Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Timothy 3:2

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves ] ‘The article is generic; the men who shall live in those times,’ Alford. Self-lovers, money-lovers; the first pair of adjectives in the description go naturally together; the first of the words occurs only here in N.T., the second only in Luk 16:14, ‘the Pharisees also who were lovers of money.’ The first and an almost exact synonym of the second occur together in Ar. Pol. ii. v. where Plato’s question is being discussed whether there ought to be private property or not. ‘It is clear then that the better plan is for the property to be held separately while the produce is common. Besides even for the pleasure of the thing it makes an unspeakable difference to regard a piece of property as one’s own. Indeed it is probably no mere chance that makes each of us hold himself first in his regard. It is human nature. But being a self-lover is rightly blamed. By this is not meant loving oneself, but doing so too much; just as we speak of the man who is a money-lover, since all love what belongs to them. But to support and succour friends or guests or comrades is a very delightful thing and this requires our having property of our own. The “community” idea robs us of the virtue of generosity in the use of property.’ See note on 1Ti 6:10.

boasters, proud, blasphemers ] R.V. better, boastful, haughty, railers. Theophrastus ( Characters c. 23) describes (‘boastfulness’ to be ‘an endeavour to pass for a man of greater consequence than one really is.’ In the next chapter he describes ‘haughtiness’ to be ‘a contempt for every one but a man’s self.’ The climax is (1) a spirit of vain glory in themselves, (2) an overweening treatment of others, (3) actual abuse and reviling of others. The first word describes a man who sins against truth, the second a man who sins against love, the third a man who sins against both. Cf. Rom 1:30; 1Jn 2:16 (and Westcott’s note); Trench, Syn. 29. For this general meaning of ‘railers’ rather than ‘blasphemers,’ cf. 1Ti 6:4 ‘envy, strife, railings.’

disobedient to parents ] Or, in one word, unfilial; this with ‘unthankful, unholy,’ makes another triad: breakers of the fifth commandment go on to be breakers of the tenth; and thus throwing aside the second table go on to throw aside also the first, ‘unfilial, unthankful, unholy.’ The word for ‘unthankful’ occurs elsewhere only Luk 6:35 in the Sermon on the Mount. For ‘unholy’ see notes on 1Ti 1:9.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

For men shall be lovers of their own selves – It shall be one of the characteristics of those times that men shall be eminently selfish – evidently under the garb of religion; 2Ti 3:5. The word here used – philautos – does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It means a lover of oneself, selfish. Such a love of self as to lead us to secure our salvation, is proper. But this interferes with the rights and happiness of no other persons. The selfishness which is condemned, is that regard to our own interests which interferes with the rights and comforts of others; which makes self the central and leading object of living; and which tramples on all that would interfere with that. As such, it is a base, and hateful, and narrow passion; but it has been so common in the world that no one can doubt the correctness of the prophecy of the apostle that it would exist in the last times.

Covetous – Greek, Lovers of silver; i. e., of money; Luk 6:14; see the notes at 1Ti 6:20.

Boasters – see the notes at Rom 1:30.

Proud – see the notes at Rom 1:30.

Blasphemers – see the notes at Mat 9:3.

Disobedient to parents – see the notes at Rom 1:30.

Unthankful – see Luk 6:35. The word here used occurs in the New Testament only in these two places. Ingratitude has always been regarded as one of the worst of crimes. It is said here that it would characterize that wicked age of which the apostle speaks, and its prevalence would, as it always does, indicate a decline of religion. Religion makes us grateful to every benefactor – to God, and to man.

Unholy – see the notes at 1Ti 1:9.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

2Ti 3:2-5

Men shall be lovers of their own selves.

The nature and kinds of self-love

I. Self-love, considered in the general, abstracting from particular circumstances, is neither a vice nor a virtue. It is nothing but the inclination of every man to his own happiness. A passionate desire to be always pleased and well-satisfied, neither to feel nor fear any pain or trouble, either of body or mind. It is an instinct of nature common to all men, and not admitting of any excess or abatement. Self-love directed to, and pursuing, what is, upon the whole, and in the last result of things, absolutely best for us, is innocent and good; and every deviation from this is culpable, more or less so, according to the degrees and the circumstances of it.

II. When we blindly follow the instinct of self-love, coveting everything which looks fair, and running greedily upon it without weighing circumstances or considering consequences; or when, to get rid of any present pain or uneasiness, we take any method which first offers, without reflecting how dearly we may pay for it afterwards; I say, when we do thus, then it is that our self-love beguiles us, degenerates into a vicious, or at least, silly appetite, and comes under the name of an overweening, excessive, and inordinate self-love. He suffers the natural instinct of self-love to carry him too far after present satisfaction, farther than is consistent with his more real and durable felicity. To understand the nature of this enchantment, and how it comes to pass that those who love themselves so well, can thus consent to ruin themselves, both bodies and souls, for ever; let us trace its progress.

1. To begin with pride. All the happiness of life is summed up in two articles–pleasing thoughts and pleasing sensations. Now, pride is founded in self-flattery, and self-flattery is owing to an immoderate desire of entertaining some kind of pleasing thoughts.

2. Another instance of inordinate, ill-conducted self-love is sensuality. This belongs to the body more than to the mind, is of a gross taste, aiming only at pleasing sensations. It so far agrees with pride that it makes men pursue the present gratification at the expense of the public peace and to their own future misery and ruin.

3. A third instance of blind and inordinate self-love is avarice or self-interestedness. This is of larger and more diffusive influence than either of the former. So great a part of temporal felicity is conceived to depend upon riches, that the men of this world lie under the strongest temptations to this vine of any. If the case be such, that treachery and fraud, guile and hypocrisy, rapine and violence, may be serviceable to the end proposed; the blind self-lover will charge through all rather than he defeated of his covetous designs, or bear the uneasiness of a disappointment. Thus he comes to prefer his own private, present interest, before virtue, honour, conscience, or humanity. He considers not what would be good for him upon the whole and in the last result, but lives extempore, contrives only for a few days, or years at most, looking no farther. The height of his ambition reaches not beyond temporal felicity, and he miscalculates even in that.

III. Considerations proper to prevent or cure it. It is very evident that the self-lovers are not greater enemies to others in intention than they are in effect to themselves. Yet it is not less evident that they love themselves passionately all the time, and whatever hurt they do to their own selves they certainly mean none. They run upon it as a horse rushes into the battle, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, and as a bird hasteth to the snare, and know not that it is for their life. It is for want of thinking in a right way that men fall into this fatal misconduct, and nothing but serious and sober thought can bring them out of it. I shall just suggest two or three useful considerations, and then conclude.

1. We should endeavour to fix in our minds this great and plain truth, that there can be no such thing as true happiness, separate from the love of God and the love of our neighbour.

2. A second consideration, proper to be hinted, is, that man is made for eternity, and not for this life only. No happiness can be true and solid which is not lasting as ourselves.

3. To conclude, the way to arrive at true happiness is to take into consideration the whole extent and compass of our being; to enlarge our views beyond our little selves to the whole creation round us, whereof we are but a slender part; and to extend our prospect beyond this life to distant glories. Make things future appear as if they were now present, and things distant as if they were near and sensible. (D. Waterland, D. D.)

Self-love

1. Self-love is vicious, when it leads us to judge too favourably of our faults.

(1) Sometimes it finds out other names for them, and by miscalling them endeavours to take away their bad qualities.

(2) Sometimes it represents our sins as weaknesses, infirmities, the effect of natural constitution, and deserving more pity than blame.

(3) Sometimes it excuses them upon account of the intent, pretending that some good or other is promoted by them, and that the motive and the end sanctify the means, or greatly lessen the faultiness of them.

(4) It leads us to set our good in opposition to our bad qualities, and to persuade ourselves that wharfs laudable in us far outweighs what is evil.

(4) It teaches us to compare ourselves with others, and thence to draw favourable conclusions, because we are not so bad as several whom we could name; it shows us the general corruption that is in the world, represents it worse than it is, and then tells us that we must not hope, and need not endeavour to be remarkably and singularly good.

2. Our self-love is irregular, when we think too well of our righteousness, and overvalue our good actions, and are pure in our own eyes.

3. Our self-love is blameable when we overvalue our abilities, and entertain too good an opinion of our knowledge and capacity; and this kind of self-love is called self-conceit. One evil which men reap from it is to be disliked and despised. The reason why self conceit is so much disliked is that it is always attended with a mean opinion of others. From self-conceit arise rash undertakings, hasty determinations, stubbornness, insolence, envy, censoriousness, confidence, vanity, the love of flattery, and sometimes irreligion, and a kind of idolatry, by which a man worships his own abilities, and places his whole trust in them. The unreasonableness of this con ceit appears from the imperfections of the human understanding, and the obstacles which lie between us and wisdom.

