Isaiah 32:8 But the liberal devises liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. I. FOR THIS LIFE. It is the most effectual way both to improve and preserve our estates, and to render us honourable and amiable in the esteem of others. 1. For the increasing of our estates, the apostle compares it to sowing, which refers to a harvest. 2. For the .preserving them safe. The Jews call alms by the name of salt, for its preserving power. It is laying up treasures in heaven, where rust cannot corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. Saith the epigrammatist, "A man can be sure only of that wealth which he hath given away." II. FOR THE FUTURE LIFE. Works of beneficence are called by St. Paul, Θεμέλιον — the foundation of that reward we shall receive in the world to come (1 Timothy 6:19). (Bp. J. Wilkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.WEB: But the noble devises noble things; and he will continue in noble things. |
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