Bridges on Proverbs 29:18
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 29:18
 
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18.  Where there is no vision, the people perish (is made naked, marg.) but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
 
The vision — as appears from the contrast — is divine instruction. (1 Samuel 3:1.) The Ministry is the appointed ordinance to communicate this blessing, and therefore the main instrumentality of conversion, and subsequent Christian perfection. No greater calamity therefore can there be than the removal of the vision. The temporal famine, affecting only the body, is a light judgment, scarcely to be mentioned, compared with that, by which the people perish — “the famine of hearing the words of the LORD.” For ‘when there is none that can edify, and exhort, and comfort the people by the word of God, they must needs perish. They become thrall and captives unto Satan. Their heart is bound up. Their eyes are shut up; they can see nothing. Their ears are stopped up; they can hear nothing. They are carried away as a prey into hell, because they have not the knowledge of God.’
Often did Israel provoke this most fearful judgment — the removal of the open vision. “The candlestick” of the Apocalyptic Churches has from the same cause been long since removed out of its place; and for the most part little more remains than the ceremonial of bygone days. From the Apostate Church of Rome, the vision is well-nigh withdrawn, and the people perish in ignorance and delusion. For as our Protestant Cranmer nobly testified — ‘I know how Antichrist both obscured the glory of God, and the true knowledge of his word; overcasting the same with mists and clouds of error and ignorance through their false glosses and interpretations. It pitieth me’ — he adds, ‘to see the simple and hungry flock of Christ led into corrupt pastures, to be carried blindfold they know not whither.’
In other bodies also, “having a name to live,” the complaint is as real, as in days of old — “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6.) The sun shines not on more wretched objects, than on the awful masses of our fellow-sinners, growing up in habitual estrangement from God.
It has been calculated, that between four and five millions of our countrymen are living in habitual separation from the worship of God. Whether from the guilty neglect of rulers, the willful neglect of individuals, or from the population having grown far beyond the extent of instruction provided, certain it is, that in the most enlightened country in the world, to vast masses of our poor there is no vision, and the people perish in ignorance — “the things belonging to their peace being hid from their eyes”!
Take the most awful illustration of this Proverb that can be imagined. If to be without vision be the mark of a perishing state, what ray of Scriptural hope dawns upon the Heathen world? Being “without Christ,” they are described by infallible testimony as “having no hope.” (Ephesians 2:12.) Salvation is indeed free to all, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord.” But how shall they call without faith; believe without hearing; “hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-17.) If therefore there be no vision, how can they but perish? “They perish indeed without law” (Ib. 2:12) (not condemned under the law of revelation, which they have never known); but still they perish “without excuse” (Ib. 1:20), alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the “blindness of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:18.) Proud reasoning man revolts, and presumes to be more merciful than God. But this false charity is only the cover for selfishness. Men deny the danger, because they are too indolent, too self-indulgent, to stretch out the helping hand, or to make one sacrifice for the rescue. True charity is the fruit of reverential faith. And, while it realizes the tremendous peril, it concentrates all the energy of compassionate tenderness, believing prayer, and self-denying effort upon their salvation.
But the contrast is not between those, who have not the vision and those who have it; but between the destitution and the improvement of the blessing. The mere profession of the Gospel may be a nullity. Of what use is light, if we open not our eyes to see it? So far from becoming a blessing, it will only issue in deeper condemnation. If some are enlightened, multitudes are struck blind. (John 12:40.) But this true vision — the object really beheld as life and light to the soul — is the spring of that happy keeping the law, which realizes no less a privilege than communion with our God and Savior here and for eternity. Yes, truly — to be interested in the promises of God; to be an inheritor of everlasting glory; to be the present possessor of divine favor; to be secured from the peril of everything against him, and assured of the supply of all things that will work for his good — this is the happy portion of the practical disciple. And indeed in the ordinary course of life, as Hooker observes in his godly instructiveness — ‘what event soever ensue, it breedeth, if not joy and gladness always, yet always patience, satisfaction, and reasonable contentment of mind. Whereupon it hath been set down as an axiom of good experience, that all things religiously taken in hand are prosperously ended; because, whether men in the end have that, which religion did allow them to desire, or that, which it teacheth them contentedly to suffer, they are in neither case unfortunate.’
Who then can justly cast a cloud of gloom over the ways of God? Let the Pentecostal Christians witness to their gladness. (Acts 2:46, 47.) Let every servant of his Lord invite his fellow-sinners to the enjoyment of his privileges by the manifestation of their holiness and joy.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Compare Exodus 32:25. 2 Chronicles 28:19. Geier and others give – ‘Dissipantur’ – scattered. Matthew 9:36. Naked. Marg. – without clothing, in which to appear before God. Every view portrays a state of desponding misery.
 