4. Our self-love is irregular when we are proud and vain of things inferior in nature to those before mentioned, when we value our selves upon the station and circumstances in which not our own deserts, but favour or birth, hath placed us, upon mere show and outside, upon these and the like advantages in which we surpass others. This conceit is unreasonable and foolish; for these are either things which the possessors can hardly call their own, as having done little or nothing to acquire them, or they are of small value, or they are liable to be irrecoverably lost by many unforeseen accidents.

5. Lastly, our self-love is vicious when we make our worldly interest, convenience, humour, ease, or pleasure, the great end of our actions. This is selfishness, a very disingenuous and sordid kind of self-love. It is a passion that leads a man to any baseness which is joined to lucre, and to any method of growing rich which may be practised with impunity. (J. Jortin, D. D.)

Self.love

I. I shall endeavour to trace out more particularly the workings of this noxious principle, as it respects matters of religion; for it is said of these lovers of themselves, that they have the form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.

1. Self-love may carry men out in desires after Christ (see Mar 1:37; Joh 6:26). Many would partake of Christs benefits, who reject His government; receive glory from Him, but give no glory to Him. If they can but go to heaven when they die, they care not how little they have of it before; and are unconcerned about the dominion of sin, if they can but obtain the pardon of it; so that their seeking and striving are now over.

2. Self-love may be the sole foundation of mens love to, and delight in, God. And indeed it is so with all hypocrites and formalists in religion. Many mistake a conviction of mind, that God is to be loved, for a motion of the heart towards Him; and because they see it to be reasonable that He should be regarded by them, they imagine that He is so. But the highest regard that a natural man can have to the Divine Being, if traced back to its origin, or followed to its various actings, will be found to be self-love.

3. Self-love may be the principle that first excites, and then puts fervour and ardency into our prayers. How coldly do some put up those requests, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come; but are much more earnest when they come to those petitions in which their present comfort and future happiness are so much inter ested: Forgive us our trespasses, and Give us our daily bread, Let me die the death of the righteous.

4. Self-love insinuates itself into the severer acts of mortification; nay, it often runs through and corrupts the whole course of religious duties. It is like the dead fly which taints the whole box of precious ointment. From this principle some neglect duties as burdensome, and only seek privileges; a reward without labours, victory without fighting.

5. Self-love runs through all their affections, exertions, and actions, with respect to their fellow-creatures. If they rejoice at others prosperity, it is because they themselves may be benefited by it. If, on the other hand, they grieve at their calamities, it is because they are likely to be sharers in them, or some way or other injured by them.

II. from what has been said, you see that self-love is an insinuating principle, appearing in various forms, even in the religious world, and under many artful disguises, hard to be discerned, but harder still to be guarded against. To stir you up to this, let me set before you some of the evils resulting from this easily-besetting, and alas, too universally prevailing sin.

1. It is the root of hypocrisy. So far as self-love and self-seeking influence, we are void of sincerity and integrity.

2. It promotes pride, envy, strife, uncharitableness, and an evil temper and conduct towards all with whom we are conversant. A man who loves himself too well, will never love his God or his neighbour as he ought.

3. All evil may, perhaps, be reduced to this one point: All our desires, passions, projects, and endeavours, centred in self. This was the first sin: Ye shall be as gods; and it has continued the master-sin ever since. It is the corrupt fountain, sending forth so many impure and filthy streams. (B. Beddome, M. A.)

A sermon against self-love, etc

1. What kind of self-love is it which St. Paul does here so severely censure?

2. By what manner of influence self-love makes times and seasons become perilous.

3. What times the apostle means by the Last Days; and whence it is that self-love operates with such successful prevalence in those days as to render them the Evil Days.

4. What reflections are fit to be made by us, upon occasion of this argument in relation to our age, and to ourselves, and our present affairs, in order to that which all ought to fast and pray, and labour for the stability of our times and the peace of Jerusalem?

I. To consider what kind of self-love St. Paul speaks against as the fountain of public mischief; for there is a self-love which is a very natural and a very useful principle. No man ever yet hated his own flesh; no man, without the loving of himself, does either preserve or improve himself. If Almighty God would not have suffered men to love themselves, He would not have moved them to their duty by their personal benefit, and especially by so great a recompense as is that of life eternal. It would conduce to the felicity of men, even in this world, if they truly loved themselves; for then they would not waste their fortunes by an unaccountable profuseness, nor destroy their bodies by the extravagances of rage, and luxury, and lust. The self-love here condemned by St. Paul is that narrow wicked affection which either wholly or principally confines a man to his seeming personal good on earth. An affection which either opposeth all public good, or at least all that public good which comes in competition with mans private advantage. Of such lovers of themselves the apostle gives a very ill character in the words that follow the text. He says of them, in 2Ti 3:2, that they are covetous; their heart is like the mouth of a devouring gulf, which sucks in all into itself with deep and unsatiable desire. He continues to mark them, in 2Ti 3:3, as persons without natural affection, as people who have no bowels for the miserable part of mankind; as such who rejoice at a public wreck, not considering the loss of others, nor the dismal circumstances of it; but minding with their whole intention the profit which they may gather up for their inhuman selves. He adds, in the same verse, that they are despisers of those who are good. They vilify men of a public spirit.

II. This straight and uncharitable affection is of so malignant an influence, that where it prevails no age can be calm, no government stable, no person secure. And that it is of such perilous consequence may be demonstrated on this manner. God, who is good and does good, designed, that whilst man was here on earth, it should be competently well with him in case of his obedience, though He intended not to give him all his portion in this life. He knew that men could not subsist apart with such conveniences as they might obtain by being knit into regular societies. He, therefore, united them in civil and sacred bodies, that by conjoined strength they might procure those benefits which, in a separate state, and by their single selves, they could not come at. For, consider, how void of comfort a life of entire solitude would have been to man; with what a life of fear would they have been crucified who had stood perpetually by themselves on their own defence; with what a life of labour and meanness would men have been burdened if every one of them must have been his own only servant; if every one had been obliged to build and plant, and till the ground, and provide food and physic and garments for himself by his own solitary power. And how could a man serve himself in any of these necessary offices in times of sickness, lameness, delirium, and decrepit old age? To such a perilous and laborious life as I have been speaking of, indiscreet and vicious self-love tends; for as far as men do mind and seek themselves alone, so far they dissolve society and lessen its benefits, being rather in it than of it. So that the soul which animates society, whose advantages are so considerable, is the great and generous spirit of charity. That violates no compacts, that raises no commotions, that interrupts no good mans peace, that assaults no innocent mans person, that invades no mans property, that grinds no poor mans face, that envies no man, that supplants no man, that submits its private convenience to the public necessities. Concerning this vile affection, St. Paul taught that it would possess the men of the last days.

III. To consider what times he means by those days, and in what sense he speaks of self-love as the distemper of the last days, seeing it has been the disease of every age. By the last days he means the last age of the world, the age of the Messiah, not excluding that part of it in which he himself lived. There were several precedent periods: that of the fathers before the flood, that of the patriarchs before the Law, that of Moses and the prophets under the Law. But after the age of the Messiah, time itself shall be no more. To this age all evil self-love cannot be confined, for that dotage had a being in the world from the very beginning of it. The murder of Cain was so early, that he sinned without example; and from his selfishness his murder proceeded. We therefore misunderstand St. Paul, if we interpret him as speaking, not of the increase, but of the being; of self-love; for it is not its existence, but its abundance, which he foretells. What he wrote has been true in fact, from the times of Demas and Diotrephes, to this very hour. Light is come into the world, a glorious gospel which shines everywhere; and men love darkness rather than light, and shut up themselves in their own hard and rough and private shells. Selfishness cannot be the direct natural effect of the gospel of Christ, which, of all other dispensations, depresseth the private under the public good. The age of the Messiah is the best of ages in His design, and in the means of virtue which He gives the world; and if the men of it be worse than those of other generations, the greater is the aggravation of their guilt, whilst, under a gospel of the widest charity, they exercise the narrowest selfishness. But, however, so it is: whether it be that wicked men, by a spirit of contradiction, oppose charity where they are most earnestly pressed to it; or that the devil, having but a short time, is the more passionately industrious in promoting the interests of his kingdom; or that the further men are from the age of Divine revelations, the less firmly they believe them. It concerns us then–

IV. To make serious reflections upon this argument, and to suffer our selves to be touched with such deep remorse for the guilt of our partiality, that God may be appeased, and our sins pardoned, and our lives reformed, and that perilous times may be succeeded by many prosperous days. And–

1. Let us give glory to God, and take shame to ourselves, upon the account of that selfish principle which hath long wrought among us, and still worketh.

