1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. We see Paul's character here. He had been speaking with his wonted fervour; but he sees nothing inconsistent in this with the soundest, calmest reasoning. I. THE FIRST DUTY HE URGES — "Prove all things." Be enthusiastic; but test, try, examine well. Courses of sin need no testing. The apostle speaks of what seems good, wise, honourable. 1. At times indolence tempts to indifference. This is the greatest danger of our age; but it is palsy too the mind, and death to the soul. 2. Some are afraid to think. But remember the greatest have stood firm; and the doubts of our age are old and dry albeit they may seem new and fresh. III. THE SECOND DUTY THE APOSTLE URGES — "Hold fast that which is good." 1. Hold fast what we have proved for ourselves to be true and good. Immature convictions are generally abandoned, and wisely so. 2. But before we have had time and power to test, there is something good to grip. Even heathen know the great foundations of the fitting, the beautiful, and the true. We are not heathen born; therefore we must not cast off all that we have learned at our mother's knee for the sneers of half-read women and the cavils of daring men, but the rather "be valiant for the truth." (Bp. E. H. Bickersteth.) Parallel Verses KJV: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. |
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