Homilist Proverbs 21:21 He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.… Religion is here presented in two aspects. I. As a PURSUIT. Really to do what the text expresses implies — 1. A true estimate of the objects to be pursued. "Righteousness and mercy." These are the two cardinal elements of moral excellence in all worlds, are essential to the well-being of all moral intelligences. To pursue them you must be impressed with their transcendent worth. Thus Moses chose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God," etc. 2. Resolute perseverance. The pursuit of these cardinal blessings involves great difficulties. The world, the flesh, and the devil all obstruct the way. II. As a REALISATION. He that thus successfully pursues "findeth life, righteousness, and honour." Religion is its own reward. The good man is blessed in his deed. 1. The reward is a natural effect of the conduct. Holiness and happiness are inseparably united. 2. The reward agrees with the conduct. It grows out of it. "Life, righteousness, and honour" — these grow out of "righteousness and mercy": the fruit is of the same kind as the seed. Man's heavenly joys will not be grapes gathered from thorns but from the vine-tree of goodness, the True Vine. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.WEB: He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor. |
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