Bridges on Proverbs 12:27
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 12:27
 
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27.  The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
 
How miserable and ruinous is the habit of sloth! It is a dead palsy, under God only to be checked by early discipline and constant resistance. Sometimes however the man makes a vigorous and successful effort. He rouses himself even to the toil of hunting. But his fit of exertion is soon over. He cannot be at the pains of preparing his prey for his repast. (Contrast Genesis 27:30, 31.) He leaves it to others, perhaps even to his dogs; and quickly relapses into his beloved habit.
Is not this a graphical picture of the slothful professor? He will take up religion under a strong excitement. He begins a new course, and perhaps makes some advances in it. But “having no root in himself,” his good frames and resolutions wither away. (Matthew 13:20, 21.) The continued exertion required (Ib. 11:12) ; the violence that must be done to his deep-rooted habits; the difficulties in his new path; the invitations to present ease; the delusive hope of better success at a future day — all these hang as a weight upon his efforts. So that, not knowing the only secret of resistance to his powerful enemy — earnest and persevering prayer; he grows slack, and with just life enough to feel himself dying, he sits down upon his little attainments; thus virtually throwing them away; content to lose heaven itself, if it is to be gained at such a cost. (Chapter 13:4; 21:25; 26:15.) What use — professor! is it to make an effort, if you do not seek the grace of perseverance? No present blessing can be enjoyed without grasping something beyond. (Philippians 3:12-14.) Godliness without energy loses its full reward. (2 John 8.) The enfeebling influence of doubts and fears often arises, not from a deep feeling of corruption, but from an indolent habit, and a want of a realized conviction of the infinite stake of the soul, calling for instant and persevering labour.
Real substance (Chapter 8:21; 15:6) is the reward of the diligent; precious, as the fruit of his toil; and increasing by his unwearied exercise. (Matthew 25:16, 28, 29.) Live then — Christian — more in thy work — “spend and be spent” in it. Thy privileges will be enlarged. Thy substance will be enriched. Thy God will be honoured. (John 15:8. Philippians 1:11.) Thy crown will be secured. (2 Peter 1:11.)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Genesis 27:30, 31
30 ¶ And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.
 
 
Matthew 13:20, 21
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. {offended: he relapseth, or, falleth into sin}
 
 
Matthew 11:12
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. {suffereth...: or, is gotten by force, and they that thrust men}
 
 
Proverbs 13:4
4 ¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
 
Proverbs 21:25
25 ¶ The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
 
Proverbs 26:15
15 ¶ The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. {it grieveth...: or, he is weary}
 
 
Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
 
 
2 John 8.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. {wrought: or, gained, some copies read, ye have gained, but that ye, etc.}
 
 
Proverbs 8:21
21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
 
Proverbs 15:6
6 ¶ In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
 
 
Matthew 25:16, 28, 29
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
 
 
John 15:8
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
 
Philippians 1:11
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
 
 
2 Peter 1:11
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.