Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard. I. The way of the sinner is a hard way, BECAUSE IT IS UNPROFITABLE — hard work and poor pay — the devil is a hard lord and a mean paymaster. II. It is a hard way, BECAUSE IN THE END IT IS USUALLY A FAILURE. Most men see only the present, and when summer is here one feels it must never end; but winter comes on at last. III. It is a hard way, BECAUSE OPPOSED TO ALL THE STRONGER PRINCIPLES THAT PREVAIL IN LIFE AND DESTINY. The transgressor braves the mighty current of that eternal river which has swept on its bosom every being borne down to the shoreless sea of the judgment of God. Examples: Absalom, Judas, Pharaoh. No use fighting against God. IV. It is a hard way, BECAUSE IT IS AN UNHAPPY WAY. Conscience and all the better self rebel — opposed to all one's highest associates and surroundings. V. A hard way, BECAUSE IT ENDS IN ETERNAL RUIN — no opportunity to repair the damage. A hard life here, and hereafter eternal ruin! VI. THE ONLY EASY WAY IS THE WAY OF OBEDIENCE — the life that now is and the life that is to come. Turn from your hard master and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. (C. G. Wright.) Parallel Verses KJV: Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.WEB: Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard. |
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