2. May we not only bewail but amend this great defect in our nature, and in our civil and Christian duty.

(1) The regaining of a public spirit is at all times worthy our care. We can do no greater thing than to follow God, who is concerned for all, as if they were but one man; and for every single person, as if he were a world. God hath disposed all things in mutual subserviency to one another: the light, the air, the water, are made for common good; and because they are common, they are the less, but they ought, for that reason, to be the more esteemed. There is not an humble plant that grows to itself, or a mean ex that treads out the corn merely for his own service; and shall man be the only useless part of the creation? It is a most unworthy practice, upon the account of self-interest, to multiply the moral perils of the world, whilst there are inconveniences enough in insensible Nature. It is enough that the natural seasons are tempestuous; mens passions should not raise more storms. It is enough that famine can destroy so many; uncharitableness should not do it. What is it that is worthy the daily thoughts and the nightly studies of a man of under standing, and of an excellent spirit? Is it the supplanting of a credulous friend, or the oppressing of an helpless neighbour? Alas! these are designs so base and low, that he who calls himself a man should not stoop to them. But that which is worthy of a man is the service of his God, his Church, his country; the generous exposing of himself when a kingdom is in hazard.

(2) A public spirit, as it is worthy our care at all times, so at all times it needs it. For it requires the utmost application of our minds, seeing self-love insinuates with great art and subtlety into all our designs and actions. (Thomas Tenison, D. D.)

Self-love odious

Here you see how far self-love is from being proposed to our practice, when you find it standing in the front of a black and dismal catalogue of the most odious and abhorred qualities. That I may contribute, if possible, to the making men less tenacious, and more communicative, I shall make it my present business to set the two characters in an opposite light, and to show–

I. The odiousness of self-love.

II. The amiableness of a generous and public spirit. There is, indeed, a kind or degree of self-love which is not only innocent; but necessary. The laws of nature strongly incline every man to be solicitous for his own welfare, to guard his person by a due precaution from hurts and accidents; to provide food and raiment, and all things needful for his bodily sustenance, by honest industry and labour; to repair as far as he is able, such decays as may attend his bodily constitution, by proper helps and the best means that are afforded him; and much more to make it his grand concern to secure the everlasting happiness of his immortal part. Such a self-love as this goes little farther than self-preservation, without which principle implanted in us the human species would be soon lost and extinguished, and the work of our great Creator be defeated. But that which St. Paul speaks of with abhorrence is a love merely selfish, that both begins and terminates in a mans single person, exclusive of all tender regards for any one else: this is, in the worst and most criminal sense, taking care of one only. If we will but look into our own nature, and reflect on the end and design of our creation, the reach and extent of our faculties, our subordination to one another, and the insufficiency of every man as he stands by himself alone, we shall soon be convinced, that doing good and affording each other reciprocal assistance is that for which we were formed and fashioned, that we are linked together by our common wants, as well as by inclination, and that tenderness of disposition and natural sympathy that is implanted in us. That we are born and educated, that we enjoy either necessaries or comforts, that we are preserved from perils in our greener, or ever arrive at riper years, next under the watchfulness and protection of Almighty God, is owing to the care of others. And can anything be more just and reasonable than that we, too, in our turn, should give that succour we have received, and do, not only as we willingly would, but as we actually have been done unto? There is a certain proportion of trouble and uneasiness, as well as of pleasure and satisfaction, that must of necessity be borne by the race of men; insomuch that he who will not sustain some share of the former, is unworthy to partake of any of the comforts of the latter. But here the selfling will interpose, and say: It is true I have occasion for the help of others, and the help of others I have. I have occasion for the attendance of servants, and by servants I am attended. I want to be supplied with those conveniences of life which artificers provide in their respective occupations, and I am supplied accordingly. So long as I am furnished with sufficient store to pay them an equivalent, I am in no danger of being left destitute of anything that money can procure. This is the commerce I carry on in the world; thus I approve myself a social member of the commonwealth. But what have I to do in parting with my substance to them who can give nothing to me in return? And sometimes we see it does please Almighty God to make examples of this sort: to humble such haughty and self-confiding men, by reducing them from their towering height, and all the wantonness of prosperity, to the extremity of want and misery. And whenever this happens to be the case, who are then so pitifully abjected? But the universal hatred which such a person naturally contracts will not always be suppressed, nor his former aversion to doing good offices be covered by a charitable oblivion, nor be lost under the soft relentings and a melting commiseration of his present sufferings. In short, since every man has an equal right to confine all his care and endeavours to the promoting his own separate interest, that any one man has, what must be the consequence if such a narrow way of thinking and acting should become universal? Love and friendship terminate at once if every man were to regard himself alone, and to extend his care no farther! Such a situation would put an end to all intercourse and commerce; men would be destitute of all confidence and security, and afraid to trust each other. And this may suffice to show that odious and malignant quality of selfishness, or mere self-love. Let us now consider–

II. The amiableness of a generous and public spirit. He who has a heart truly open and enlarged, over and above that reasonable thoughtfulness and contrivance with which every prudent man will be possessed, about providing for his own, and how to proportion his expenses to his revenue, as well as how to obtain more ample acquisitions, if fair and honourable methods of advancing his fortunes present themselves in his way; I say, beyond this domestic care, he will have room enough in his thoughts to let them be employed sometimes in the service of his friends, his neighbours, and his country; which have not only his best wishes and hearty desires for the success of their affairs, but he makes it his study to promote their welfare, and puts himself to a voluntary trouble and expense in order to extricate them from difficulties and free them from dangers. He has the pleasure of reflecting that a beneficial act is done, and that although he has not been able to animate others to promote it in the same degree with himself, he has, however, been instrumental in causing some good to be done, and the receivers are heartily welcome both to his pains and his contributions. This may appear but a poor satisfaction to little and grovelling minds, who have no idea of any joy that can arise from the reflection on anything that is not attended with present profit, and look upon everything as a losing bargain where more is expended than received. But large and capacious souls have far nobler sentiments; they know how to value and enjoy a loss, and find a secret pleasure in the diminution of their fortune when honourably and worthily employed. We are sure that God Almighty, who gives everything, and receives nothing, is a most perfectly blest and happy being; and the nearer we resemble Him in any of our actions, by so much we advance our own happiness. Such a friendly promoter of the good of others may survey the objects of his love with some degree of that satisfaction wherewith God beheld His workmanship when He had finished the several parts of the Creation, and pronounced that they were good. And as for a mans name and character, who would not rather choose not to have it mentioned at all, than not mentioned with respect? This seems to be the only end that is sought after by those who delight in show and pomp; and yet this very end might be much better compassed by another way than by that which they affect. For does it not give a sweeter fragrancy to a mans name? And does not every one speak of him with higher expressions of honour and esteem, who has been a common benefactor, and relieved a multitude of necessitous persons? (Andrew Snape, D. D.)

Self-love the great cause of bad times

1. To inquire what this self-love is which the apostle here speaks of, and wherein the nature and evil of it consists.

2. To show that wherever such self-love spreads and becomes general there must needs be perilous or bad times.

3. To use several arguments to prevent mens being poisoned and over-run with this dangerous and pernicious principle of self-love.

I. Let us inquire what this self-love is which the apostle here speaks of, and wherein the nature and evil of it consists. Now all self-love when taken in an ill sense, as it is plain this is here by the apostle, must come under one or other of these following notions.

1. Self-love may be considered in opposition to a love of God, and a making His glory and the interests of religion the principal and ultimate end of all our designs and actions; to our loving Him with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds, and our seeking first, or before all other things, His kingdom and righteousness. And then we may be properly said to be self-lovers in this sense, when we are so very intent upon ourselves and our own interests as not to concern ourselves at all, or to be sure not much and chiefly about God and religion.

2. Self-love may be considered in opposition to that honest and commendable self-love which every man oweth to himself, which is a love of our whole beings, soul as well as bodies, and of every part of them in due measure and proportion to the excellence and worth of them; and then it signifieth a love only of one part of ourselves, or at least an immoderate and disproportionate love of one part above any or all the rest. And in this sense it is to be feared most men are guilty of self-love. And, agreeably to this notion, we find the word self used in Scripture to signify the sensual and carnal part of man.

