2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom… (To young men): — Paul was misjudged as to his motives and consistency. It seems that he had intended to visit Corinth both on his way to Macedonia and on his return; but something that he thought of sufficient moment led him to change his mind, and his word was not kept. Backbiters put this down to caprice. This led Paul to state upon what principle he acted in this and in every case. I. WHEN WE SAY YES OR NO WE SHOULD MEAN IT. 1. Our words should be serious. Paul's earnest spirit dreaded a light tongue, and to be regarded as a frivolous, man, not to say insincere, was more than he could bear. And it ought not to be a shackle on speech to have regard to the reality of things. Dr. Johnson could not endure the man who could not tell a story without exaggerating. And then in the work of life we should avoid a loose way of speaking — haphazard, questionable, plausible statements which, while appearing to be true, shade off into falsehood. Every word and action should go from the mint of conscience stamped with the King's image and superscription. 2. The apostle condemns "purposing according to the flesh," i.e., according to some shifting principle of an evil nature. The apostle comes down hard upon all mental reservations, upon the amiable weakness which promises you anything and gives you nothing, as well as upon the craft which keeps while it pretends to give. He seems to have especially in view our tendency to please ourselves. If we say "yes" or "no" to avoid trouble, if we say anything out of expediency or self-seeking, or love of popularity, we rest on a carnal foundation and "purpose according to the flesh." Truth often puts us to terrible inconvenience, but a good man speaketh the truth in his heart, and will change not even though he has sworn to his hurt. II. WE OUGHT NOT TO HOLD TO OUR YEA AND NAY STUBBORNLY AND IN SPITE OF FRESH LIGHT FROM ABOVE. We may mean our word when we speak it, and purpose it in obedience to present knowledge of the will of God; but we may not affirm that we will keep it, come what will. "A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps." It was thus with Paul here and in Acts 16:6-9. In every case we should say, "If the Lord will." It is a sign of weakness and wickedness when any one sets himself upon his purpose, when God has warned him to forsake it. Take, e.g., Jephthah and Saul (1 Samuel 14:24-33). Do not stick to your resolution when you see that God has a different one. What does it matter about your promising when the Lord orders something else? But you say, "If I don't abide by my word, what will be thought of it?" Why, you must take your chance, which, with God on your side, will not be a bad one. Conclusion: 1. If you act on these principles you will be honourable men in all the relations of life. 2. Is it not an insult to a Christian man whose yea is yea, etc., to be asked to swear it? 3. What would England be with a truth-loving and truth-speaking people? 4. Only remember that all must be rooted in a true gospel (ver. 20). (J. P. Gledstone.) Parallel Verses KJV: For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. |
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