The Advantages of Virtue and Piety
Proverbs 3:17
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.


Two opinions the inconsiderate are apt to take upon trust.

1. A vicious life is a life of liberty, pleasure, and happy advantages.

2. A religious life is a servile and most uncomfortable state.The truth is, that besides the principal work which religion does for us in securing our future well-being in the other world, it is likewise the most effectual means to promote our present, and that not only morally,but by a natural tendency in themselves, which the duties of religion have to procure us riches, health, reputation, credit, and all those things wherein our temporal happiness is thought to consist.

1. Justice and honesty contribute very much towards all the faculties of the mind.

2. In the continuance and course of a virtuous man's affairs there is little probability of his falling into considerable disappointments or calamities — not only because guarded by the providence of God, but because honesty is in its own nature the freest from danger.

3. The religious and moral man is disposed to procure help, which never enters into the thoughts of a wicked one. Being conscious of upright intentions, he can look towards heaven, and with some assurance recommend his affairs to God's blessing and direction.

4. In all good governments the upright and honest man stands much fairer for preferment, and is much more likely to be employed in all things where fidelity is wanted.

5. The more and longer a virtuous man is known, so much the better is he loved and trusted.

6. Virtue brings peace and content of mind. Virtue befriends us in the life to come.

(Laurence Sterne.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

WEB: Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace.




Superiority of Pious Joy
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