3. Self-love may be considered in opposition to charity or a love of our brethren; and then it signifieth such a stinginess and narrowness of soul as will not suffer us to have any concern, or take any care for anybody but ourselves, such a temper as is the exact reverse of that which the apostle commendeth, which seeketh not its own, but the things of another, and hardly ever thinks, much less acts, but for itself. Nature has implanted in us a most tender and compassionate sense and fellow-feeling of one anothers miseries, a most ready and prevailing propension and inclination to assist and relieve them; insomuch that pity and kindness towards our brethren have a long time passed under the name of humanity, as properties essential to, and not without violence to be separated from, human nature. And then as to reason, what can possibly be more reasonable than that we who are of the same mass, of one blood, members of each other, and children of the same Father, should love as brethren? That we, who live in a very fluctuating and uncertain state, and though rich to-day, may be poor to-morrow, should act so now towards others as we shall then wish others may act towards us?

4. And then, lastly, as to religion, especially the Christian, besides that this doth acquaint us with a new and intimate relation to each other in Christ Jesus, and consequently a new ground and obligation to love and assist each other. Nay, so great a value do the Scriptures set upon this duty of mercy or charity to our brethren, that wherever they give us, either in the Old or New Testament, a short summary of religion, this is sure to be mentioned, not only as a part, but a main and principal part of it. Nay, farther yet, it sometimes stands for the whole of religion, as that universal name of righteousness given to it is said to be the fulfilling of the law.

5. Self-love may be considered in opposition to a love of the public and a zeal for the common good, and then it signifieth a preferring of our own particular and private interests to those of the whole body.

II. To show that wherever such self-love spreads and becomes general there must needs be perilous or bad times.

1. I say, self-love will make men neglect the public and decline the service of it, especially in times of danger, when their service is most needed. And for this reason we always find it a very difficult task, if not impossible, to engage such men in any public service merely upon a prospect of doing public good. They will use a thousand little shifts and artifices to get themselves excused. Nay, and which is rare in self-lovers, who have always a good stock of self-conceit, rather than fail, they will speak modestly and humbly of themselves, and plead incapacity and want of ability for their excuse. But never is this so plainly to be seen as in times of public danger, when there is most occasion for their assistance. For self-love is constantly attended with a very great degree of self-fear, and this makes mere weather-cocks of such people as are acted by it, continually bandying them about, hither and thither, backwards and forwards, and never suffering them to fix any where till the storm is over, the weather begins to clear up, and they can pretty certainly discern the securest side.

2. That though they do pretend to serve the public, yet it is for their own private ends, and consequently their self-love will suffer them to serve it no farther or longer than these shall be advanced by their so doing. And this but a very poor and uncertain service, and even worse than none at all; for their supreme end being their own private interest, all other ends must of course crouch and become subordinate to this.

3. Their self-love will probably turn them against the public, and instead of preserving and securing it, make them undermine and destroy it; and if so, it is still better they should have no concern with it, because the more concern they have with it the greater will be their opportunity of doing mischief to it. Self-love is a very tyrannical and domineering principle, and generally makes perfect slaves of her subjects, and carrieth them on to all such excesses and extravagances as she shall think fit. For, alas! self-love is the blindest, as well as the greediest, and least able to deny itself of all loves, and will very hardly be brought to see any objections against itself; or at least, if it must see them, it will accept of very easy answers to them, and be a wondrous gentle casuist to itself; so, that, if there but come a good lusty temptation in our way, it is too much to be feared that our self-love will close with it, be it attended with never such hard terms, and that, out of eagerness for the bait, hook and all will go down.

III. To use all the arguments we can to prevent mens being poisoned and overrun with this dangerous and pernicious principle. And–

1. As to ourselves, there cannot certainly be a better argument than the danger which we were brought into by some mens immoderate love of their private interest in the late reign.

2. Let us consider that this principle of self-love is a very foolish principle, and really defeats its own end. For this, I take it for granted, I may lay down as a maxim, that every mans private good is best secured in the public, and, consequently, whatever weakens the public, doth really weaken every private mans security; and, therefore–

3. This self-love is a most base, pitiful, and mean principle, and will certainly make us odious and contemptible in the sight both of God and man. (William Dawes, D. D.)

Sin multitudinous

See here what a concatenation of sins there is, and how they are linked together–self-lovers, covetous, boasters, proud, etc. Sins (especially great sins)seldom go alone. As great men have great attendance, so great sins have many followers; and as he that admits of a great man into the house must look to have all his ragged regiment and blackguard to follow him, so he that admits but one great sin into his heart must look for Gad, a troop of ugly lusts to throng in after. Sin is like a tryant, the more you yield to it, the worse it tyrannises over you. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Self-love foolish

This is, with the silly bird, to mind nothing but the building of our own nests when the tree is cutting down; and to take more care of our private cabin than of the ship itself when it is sinking. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Self-love hereditary

Hereditary diseases are hardly cured. Self-love is hereditary to us; we are apt to have high conceits of ourselves from the very birth; till grace humble and abase us, all our crows are swans, our ignorance knowledge, our folly wisdom, our darkness light, and all our own ways best though never so bad. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Self-love a manifold disease

This is a disease that hath many other diseases included in it, and so is more hard to cure. Hence spring all those errors and heresies which are so rife in these last days. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Self-love self-deceptive

As a man that is in love doth think the very blemishes in his love to be beautiful, so those that are in love with themselves, and dote on their own opinions, think their heresy to be verity, and their vices virtues. This will bring vexation at last; it troubles us to be cheated by others in petty matters, but for a man to cheat himself wilfully, and that in a matter of the highest concernment, is the trouble of troubles to aa awakened conscience. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Self-love odious to God

The more lovely we are in our own eyes, the more loathsome in Gods; but the more we loathe ourselves, the more God loves us (Jer 31:18; Jer 31:20). (T. Hall, B. D.)

Self-love a primary sin

This sinful self-love is set in the front, as the leader of the file, and the cause of all those eighteen enormities which follow: tis the root from whence these branches spring, and the very fountain from whence those bitter streams do issue. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Pious self-love communicative

There is a pious and religious self-love, considered in relation to God and the common good; thus a man may love himself as an instrument of Gods glory, and as a servant for the good of others, else our Saviour would never set our love to ourselves before us as a pattern of our love to our neighbours. Now, upon these grounds, and in relation to these ends, we may not only love ourselves, but seek ourselves too. This love spreads and dilates itself for God and the good of others. The more noble and excellent things, the more communicative and diffusive they are of themselves. The sun is herein a more noble thing than a torch, and a fountain than a ditch. Christ emptied Himself of His glory, not for His own, but for our benefit (Php 23:6); it will make us part with our own right for peace (Gen 13:8-9; 1Co 6:7); it will make us condescend to those of the lower sort (Rom 12:16), not seeking our own profit, but the profit of many (1Co 10:33); yea, and though they be free, yet love will make them servants to all (1Co 9:19). On the contrary, self-love contracts the soul, and hath an eye still at self in all its undertakings. Tis the very hedgehog of conversation, that rolls and laps itself within its own soft down, and turns out bristles to all the world besides. (T. Hall, B. D.)

On self-conceit

Sometimes in our imagination we assume to ourselves perfections not belonging to us, in kind or degree. Sometimes we make vain judgments on the things we possess, prizing them beyond their true worth and merit, and consequently overvaluing ourselves on their account. There is indeed no way wherein we do not thus impose on ourselves, either assuming false, or misrating true advantages, so that our minds become stuffed with fantastic imaginations, instead of wise and sober thoughts, and we misbehave ourselves towards ourselves.

1. We are apt to conceit ourselves on presumption of our intellectual endowments or capacities, whether natural, or acquired, especially of that which is called wisdom, which in a manner comprehends the rest, and manages them: on this we are prone to pride ourselves greatly, and to consider that it is presumption, hardly pardonable to contest our dictates: yet this practice is often prohibited and blamed in Scripture. Be not wise in thine own eyes, saith the wise man; and Be not wise in your own conceits, saith the apostle. If we do reflect either on the common nature of men, or on our own constitution, we cannot but find our conceits of our wisdom very absurd; for how can we take ourselves for wise, if we observe the great blindness of our mind, and feebleness of human reason, by many palpable arguments discovering itself? if we mark how painful the search, and how difficult the comprehension is of any truth; how hardly the most sagacious can descry any thing, how the most learned everlastingly dispute, about matters seeming most familiar and facile; how often the most wary and steady do shift their opinions; how dim the sight is of the most perspicacious, and how shallow the conceptions of the most profound; how narrow is the horizon of our knowledge, and how immensely the origin of our ignorance is distended; how imperfectly and uncertainly we know those few things to which our knowledge reacheth. If also a man particularly reflected on himself, the same practice must needs appear very foolish; for that every man thence may discover in himself peculiar impediments of wisdom; every man in his condition may find things apt to pervert his judgment, and obstruct his acquisition of true knowledge. Such conceitedness therefore is very absurd, and it is no less hurtful; for many great inconveniences spring from it, such as gave the prophet cause to denounce Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes. It hath many ways bad influence on our souls, and on our lives; it is often our case, which was the case of Babylon, when the prophet said of it, Thy wisdom and thy knowledge hath perverted thee; for thou hast said in thy heart, I am, and none else beside me. It is a great bar to the receiving instruction about things; for he that taketh himself to be incomparably wise, will scorn to be taught. It renders men in difficult cases unwilling to seek, and unapt to take advice; hence he undertaketh and easily is deceived, and incurreth disappointment, damage in his affairs. It renders us very rash in judging; for the first show of things, or the most slender arguments, which offer themselves, being magnified, do sway our judgment. Hence also we persist incorrigible in error; for what reason can be efficacious to reclaim him whose opinion is the greater reason? It renders men peevish; also insolent in imposing their conceits on others. Hence they become censorious of those who do not agree with their notions.

