirit more by the love of one particular endeared sin, than by his forbearance of twenty, to which he stood indifferent.

(R. South, D. D.)Every man's sincerity is not to be tried in the same way. He that should conclude a man pious, because not covetous, would bring but a short argument; for perhaps he may be lustful or ambitious, and the stream be altogether as strong and violent, though it runs in a different channel.

(R. South, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

WEB: Behold, one came to him and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"




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