For the clearer understanding of these words, let us consider, 1. What the apostle does not forbid, namely, private and brotherly admonition, which proceeds from Christian love one towards another, much less does he condemn public and authorized reproof: God has made it the duty of all to admonish a... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, "We had need be very candid in censuring others, for we all of us offend in many things ourselves, especially with and by our tongue, which is an engine of more mischief, both to ourselves and others, than any other member of the body;" and accordingly he is called here,... [ Continue Reading ]
As we rule the whole body of. horse by. bridle in its mouth, so by bridling our tongues, we shall rule and govern all the actions of our lives. Note, that as hot and hard mouthed horses, so the tongue of man is apt to run out, unless well bridled; nor is any bridle strong enough to hold it in, but... [ Continue Reading ]
The design of our apostle, by this and the former similitude, is to shew, that little things well governed can govern great bodies; as the rider by. small bit can govern the horse at pleasure, and the pilot, by. small rudder, can manage the ship with ease; so the government of that little member the... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle here goes on in shewing how difficult it is to govern the tongue; it is wilder than the wildest beasts, they are more tractable, and may be sooner tamed than. tongue be governed: it is an UNRULY EVIL, that will not be held in. Nature has set. double guard about the tongue, namely, the t... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Our apostle informs us what is the proper use of the tongue: namely, to bless and praise God; speech being the most excellent faculty, is to be consecrated to divine uses: it is both. good man's work and his recreation to bless and praise God. Observe, 2. The sinful use which some... [ Continue Reading ]
As if our apostle had said, "If any among you desire to approve yourselves more knowing than others, wiser and better than others, as you would be thought when you censure and despise others, shew it to the world by. better conversation, by your abounding fruitfulness in good works, and by such meek... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How the apostle points at the root of all tongue evils; we pretend zeal and justice, zeal for God, and doing right to ourselves; but the true cause is ENVY, called BITTER ENVYING, as being bitter in its root, bitter in its fruit, bitter to others, bitter to ourselves; this is. painf... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle here enters upon. comparison between earthly wisdom, and spiritual heavenly wisdom; between wisdom that is not, and wisdom that is from above. Observe, 1. That wisdom which is not from above characterized and described. 1. It is EARTHLY, it is suited to earthly minds, and it is employed... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle here concludes his discourse, by shewing the happiness of those who are possessed of that wisdom from above, which is PURE and PEACEABLE, &C. They sow. seed which will yield them present fruit, and bring sheaves of joy and comfort into their bosoms, and also entitle them to an everlastin... [ Continue Reading ]