2. Again, we are apt to prize highly and vainly our moral qualities and performances, taking ourselves for persons of extraordinary goodness, without defects or blemishes; which practice is both foolish and mischievous. It is very foolish; for such is the imperfection and impurity of all men, even of the best, that no man who strictly searches his heart can have reason to he satisfied with himself or his doings. Every man is in some degree sinful; conceit therefore of our virtue is very foolish; and it breeds great mischiefs. Hence springs a great carelessness of correcting our faults, a contempt of any means conducive to our amendment, such as good advice and wholesome reproof. It breeds arrogance even in our devotions to God, like that of the conceited Pharisee; also a haughty contempt of others: it disposes men to expect more than ordinary regard from others; and as it causes a man to behave himself untowardly to them, so thence he behaves unseemingly towards himself, of whom he becomes a flatterer, and profane idolater.

3. Self-conceit is also frequently grounded on other inferior advantages: on gifts of nature, or of fortune; but seeing that these things are in themselves of little value, and serving no great purpose; seeing they are not commendable, as proceeding from chance; seeing they are not durable or certain, but easily may be severed from us, the vanity of self-conceit founded on them is so notorious, that it need not be more insisted on. (Isaac Barrow.)

On vain-glory

When a regard to the opinion or desire of the esteem of men is the main principle from which their actions do proceed, or the chief end which they propound to themselves, instead of conscience of duty, love and reverence of God, hope of the rewards promised, a sober regard to their true good, this is vain-glory. Such was the vain-glory of the Pharisees, who fasted, who prayed, who gave alms, who did all their works that they might be seen of men, and from them obtain the reward of estimation and applause: this is that which St. Paul forbiddeth: Let nothing be done out of strife or vain-glory.

1. It is vain, because unprofitable. Is it not a foolish thing for a man to affect that which little concerns him, and by which he is not considerably benefited? Yet such is the opinion of men; for how do we feel the motions of their fancy?

2. It is vain, because uncertain. How easily are the judgments of men altered I how fickle are their conceits!

3. It is vain because unsatisfactory; for how can one be satisfied with the opinion of bad judges, who esteem a man Without good grounds, commonly for things which deserve not regard?

4. It is vain, because fond. It is ugly and unseemly to others, who despise nothing more than acting on this principle.

5. It is vain, because unjust. If we seek glory to ourselves, we wrong God thereby, to whom glory is due: if there be in us any considerable endowment of body or mind, it is from God, the author of our being, who worketh in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure.

6. It is vain because mischievous. It corrupts our mind with a false pleasure that chokes the purer pleasures of a good conscience, of spiritual joy and peace, bringing Gods displeasure on us, and depriving us of the reward due to good works performed out of a pure conscience, etc. Verily they have their reward. (Isaac Barrow.)

Some general remedies of self-love

1. To reflect on ourselves seriously and impartially, considering our natural nothingness, infirmity, unworthiness; the meanness and imperfection of our nature, the defects and deformities of our souls, the failings and misdemeanours of our lives.

2. To consider the loveliness of other beings superior to us; comparing them with ourselves, and observing how very far in excellency, worth, and beauty they transcend us.

(1) If we view the qualities and examples of other men, who in worth, in wisdom, in virtue, and piety, do far excel us; their noble endowments, what they have done and suffered in obedience to God, their self-denial, their patience, how can we but in comparison despise ourselves?

(2) If we consider the blessed angels and saints in glory–their purity, their humility, their obedience–how can we think of ourselves without abhorrence?

(3) Especially if we contemplate the perfection, the purity, the majesty of God; how must this infinitely debase us in our opinion concerning ourselves, and consequently diminish our fond affection toward things so vile and unworthy?

3. To study the acquisition and improvement of charity toward God and our neighbour. This will employ and transfer our affections; these drawing our souls outward, and settling them on other objects, will abolish or abate the perverse love toward ourselves.

4. To consider that we do owe all we are and have to the free bounty and grace of God: hence we shall see that nothing of esteem or affection is duo to ourselves; but all to Him, who is the fountain and author of all our good.

5. To direct our minds wholly toward those things which rational self-love requireth us to regard and seek: to concern ourselves in getting virtue, in performing our duty, in promoting our salvation, and arriving to happiness; this will divert us from vanity: a sober self-love will stifle the other fond self-love. (Isaac Barrow.)

Self-centred

Original cause of all wickedness, so that they make their own I the centre of their thinking, feeling, willing and doing. (Van Oosterzee.)

Self-love

Such a love of self as to lead us to secure our salvation is proper. But this interferes with the rights arid happiness of no other persons. The selfishness which is condemned is that regard to our own interests which interferes with the rights and comforts of others; which makes self the central and leading object of living; and which tramples on all that would interfere with that. As such, it is a base, and hateful, and narrow passion. (A. Barnes.)

Selfishness common

How many are there who occupy public places with private spirits? While they pretended to undertake everything for the good of others it has appeared that they undertook nothing but for the good of themselves. Such suckers at the roots have drawn away the sap and nourishment from the tree. They have set kingdoms on fire, that they might roast their own venison at the flames. These drones stealing into the hive have fed upon the honey, while the labouring bees have been famished. Too many resemble ravenous birds, which at first seem to bewail the dying sheep; but, at last, are found picking out their eyes. These people never want fire, so long as any yard affords fuel. They enrich their own sideboard with other mens plate. There is a proverb, but none of Solomons, Every man for himself and God for us all. But where every man is for himself, the devil will have all. Whosoever is a seeker of himself is not found of God. Though he may find himself in this life, he will lose himself in death. (T. Seeker.)

Selfishness condemned by philosophy

Plato anticipated one half of a Christian doctrine by saying, Ye are not your own, but the States. (J. F. B. Tinling, B. A.)

The Divine Nemesis

It is a remarkable revelation of the Divine Nemesis, that they who, with the denial of the faith, begin not seldom with the beautiful phrase, that they are zealous for morality, and wish to maintain the morals of the gospel, while they reject dogma, just upon this road advance gradually to the most decided immorality. He who digs out the tree, cannot also enjoy the fruit. Emancipation from all authority theoretically leads practically to the promulgation of the rights of the flesh. (Van Oosterzee.)

Covetous.

Covetous

If selfshness be the prevailing form of sin, covetousness may be regarded as the prevailing form of selfishness. Entering with the first transgression, and violating the spirit of the whole law, it has polluted and threatened the existence of each dispensation of religion; infected all classes and relations of society; and shown itself capable of the foulest acts. (J. Harris, D. D.)

Covetousness seen in human life

Commerce is covetous; competition is without bounds; rapid fortunes, sudden falls, speculations without end, hazards, excitements for gaining under all forms; such is the new mode of satisfying the old thirst for gold. Industry is covetous: those admirable inventions which are continually succeeding one another aim less at the progress of art than at the making of money; produced by the hope of gain, they hasten toward gain. Ambition is covetous; that solicitude for office which crowds all the avenues to authority aims less than formerly at honour, and more at money. The struggle of parties is covetous. Legislation is covetous: in it money is the chief corner-stone; money chooses the arbiters of our social and political destinies. Marriage is sometimes covetous: the union of man and woman becomes a secondary matter. Literature is covetous; impatient of producing, and more impatient of acquiring, the literature of the present day spends its strength in unfinished, defective, extravagant works, perhaps immoral and impious, which cater for the tastes of the multitude, and pour into the hands of their authors streams of gold unaccompanied by glory. (A. Monod, D. D.)

