For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Ver. 14. For the merchandise of.] That is, The profit that is gotten by making use of it. Kερδανοντες ου κοπιωμεν, saith a father. Seldom is any man weary of making money. Sing a song of utile, and men will lend their ears to it. The Jassians in Strabo, delighted with the music of an excellent harper, ran all away, as soon as the market bell rang, save a deaf old man, and he too, as soon as he heard of it. Now "godliness is profitable to all things," as having the promises of both lives; and the promises are "exceeding great and precious" things, 2Pe 1:4 even "the unsearchable riches of Christ," Eph 3:8 who brings "gold tried in the fire," and that which is better. Rev 3:18 For one grain of grace is far beyond all the gold of Ophir, and one hour's enjoyment of God to be much preferred before all the king of Spain's annual tribute. What is gold and silver, but the guts and garbage of the earth? And what is all the pomp and glory of the world, but dung and dogs' meat? Php 3:7-8 I esteem them no better (surely) that I may win Christ, said St Paul, that great trader both by land and sea. 2 Corinthians 11:23 ; 2Co 11:25-26 Let me be put to any pain, to any loss, tantundem ut Iesum nanciscar, so I may get my Jesus, said Ignatius. This gold we cannot buy too dear, whatever we pay for it. The wise merchant sells all to purchase it. Matthew 13:44 ; Mat 13:46 Every true son of Jacob will be content to part with his broth for the birthright, to purchase spiritual favours with earthly. "The Lord that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Sion"; Psa 134:3 which is to say, the blessings that come out of Sion are choice, peculiar, precious, even above any that come out of heaven and earth. When God is shaking all nations, Hag 2:7 the saints shall come with their desirable things (so some read the words). Colligent omnes thesauros suos, saith Calvin, They shall gather up all their treasures.