Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Ver. 7. Only be thou strong.] See Trapp on " Jos 1:6 "
That thou mayest observe to do.] Heb., To observe in doing; a as minding the manner, which either maketh or marreth any action.
According to all the law.] Integrity is the best ground of fortitude. "The spirit of power and of a sound mind," are fitly joined together by the apostle. 2Ti 1:7 A rotten rag hath no strength; a corrupt conscience no true courage. See Proverbs 28:1 .
That thou mayest prosper.] Or, Do wisely; b for a good man ordereth his affairs with discretion, Psa 112:5 and speedeth accordingly for most part. Gaius's prosperity he is sure of. The prudent person cannot be unprosperous. Of Cato, Censorius Paterculus saith, c that being homo virtuti simillimus semper fortunam in sua potestate habuit, a very virtuous man, he had what fortune soever he pleased. Scipio Africanus was wont before day to go into the capitol in cellam Iovis, and there to stay a great while, as it were to consult with Jupiter, concerning the government of the commonwealth: whence his deeds were plaeraque admiranda, saith Gellius, most of them very admirable and successful. d
a Ut cum observantia facias. - Trem.
b Prospere et provide aliquid agere, significat.
c Lib. ii.
d Gell., lib. vii. cap. 1.