Covetousness barren of grace

We may as soon expect a crop of corn on the tops of barren mountains, as a crop of grace in the hearts of covetous cormorants. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Covetousness rerealed in talk

Out of the abundance of the heart doth the mouth speak. (Mat 12:34.) What is in the warehouse will appear in the shop, what is in the heart, the tongue tells you. As is the man, such is his language; as we know what countryman a man is by his language; a Frenchman speaks French, etc. So we may guess at men by their language; a good man hath good language, he speaks the language of Canaan; an evil man speaks the language of the world (Isa 32:6.), discourse with him of that, and he is in his element; he can talk all day of it, and not be weary: but talk to him of spiritual things, and he is tanquam piscis in arido, out of his element, he hath nothing to say. It is a sure sign men are of the world, when they speak only of the world (1Jn 4:5). (T. Hall, D. D.)

Boasters.–

Meanness of boasting

Lord Bacon told Sir Edward Cooke when he boasted, The less you speak of your greatness, the more I shall think of it. Mirrors are the accompaniments of dandies, not heroes. The men of history were not perpetually looking in the glass to make sure of their own size. Absorbed in their work they did it, and did it so well that the wondering world saw them to be great and labelled them accordingly. (S. Coley.)

Vain boasting

A gourd had wound itself around a lofty palm, and in a few weeks climbed to its very top. How old mayest thou be? asked the new-comer. About a hundred years. About a hundred years and no taller? Only look: I have grown as tall as you in fewer days than you count years! I know that very well, replied the palm; every summer of my life a gourd has climed up around me, as proud as thou art, and as short-lived as thou wilt be.

Boasters

This sin is fitly linked to the former; for when men by covetous practices, have gained riches, then they begin to boast and glory in them (Pro 18:11; 1Ti 6:17), because of the supposed good which they think riches will procure them, as friends, honours, fine clothes, fine buildings. The Greek word is diversely rendered, yet all tend to one and the same thing, and are coincident; for he that is a boaster is usually a vain-glorious, lofty, insolent, arrogant man: it notes one that is inordinately lifted up with a high esteem and admiration of his own supposed or real excellencies; and thereupon arrogates and assumes more to himself than is meet; or, one that boasts of the learning, virtues, power, riches, which he hath not, and brags of acts which he never did. The proud man boasts of what he hath, and the boaster brags of what he hath not. This vice is opposed to verity; and in proper speaking it consists in words, rather than in the heart; for as pride, in exact and proper speaking, hath relation to the heart, rather than the words; so this sin of boasting hath relation to our words, rather than our hearts: so that this sin is the daughter of pride, for when pride lieth hid in the heart, it shows itself by arrogant boastings, and high-flown words. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Boasters discontented

Thus when men set a high rate upon their own parts and perfections, they be very impatient and discontented, if others will not come to their price, and because other men will not, they will canonise themselves for saints. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Boasting of vice

It is dangerous to excuse and defend sin, but to boast of vices, as if they were virtues, is the height of villany. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Boasting no recommendation

When mens mouths are so full of their own praise, it augurs an emptiness of grace within; full vessels make little noise, when empty ones sound loud. Empty carts make a great rattle, when the loaded ones go quietly by you; your poor pedlars that have but one pack, do in every market show all they have, when the rich merchant makes but a small show of that whereof he hath great plenty within. The worst mettle rings loudest, and the emptiest ears of corn stand highest. Labour therefore for the contrary grace of modesty. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Proud.–

Downfall of pride

A kite having risen to a very great height, moved in the air as stately as a prince, and looked down with much contempt on all below. What a superior being I am now! said the kite; who has ever ascended so high as I have? What a poor grovelling set of beings are all those beneath me! I despise them. And then he shook his head in derision, and then he wagged his tail; and again he steered along with so much state as if the air were all his own, and as if everything must make way before him, when suddenly the string broke, and down fell the kite with greater haste than he ascended, and was greatly hurt in the fall, Pride often meets with a downfall. (Cobbin.)

Pride abounding

And is not this the master-sin of this last and loose age of the world; when did pride ever more abound in city and country, in body and soul, in heart, head, hair, habit; in gestures, vestures, words, works? (T. Hall, B. D.)

Pride hated by the proud

It is so base a sin, that even the proud themselves hate it in others. (T. Hall, D. D.)

The natural heart full of pride

Naturally we are all as full of pride as a toad is of poison. The sea is not more full of monsters, the air of flies, the earth of vermin, and the fire of sparks, than our corrupt natures are of proud, rebellious imaginations against God. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Pride poisons virtuous actions

It is the poison of virtuous actions; the meat may be good in itself, but if there be poison in it, it becomes deadly. Praying, preaching, alms, are good in themselves, but if pride get into them, it leavens and sours the best performances. It is a worm that devours the wood that bred it. He that is proud of his graces, hath no grace; his pride hath devoured it all. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Blasphemers.–

Gradation in sin

He tells us, men shall be self-lovers, silver-lovers, boasters, proud, insulting over their brethren, and, which is worse, they spare not God Himself, but are blasphemers of Him. (T. Hall, D. D.)

Blasphemy ungrateful

It argues the highest ingratitude in the world for a man, like a mad dog, to fly in the face of his master, who keeps and feeds him, and to Use that heart and tongue which God made for His praise, to the dispraise and disparagement of his Creator, to load Him with injuries, who every day loads us with mercies, and to curse Him who blesseth us. What greater ingratitude? (T. Hall, D. D.)

Unthankful.–

Enormity of ingratitude

Philip, King of Macedonia, caused a soldier of his, that had offered unkindness to one that had kindly entertained him to be branded in the forehead with these two words, Hospes ingratus. Unthankfulness is a monster in nature, a solecism in manners, a paradox in divinity, a parching wind to dry up the fountain of further favour. (J. Trapp.)

Connection of ingratitude with other evils

There be three usual causes of ingratitude upon a benefit received–envy, pride, covetousness; envy, looking more at others benefits than our own; pride, looking more at ourselves than the benefit; covetousness, looking more at what we would have, than what we have. (Bp. Hall.)

Ingratitude mars friendship

It is a lump of soot, which, falling into the dish of friendship, destroys its scent and flavour. (Basil.)

Without natural affection.–

Want of affection

Fontaines character was such that it seemed incompatible with strong attachments. He married at the persuasion of his family, and left his wife behind him when he went to live at Paris at the invitation of the Duchess of Bouillon. His only son was adopted by Harley, the archbishop, at the age of fourteen. Meeting the youth long afterwards, and being pleased with his conversation, he was told that this was his son. Ah, said he calmly, I am very glad of it.

Cruelty to children

Twice in six months one father had to be sent to prison whom it seemed a shame to send at all. When he had gone his second time, there was found on his table The Floating Matter of the Air, by Tyndall, With his book-mark at page 240, to which he had read. Had you passed him and his wife together in the street, you would have unconsciously felt a certain pride in the British workman; yet was he not ashamed to express openly a desire to be rid of the tasks and limitations his children set to his life, and twice in one night he gave an infant of fifteen months old a caning for crying of teething. His clenched fist could have broken open a door at a blow, and with it, in his anger, he felled a child three years and a half old, making the little fellow giddy for days, and while he was thus giddy felled him again; and because the terrible pain he inflicted made the child cry, he pushed three of his huge fingers down the little weepers throat–plugging the little devils windpipe, as he laughingly described it. He denied none of the charges, and boldly claimed his right–the children were his own, he said. (Contemporary Review.)

Natural affection

A. team was running away with a small child, when a mother, seeing its danger, cried in agony, Stop that waggon, and save the child! as loud as she could. A heartless man said, Silly woman I dont fret yourself; it isnt your child. The woman replied, I know that; but its somebodys child.

Truce breakers.–

Covenant proof

They will make no more of a covenant than a monkey doth of his collar, which he can slip off and on at his pleasure. In the last days, men will not only be sermon-proof and judgment-proof, but covenant-proof; no bonds so strong, so sacred, but they can as easily break them as Samson did the bonds of the Philistines. It is not personal, sacramental, or national vows that can keep the men of the last times within the circle of obedience. (T. Hall, B. D.)

How rightly to covenant

Now that we may covenant rightly, we must do it–

1. Judiciously.

2. Sincerely.

3. Unanimously.

4. Affectionately, with–

(1) Fear.

(2) Love.

(3) Joy. (T. Hall, B. D.)

False Accusers.–

Faults invented

If they can find no faults, they will invent some, as the devil did by Job (Job 2:9-11; Job 2:5), and this properly is slandering. (T. Hall, B. D.)

