Bridges on Proverbs 23:17-18
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 23:17-18
 
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17.  Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. 18.  For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. {end: or, reward}
 
Exactly similar is David's counsel. He sets out the end, and shews how little reason we have to envy sinners, and what is the true path of duty and quietness.† He was, however, himself, for a while shaken by this temptation. And though he did not envy sinners, so as to covet their worldly prosperity; yet comparing their condition with his own ‘chastening,’ “it was too painful for the Psalmist until he went into the sanctuary of God. Then understood he their end,”† and learned to rest in the assurance — Thine expectation shall not be cut off.
What then is the safeguard proposed? Just what the Psalmist had found so effective — “being continually with his God” (Psalm 73:23) — the very spirit of the rule — Be in the fear of God all the day long. Here he gathered confidence for both worlds — “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory.” (Ib. 73:24.) With such a portion both for time and for eternity, could his heart then envy sinners? “I have set the LORD alway before me. Thou wilt shew me the path of life, the fullness of everlasting joy.” (Psalm 16:8-11.) What more could he desire? His heart, instead of envying sinners, would be drawn out in compassionate pleading for them, who have no portion but a dying world (Ib. 17:14. Luke 16:25); no expectation, but that which shall quickly be cut off. (Chapter 24:20.)
But this habitual fear of the LORD is nothing separate from common life. It gives to it a holy character. It makes all its minute details not only consistent with, but component parts of, godliness. Acts of kindliness are “done after a godly sort.” (3 John 5, 6.) Instead of one duty thrusting out another, all are “done heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto man.” (Ephesians 6:6. Colossians 3:23.) Some professors confine their religion to extraordinary occasions. But Elijah seems to have been content to await his translation in his ordinary course of work (2 Kings 2:1-12); an example that may teach us to lay the greater stress upon the daily and habitual, not the extraordinary, service. Others are satisfied with a periodical religion; as if it was rather a rapture or an occasional impulse, than a habit. But if we are to engage in morning and evening devotions, we are also to “wait upon the LORD all the day.” (Psalm 25:5.) If we are to enjoy our Sabbath privileges, we are also to “abide in our weekly calling with God.”† Thus the character of a servant of God is maintained — “devoted to his fear.” (Psalm 119:38.)
In this Christian walk with God, all is safe for eternity. The hope of the ungodly,† the hypocrite,† the worldling,† shall perish. But thine expectation shall not be cut off.† It is “a hope that maketh not ashamed.”† It is grounded upon “the immutability of God's counsels,” and “entereth into that within the vail.”† Surely there is an end for this. If the cross be heavy, thou hast but a little time to bear it. If the way be wearisome to the flesh, the end drawing nearer will abundantly compensate.† If the light be not visible, “it is sown” for thee. (Psalm 97:11.) And in waiting for the glorious harvest — “here is the patience and faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:10.) Meanwhile judge not the Lord hastily, by sense and feeling. Hold fast by God's word. Give time to his providence to explain itself. Pronounce nothing upon an unfinished work. Wait, and “see the end of the Lord.” “I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know” — and not only know — but approve “hereafter.”†
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 37:1-9, 35, 36. Compare chapter 24:1, 2, 19, 20.
 
 
Psalm 37:1-9, 35, 36
1 ¶ {A Psalm of David.} Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. {verily: Heb. in truth, or, stableness} 4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. {Commit...: Heb. Roll thy way upon} 6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7 ¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. {Rest in: Heb. Be silent to} 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. {a green...: or, a green tree that groweth in his own soil} 36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
 
Compare
Proverbs 24:1, 2, 19, 20
1 ¶ Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 19 ¶ Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; {Fret...: or, Keep not company with the wicked} 20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. {candle: or, lamp}
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 73:3, 17. Even a heathen discovered the power of this temptation. Socrates, being asked, - What was most troublesome to good men? answered - ‘The prosperity of the wicked.’
 
 
Psalm 73:3, 17
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
 
 
Psalm 73:23
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
 
 
Psalm 73:24
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
 
 
Psalm 16:8-11
8 ¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. {rest...: Heb. dwell confidently} 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
 
 
Psalm 17:14
14 From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. {which are: or, by} {they...: or, their children are full}
 
Luke 16:25
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
 
 
Proverbs 24:20
20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. {candle: or, lamp}
 
 
3 John 5, 6.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: {after...: Gr. worthy of God}
 
 
Ephesians 6:6
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
 
Colossians 3:23
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
 
 
2 Kings 2:1-12
1 ¶ And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. {to view: Heb. in sight, or, over against} 8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. 9 ¶ And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. {Thou hast...: Heb. Thou hast done hard in asking} 11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Psalm 25:5
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 84. with 1 Corinthians 7:20, 24.
 
 
Psalm 84.
1 ¶ {To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.} How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! {for the sons: or, of the sons} 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. 6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. {Baca...: or, mulberry trees make him a well, etc} {filleth: Heb. covereth} 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. {strength to...: or, company to company} 8 ¶ O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. {I had...: Heb. I would choose rather to sit at the threshold} 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
 
1 Corinthians 7:20, 24
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
 
 
Psalm 119:38
38 ¶ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
 
 
Footnote:
Chapter 11:7.
 
 
Proverbs 11:7
7 ¶ When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
 
 
Footnote:
Job 8:13, 14.
 
 
Job 8:13, 14
13 So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish: 14 Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web. {web: Heb. house}
 
 
Footnote:
Luke 12:19, 20.
 
 
Luke 12:19, 20
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? {thy...: Gr. do they require thy soul}
 
 
Footnote:
Chapter 24:14. Psalm 9:18. Ecclesiastes 8:12. Philippians 1:20.
 
 
Proverbs 24:14
14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
 
Psalm 9:18
18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
 
Ecclesiastes 8:12
12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
 
Philippians 1:20
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
 
 
Footnote:
Romans 5:5.
 
 
Romans 5:5
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
 
 
Footnote:
Hebrew 6:17-19.
 
 
Hebrew 6:17-19
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: {confirmed...: Gr. interposed himself by} 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
 
 
Footnote:
‘O passi graviora! dabit Deus his quoque finem.’ - Virg.AEn. i. 199.
 
 
Psalm 97:11
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
 
 
Revelation 13:10
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
 
 
Footnote:
James 5:11. Jeremiah 29:11. John 13:7.
 
 
James 5:11
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
 
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. {expected...: Heb. end and expectation}
 
John 13:7
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.