Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Ver. 4. Heady] Head long and head strong, rash and inconsiderate, Qui non vident προσσω και οπισσω, that look not well about them, but make desperate adventures. The Greek word προπετεις signifieth such as fly before they are fledged.
Lovers of pleasure] Not considering that the pleasure passeth, but the pain that attends it is perpetual, φιληδονοι. (Chrysost.) Momentaneum est quod delectat, aeternum quod cruciat. Let not men take pleasure in pleasure. It was not simply a sin in Esau to go a hunting; but yet the more he used it, the more profane he waxed, and came at length to contemn his birthright. Who are void of the Spirit but sensual ones? Judges 1:18,19. Who say to God, Depart from us, but those that dance? Job 21:10,11. Better be preserved in brine than rot in honey. These pleasure mongers are at last as the worst of all. Such a one was Catullus, who wished all his body were nose, that he might spend all his time in sweet smells. Such was Philoxenus, who likewise wished that his neck were as long as a crane's, that he might take more delight in meats and drinks. Such was Boccas the poet, who said that he was born por l'amore delle donne, for the love of women. But in the kingdom of pleasure virtue cannot consist. These voluptuaries (as one saith of them) are, Magis solliciti de mero quam de vero: Magisque amantes mundi delicias quam Christi divitias: as those recusant guests; the worst of all whom, and least excusable, was that epicure, who had married a wife, and therefore could not come.