The backbiter

As those buy at one place and sell at another, so these pedling devils make merchandise of their words, hearing a false tale at one house and selling it at another. The back-biter is a mouse that is always gnawing on the good name of his neighbour. Sometimes he whispers in secret, and anon he openly defames, yet subtlely covering all with a deep sigh, professing his great sorrow for such an cues fall; when they should delight in the virtues of others, they feed upon their vices. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Actions to be kindly interpreted

It is a rule in heraldry, and it holds good in divinity, that in blazoning arms and ensigns the animals must be interpreted in the best sense, according to their noble and generous qualities–e.g., if a lion or a fox be the charge, we must conceive his quality represented to be wit and courage, not rapine and pilfering. So, and much more, in blazoning my brothers name, I must find out what is best, and mention that; if I meet with a sin of infirmity and humane frailty, I must conceal it; it is the glory of a man to pass it by (Pro 19:11.) (T. Hall, B. D.)

Slander poisonous

It is the custom in Africa for hunters, when they have killed a poisonous snake, to cut off its head and carefully bury it deep in the ground, a naked foot stepping on one of these fangs would be fatally wounded; the poison would spread in a very short time all through the system. This venom lasts a long time, and is as deadly after the snake is dead as before. The Red Indians used to dip the points of their arrows in this poison; so, if they made the least wound, their victim would be sure to die. The snakes poison is in its teeth; but there is something quite as dangerous, and much more common, in communities, which has its poison on its tongue. Indeed, your chances of escape from a serpent are greater. The worst snakes usually glide away in fear at the approach of man, unless disturbed or attacked. But this creature, whose poison lurks in its tongue, attacks without provocation, and follows up its victim with untiring perseverence. We will tell you his name, so you will always be able to shun him. He is called Slanderer. He poisons worse than a serpent. Often his venom strikes to the life of a whole family or neighbourhood, destroying all peace and confidence. (Dictionary of Illustrations.)

Slander, overruled

After reading a slanderous article in an evening paper, an anonymous friend sent to the Church Missionary Society, as a protest, a cheque for 1,000. Livingstone said, I got two of my best friends through being ill-spoken of. (J. F. B. Tinling, B. A.)

Incontinent.–Rules to be observed in our feasting:–

1. It must be done seasonably.

2. Soberly.

3. Discreetly.

4. Religiously. (T. Hall, B. D.)

How to know a drunkard

Question: But how shall we know a drunkard? Answer: By his affections, words, and actions. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Preservatives against incontinency

1. Take heed of intemperance in eating and drinking; when men are fed to the full, then, like pampered stallions, they neigh after their neighbours wives (Jer 5:9; Eze 16:49). Take away the fuel, and the fire goeth out; take away the provender, and you will tame the beast. Drunkenness and whoring are joined together (Pro 23:31; Pro 23:33; Hos 4:11.)

2. Idleness breeds uncleanliness, as standing pools do mud.

3. Take heed of evil company; come not near the house of the harlot (Pro 5:8-11). He that would not be burnt, must not come too near the fire.

4. Set a watch over the eyes. The devil gets into our hearts by these windows of the soul. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Fierce.–

The fierceness of sin

This is the thirteenth sin which helps to make the last days perilous. Men will then more especially be of a fierce, rude, savage, barbarous, inhuman disposition. They will be cruelly and bloodily disposed. There will be in them no meekness nor mildness to regulate the passions; but, like brute beasts, they will be ready to slay all such as oppose them. This is a fruit of that self-love and covetousness before mentioned. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Wickedness ferocious

This verity is made one special note of the wicked (Pro 12:10; Pro 17:3; Gen 49:7). Hence in Scripture they are compared to lions (Job 4:10); to wolves (Hab 1:8): bears (Pro 17:12); horses, which must be restrained from hurting with bit and bridle (Psa 32:9); serpents (Psa 74:13-14); dogs (Php 3:2; Mat 7:6); boars (Psa 80:13); threshers, which bruise and oppress the people of God (Amo 1:3): millers, that grind them with their cruelty; and to butchers, which do not only fleece, but slay the sheep. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Lessons

1. Then let men get grace, that breeds humanity, civility, and candid carriage towards all. Such will not, dare not, hurt their brethren in body, soul, goods, or good name (Psa 15:3). We need not fear those that truly fear God.

2. As grace will keep you from being fierce against others actively, so it will be a shield to keep you from the rage of fierce men passively (Isa 33:15; Isa 33:19). It is disobedience which brings fierce men against a people (Deu 28:50); but when we are obedient, God will restrain their rage, and bound them, as he doth the proud waves of the sea (Job 38:11).

3. Admire the goodness of the Lord, who preserves His lambs in the midst of so many fierce lions. Did not the great Lord, Keeper of the world, watch His vineyard night and day, the boar out of the wood would soon lay it waste. The thorns would soon over-top this lily, and the birds of prey devour Gods turtle. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Despisers of those that are good.–

Antipathy between good and evil

I. If we consider that strong antipathy and enmity which is between the righteous and the wicked, there is an irreconcileable war and hatred between them (Gen 3:15).

2. In respect of the dissimilitude of their manners. They have contrary principles, practices, ends, and aims.

3. To try and exercise the faith, hope, patience, and constancy of His people (Isa 27:9; 2Th 1:4; Dan 12:10).

4. To wean them from the world. It is easy to love a good man for his riches, learning, parts, gifts; this is but a carnal love, and springs from carnal ends and principles (Jam 2:1-4). True love is a spiritual love, springing from spiritual considerations; it makes men love the saints for their faith, zeal, etc., and not for any by-respect. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Traitors.–Now of these traitors there are three sorts–

1. Traitors political.

2. Ecclesiastical.

3. Domestical. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Fidelity

Let us be faithful to the truth of God, faithful to the land of our nativity, and faithful in all our relations. Fidelity is the chiefest bond of human society; take away this, and you take away all peace and commerce from amongst men. It is only to the faithful that the promises run (Psa 31:23). The Lord will preserve the faithful, and make them to abound with blessings (Pro 28:10). (T. Hall, B. D.)

William Tyndales betrayal

The immediate agent of Tyndales troubles is known to have been an English ecclesiastic, Phillips by name, who acted the part of a Judas, by artfully ingratiating himself into the translators confidence, and then conspiring with Pierre Dufief, the procureur at Brussels, to arrest him. The martyrs capture was effected in the street, as Tyndale and Phillips were leaving the house of Poyntz to dine together. Poyntz had expressed to his friend his suspicions of the lurking Englishman; but so adroitly did Phillips act the hypocrite by affecting zeal for the Reformation and love for the Bible, that he found himself courted and trusted, while Tyndale disregarded all warnings. (Sword and Trowel.)

Heady.–In the last days men will be heady, hasty, rash, inconsiderate; they will be carried by the violence of their lusts without wit or reason. They will set upon things too high and too hard for them, like young birds which, flying before they are fledged, fall to the ground, and so break their bones: so much the word implies. They will make desperate adventures; they will be rash in their words and works, precipitate and inconsiderate in all their undertakings; what they do will be raw, rude, indigested, unconcocted. Hence the word is rendered rash and unadvised. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.–

Lovers of pleasure described and warned

I. Who belong to this number.

1. All whose fondness for pleasure leads them to violate the commands of God–

(1) By indulging in forbidden pleasures.

(2) By inordinate pursuit of pleasures not in themselves sinful or expressly forbidden.

2. All who are led by a fondness for pleasure to indulge in amusements which they suspect may be wrong, or which they do not feel certain are right. When we love any person supremely, we are careful to avoid not only those things which we know will displease him, but such as we suspect may do it.

3. All who find more satisfaction in the pursuit of worldly pleasures than they do in Gods service.

4. All who are deterred from immediately embracing the Saviour, and commencing a religious life, by an unwillingness to renounce the pleasures of the world, are most certainly lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

II. Their sinful, guilty, and dangerous condition.

1. That the apostle considered them as sinful, in no common degree, is evident from the company in which he has placed them. It is still farther evident from the description which he gives of them in some of the verses succeeding the text. For instance, he there informs us that such are persons of corrupt minds. What can be a more satisfactory proof of a corrupt state of mind in a rational, immortal being, than a preference of unsatisfying, transitory, sinful pleasures to his Creator.

2. In the second place the apostle informs us that they resist the truth. This they must do, for their deeds are evil. Such persons hate the truth, because the truth condemns their sinful but beloved pleasures.

3. Hence they are represented as despisers of good men. They consider such men, whose conduct reproves them, as the enemies of their happiness, and ridicule them as rigid, morose, superstitious, or hypocritical persons, and who will neither enjoy the world themselves, nor allow others to do it.