 
Exodus 32:25
25 And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) {their enemies: Heb. those that rose up against them}
 
2 Chronicles 28:19
19 For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.
 
Matthew 9:36
36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. {fainted...: or, were tired and lay down}
 
 
1 Samuel 3:1
1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
 
 
Footnote:
1 Samuel 9:9. Malachi 2:7. Ephesians 4:11.
 

 
1 Samuel 9:9
9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)
 
Malachi 2:7
7 For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
 
Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
 
 
Footnote:
1 Corinthians 1:21. James 1:18. 1 Peter 1:23.
 

 
1 Corinthians 1:21
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
 
James 1:18
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
 
1 Peter 1:23
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
 
 
Footnote:
1 Corinthians 14:3. Ephesians 4:11-14. 1 Thessalonians 3:10. And yet this most fruitful organ of divine agency (preaching), which our blessed Lord honored as the grand medium of his own teaching (Psalm 40:9, 10. Isaiah 61:1, 2), is now depreciated as the mark of ‘a Church only in a weak and a languishing state, and an instrument, which Scripture – to say the least – has never much recommended.’ (Tracts for the Times, 87, p. 75.) Far more orthodox is the sentiment of one of our venerable reformers. ‘Thus we may learn the necessity of preaching, and what inconvenience follows when it is not used. “Where preaching fails” – saith Solomon – “there people perish.” Therefore let every one keep himself in God's school-house, and learn his lesson diligently. For as the body is nourished with meat; so is the soul with the word of God.’ Bp. Pilkington's Works, p. 112. Parker Society's edition. ‘The meanest village’ – Luther was wont to say – ‘with a Christian pastor and flock, is a palace of ebony.’
 

 
1 Corinthians 14:3
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
 
Ephesians 4:11-14
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {in: or, into} {stature: or, age} 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
 
1 Thessalonians 3:10
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
 
Psalm 40:9, 10
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest. 10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
 
Isaiah 61:1, 2
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Amos 8:11, 12. Isaiah 8:16.
 

 
Amos 8:11, 12
11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
 
Isaiah 8:16
16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
 
 
Footnote:
Bishop Jewell on the Scriptures.
 
 
Footnote:
1 Kings 12:28-32; 2 Chronicles 15:3-5. Psalm 74:9. Lamentations 1:4; 2:9. Ezekiel 7:26. Hosea 3:4.
 

 
1 Kings 12:28-32
28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. 31 And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. {offered...: or, went up to the altar, etc} {sacrificing: or, to sacrifice}
 
2 Chronicles 15:3-5
3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. 4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. 5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.
 
Psalm 74:9
9 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
 
Lamentations 1:4
4 The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.
 
Lamentations 2:9
9 Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.
 
Ezekiel 7:26
26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
 
Hosea 3:4
4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: {image: Heb. a standing, or, statue, or, pillar}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Revelation 2:1-5; 3:1-3, 15, 16.
 

 
Revelation 2:1-5
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
 
Revelation 3:1-3, 15, 16
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
 
 
Footnote:
Preface to Defence of the True and Catholic Doctrine of the Sacrament.
 
 
Hosea 4:6
6 ¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. {destroyed: Heb. cut off}
 
 
Footnote:
Luke 19:42. So far as the mass has been reached, we are deeply indebted to the Pastoral Aid Society, which may well be called our Home Missionary Society.
 

 
Luke 19:42
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
 
 
Ephesians 2:12
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
 
 
Romans 10:13-17.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? {our report: Gr. the hearing of us?} {report: or, preaching?} 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
 
 
Romans 2:12
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
 
 
Romans 1:20
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: {so...: or, that they may be}
 
 
Ephesians 4:18
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: {blindness: or, hardness}
 
 
Footnote:
Matthew 11:20-24. Luke 12:47, 48.
 

 
Matthew 11:20-24
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
 
Luke 12:47, 48
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
 
 
John 12:40
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
 
 
Footnote:
Chapter 3:21-24; 4:5-9; 8:32-35; 19:16. Luke 11:28. John 13:17.
 

 
Proverbs 3:21-24
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
 
Proverbs 4:5-9
5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. {a crown...: or, she shall compass thee with a crown of glory}
 
Proverbs 8:32-35
32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. {obtain: Heb. bring forth}
 
Proverbs 19:16
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
 
Luke 11:28
28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
 
John 13:17
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
John 14:21-23. Revelation 22:12, 14.
 

 
John 14:21-23
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
 
Revelation 22:12, 14
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
 
 
Footnote:
Eccl. Pol. b. v. c. 1, 2.
 
 
Acts 2:46, 47
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, {from...: or, at home} 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.