This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Ver. 8. That thou affirm constantly] Be well settled in it thyself, and avouch and aver it confidently to others; being ready to make it good, if questioned, Διαβεβαιουσθαι .
Be careful] Bend their wits, and beat their brains, φροντιζωσι .
To maintain good works] To exceed and excel others in their honest functions and faculties; to be their crafts masters, to bear away the bell from all that are of the same trade or profession. This was Cicero's study, to be best at anything he ever undertook: should it not then be a believer's? Αιεν αριστευειν και υπειροχον εμμεναι αλλων, παντων κρατιστον. (Plutarch.)