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I. THE GIFTS. "Things."

1. Real, not ideal; not to be imagined, admired, but "known." The gospel scheme is of surpassing beauty, but its aim is not to enchant the fancy, but to enrich the experience.

2. Many and various "things" not single or stereotyped. Our Father has more than our blessing for His children, and those blessings differ according to the object to which, or the circumstances under which, they are given.

3. Practical, not speculative. True, there are "things which angels desire to look into" in the gospel; but in the main it is not a thing to be reasoned about but to be enjoyed in the heart and exhibited to the life.

4. Divine not human. Man never saw, heard, or imagined them, much less invented or created them.

II. THE GIVER — "God."

1. Infinite in resources, and therefore "able to do exceeding abundantly." "Enough for all, enough for each," &c.

2. Loving in disposition, and therefore willing and ready to supply all our need.

3. Wise in administration, and therefore suiting the gift exactly according to the requirements of the recipients, and so augmenting their values.

III. THE MANNER. "Freely."

1. Without restriction. The gifts are needed by all, and are therefore given without respect to nation, class, rank, &c.

2. Without cost. The water of life is offered freely because none could purchase it.

2. Without regard to merit, because above all merit.

(J. W. Burn.)

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KJV: For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

WEB: For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God's Spirit.