Our difficulty in life is often with things that seemto be right.
I. Does not the way of self-protection seem to be right? To a certain extent it is right; pressed unduly it becomes practical atheism.
II. Does not the way of physical persecution for truth's sake seem to be right?
III. Does not the way of self-enjoyment seem right?
IV. Does not the way of judging by appearances seem right?
V. Does not the way of self-redemption seem right? This is the fatal error of mankind.
Application: (1) Lean not to thine own understanding. (2) Seek higher than humancounsel. Put thy whole life into the keeping of God.
Parker, City Temple,vol. iii., p. 187.
References: Proverbs 16:31. Preacher's Monthly,vol. ii., p. 156. Proverbs 16:32. J. Vaughan, Children's Sermons,1875, p. 71.Proverbs 16:33. Spurgeon, Morning by Morning,p. 354; F. Tholuck, Hours of Devotion,p. 141.Proverbs 17:1-7. R. Wardlaw, Lectures on Proverbs,vol. ii., p. 121.Proverbs 17:8-15. Ibid.,p. 133.Proverbs 17:12. W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven,2nd series, p. 104.Proverbs 17:16. H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xviii., p. 11.