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Yet there is hope even for them in the all-sufficient Saviour but let them flee to him without delay. Of all wanderers in the ways of sin, those are in the most dangerous condition who turn aside into the ways of darkness. There is true pleasure only in the practice of religion. If money can conquer the fury of the passions, shall reason, the fear of God, and the command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them? #15|. But doubtless care is to be used in the exercise of charity.
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Such as oppress the poor by beating down wages, such as will not relieve according to their ability those in distress, and those in authority who neglect to do justice, stop their ears at the cry of the poor.
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Good men envy not the prosperity of evil-doers they see there is a curse on them. The simple may be made wise by punishments on the wicked, and by instructions to those who are willing to be taught. The evil desires of a wicked man's heart, lead to baseness in his conduct. For by prudence and patience, with constant prayer, the cross may be removed. It is best to shun bitter contention by pouring out the heart before God. The way of mankind by nature is froward and strange. Injustice will return upon the sinner, and will destroy him here and for ever. While men seek wealth by unlawful practices, they seek death. The really diligent employ foresight as well as labour. Sin is the pride, the ambition, the glory, the joy, and the business of wicked men. Many deceive themselves with a conceit that outward devotions will excuse unrighteousness. We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions.
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1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.Ģ Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.ģ To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.Ĥ An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.ĥ The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness but of every one that is hasty only to want.Ħ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.ħ The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them because they refuse to do judgment.Ĩ The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.ĩ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.ġ0 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.ġ1 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.ġ2 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.ġ3 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.ġ4 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.ġ5 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.ġ6 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.ġ7 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.ġ8 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.ġ9 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.Ģ0 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise but a foolish man spendeth it up.Ģ1 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.Ģ2 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.Ģ3 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.Ģ4 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.Ģ5 The desire of the slothful killeth him for his hands refuse to labour.Ģ6 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.Ģ7 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?Ģ8 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.Ģ9 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.ģ0 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.ģ1 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.ġ The believer, perceiving that the Lord rules every heart as he sees fit, like the husbandman who turns the water through his grounds as he pleases, seeks to have his own heart, and the hearts of others, directed in his faith, fear, and love.
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