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These words illustrate that field which every man has to cultivate — the field of character. We do not start life with characters ready made. What we have at the outset are but germs and possibilities. Until we have developed these germs for ourselves, their full value is not obtained. God has given life, powers, opportunities; out of these character is formed. This is a man's own property, whether it is good or bad. Character is the true gauge of a man's worth. Character is the only property we can take with us when we leave this world. Some men's fields" are partly neglected.

1. There is no fence.

2. There is no fruit.How comes this waste of precious ground? Traced to one source — self-indulgence. This reveals itself in various ways. In procrastination. In an easy assent to the popular misrepresentations of Christianity. In taking up doubts at second-hand, and parading them as though proof of their superior wisdom. But self-indulgence in every form will bring ruin. And the ruin of self-indulgence is fast approaching. "Thy poverty shall come as one that travelleth." There may be seeming delay about its arrival; but there is also certainty. It is even now upon the road.

(J. Jackson Goadby.)

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KJV: I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

WEB: I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;