Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard. I. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY A TRANSGRESSOR? One who breaks a law or violates a command. II. THE PAINFUL PATH. The R.V. says, "But the way of the treacherous is rugged." The way of wickedness is difficult and dangerous to travel as a rugged road. How true; young people may not think so; but old men will tell you the prophet knew what he was saying when he uttered the words, "They weary themselves to commit iniquity." says, "Virtue is easier than vice." Mr. H. W. Beecher used to tell of a man in America "who had the habit of stealing all his firewood. He would get up on cold nights and go and take it from his neighbours' woodpiles. It was ascertained that he spent more time and worked harder to get his fuel than he would have been obliged to if he had earned it in an honest way, and at ordinary wages." And this is a type of thousands of men who work a great deal harder to please the devil than they would have to work to please God. It is easier to be sober than intemperate, honest than dishonest, etc. III. THE WAY IS HARD; FOR IT IS FREQUENTLY A PATH OF SORROW AND SUFFERING. "As certain serpents before they strike their prey fix their eyes upon it and fascinate it, and then at last devour it, so does sin fascinate the foolish sons of Adam — they are charmed with it, and perish for it." "Woe unto their souls, for they have rewarded evil to themselves." IV. THE WAY IS HARD; FOR IT IS THE WAY OF BITTER RECOLLECTIONS. (J. E. Whydale.) Parallel Verses KJV: Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.WEB: Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard. |
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