Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Jesus won the favour of man by seeking the favour of God. It is not so important that man should be pleased with us as that God should. But man's favour is more likely to be won through seeking God's favour than in any other way. If we are always asking how those about us will look at us; if we give large weight in our thoughts to the opinion of our fellows; if we endeavour to so shape our course as to win popular approval, we are by no means sure to have what we strive for; we may fall far short of the coveted favour of man; and, moreover, may utterly lack God's approval, whether man likes or dislikes us. But if we are always asking how God will look at our course; if we give large weight in our thoughts to His opinion and His commandments; if we seek to shape our course to win His approval, we are sure to get what we most long for; and we are surer of having also the favour of man than we could be through any other course. If God is our friend, He can secure to us man's approval. The best of human friends cannot win for us God's favour. (H. C. Trumbull.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.WEB: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. |
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