4. Lastly, the persons we are describing are represented as being dead in trespasses and sins. She that liveth in pleasure, is dead while she liveth. They are dead as it respects the great end of their existence; dead to everything that is good; dead in the sight of a holy God; loathsome to Him as a corpse is to us, and as unfit for the society of the living Jehovah, as the naturally dead are for the society of the living. (E. Payson, D. D.)

The Christian view of amusements

I. Amusement is to be used as recreation. The clerk who has been hours at the desk, the mechanic in his shop, the student with his books, will take exercise and bring the unused muscles into play, and so reinvigorate the frame, or the weary brain will be soothed by the excitement and absorption of some game, or the mind, perplexed with lifes mysteries and sorrows, will wander away into the world of imagination under the spell of some master spirit, while another will plunge into long-hidden secrets of nature revealed by our modern science, and wonderingly learn the Creators wisdom, power, and love. But do you observe the assumption underlying this principle? The assumption is, that you are hard at work at your lifes task. But now, supposing you have found, and are engaged in, your lifes work, apply this principle of amusement as recreation. Nothing is lawful which deteriorates any of your powers or hinders the effectual discharge of duty. What is helpful in moderation becomes harmful in excess; amusement begun as a recreation may end in dissipation. If a man spends his holiday in toil some excursions by day and revellings at night, and returns to his work unfitted for his daily calling, he loves pleasure rather than God. Had he loved God supremely, he would have always kept in mired that he was having a holiday to fit himself for the due discharge of his God-given work; but he has thought of amuse ment for its own sake, and has been abusing it. Further, if that is unlawful which dissipates, that which corrupts is still worse. If your recreation brings you necessarily into corrupting companionships, it is thereby condemned, and it is to be renounced,

II. We must observe in our recreations the golden rule of doing to others as we would have them do to us. We must ask at what cost to them selves do others produce what amuses and recreates us. If your amusement demands loss of modesty, it demands what must harm you, as well as injure her who loses modesty. In the old slave days our fathers and mothers denied themselves sugar, refusing to eat the forced produce of their outraged brothers and sisters. But this principle applies still more widely, not only to woman, but to man; not only to human beings, but to animals as well; with regard to all these, we shall require that our recreation involves the shame, suffering, and ruin of none. A word should be said with regard to the waste of time involved in many harmless recreations. (A. N. Johnson, M. A.)

The love of pleasure

The moral effects of this exorbitant and over-mastering love of pleasure are very awful. In cases of the greatest excess, the very body gives way under it. Gluttony, drunkenness, licentiousness, not only eclipse the mental lights, and scorch the moral sensibilities of the soul, but they hasten the body to dissolution; they dig many a dishonoured grave. But apart from these physical consequences, and even in those cases where they do not follow, the moral effects of the love of pleasure are very sad. Take a tree that needs firm rooting and fresh air, and put it in a hothouse, or in some steamy vaporous place where no winds reach it, and where light is dim, and see how weak and how faded it will become. Such is the man who has blotted out the word duty from the plan of his life, and written pleasure there in its stead; who feels life no longer to be a moral strife, with God and goodness as its end, but only a low and ignoble endeavour to snatch enjoyment and secure comfort. That man must wither even while he seems to bloom; he must fall, however he may appear to rise; to him there are no stirrings of noble impulse, no victories of the will, no clear light of supreme law. Life is a song, a play, a picture, a feast, a superficial shallow thing–for the man is a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God. And when men sink thus far, it is very hard to raise them. The worm is at the heart of the tree–the corrosive stain is beneath the surface–it is eating the metal through and through. She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. Dead in this sin, the love of pleasure. The noblest things have gone now. There is nothing left to which we can appeal.

I. From such turn away, not only from the wicked men described in the passage, but from pleasure lovers. Turn away from them, from the frivolous, the butterfly race, who find no seriousness in life, who take no time for thought, who have no spirit of prayer, and no love of God. Such people can do you only harm. If they were willing to bless you, they have no means of doing it. Their life is a scanty rill; and if you find that you cannot influence them, then turn from them, lest you put your own soul in peril.

II. We may take this as a guiding rule of invariable and universal application–that duty is to stand morally supreme in our life. It is to be far above enjoyment of every kind. We shall never be safe otherwise. If life is moral, it must be moral all through–from its lowest to its highest things.

III. There must be self-denial in every true human life. We are not safe without that. We shall not keep our life wholesome, green, and growing, without a good deal of self-denial in it. Self-denial is like the pulling of the reins now and again, just to see that we have those fiery coursers, the passions, well in hand. It is like the touching of the helm when the sea runs high, or the tides are treacherous, to make sure that the ship will answer to it if there should be sudden need to turn her course.

IV. The love of God, possessed and cultured, will certainly save us from the degradation and the doom of such a life as that against which we are here warned. The love of pleasure is not put in the text against the love of God, as if they were direct opposites. The sin is to love pleasure more than God; the cure is to love God more than pleasure, and pleasure only in a moderated sense in Him. (A. Raleigh, D. D.)

Amusements

I. The spirit of amusements. Amusements are dangerous things. Can any of you explain how it comes to be that in amusements in general there is such a lack of all reference to God? Where is the party that will more brutally resent the intrusion of religion, or flee more abashed at its mention, than just the party of pleasure? Instinctively there is felt an incongruity between the two. The startled response to Mr. Blackwood in a ball-room, I take to be the outspeaking of the universal feeling–For goodness sake, Mr. Blackwood, dont introduce that here! In the lull of a dance, he had spoken to his partner something about the Saviour. This utter absence of God in amusements is an ominous symptom. As a rule they are thoroughly secular. Even when they begin with a mixture of religion, how soon that drops, and the secular takes its place. The natural history of entertainments has been one away from God. The several stages of their course have been religious, semi-secular, worldly, the profane, the lewd. I must ask you Christians to look that fact straight in the face, and ponder it to its full weight, because it is full of import. To me it is a revelation of the spirit of all these amusements, for it is by this means that we can most certainly discern the spirit. Generally speaking, the initial beginning between right and wrong has the form of a narrow fork like the points in a railway line. With the slightest jolt, you are shunted from one track to the other. Can you determine the exact point when you have left the right line? But soon as the divergence grows you know to your pains. Two seeds are before you. Each has within it a hidden germ, the image and ideal of a great tree. Can you determine their species in the seed? You may not be able, and argument will be useless. But plant them, and when one has grown into an ash and another into a maple, then the difference and the kind is patent. Yet these seeds were specifically different. A different germ, a different life principle, resided in each; and they could grow only into what they originally were. Each had a potency to become what they eventually grew into. Your pleasures grow from a germ, a spirit. A life principle pervades the whole. I refuse to argue the matter at a microscopic stage, the seed difference, the narrow railway point. Taking the Masters great principle, we know them by their fruit. Can that be right which needs the Bible laid aside, prayer neglected, God forgotten, and to which the name of Jesus is a jar?

II. The desire for pleasure a morbid symptom. The healthiest tone in manhood and society is when people are busy, when they are bent on some great ideal, and do not need to be amused. Even a healthy child needs far less to be amused than mothers and nurses think. Its great idea of amusement is to do something. The honest workman, the colonist, say, in a new country, busy in felling timber, reclaiming land–his own now–erecting his homestead, and in other works of homely husbandry, give him the solace of his wifes society, the prattle of his children, his Bible, a rest in the evening, and the church on Sabbath, and he will live a life above entertainment–a life of such solid satisfaction, that entertainments would be a mockery to it. The kingdom that is at its best, the society that is at its healthiest, and the Church of God at its most useful stage, do not need entertainments. In the old days, when old Rome was slowly climbing the splendid height of mistress-ship of the world, her citizens were sober, frugal, and industrious. Her dictators held the plough, and her matrons the distaff. Then the gladiatorial shows had no existence, and adultery was unknown. The men were freemen, and the women virtuous. It was when the citizens had let themselves be debauched by the games and consented to be amused, that they sank into the position of public beggars, issuing of a morning from their squalid cabins for their daily dole of the public bread, to idle away the livelong day on the benches of the amphitheatre and circus, with an occasional lounge in the public baths, doing no work, all labour being considered degrading as the lot of slaves. Then was the time of Romes decay, till at last they lost to the hardier Goths that semblance of liberty they were too effeminate to defend. Drill your minds, steer your course through life with the grand helm of duty, and not let yourselves roll on the wave of self-indulgence and entertainment.

III. What, then, should be the Christians attitude towards amusements? In answering this, let me distinguish between Christians in their collective capacity as the Church, and the Christian by himself as an individual. As for the Church of Christ, or Christians collectively, I fail to see that she has got anything to do with amusements whatever. God never instituted the Church to amuse people; so to speak, it is outside her commission. Since Christians cannot go down to the worlds pleasures, all the more sedulously should they cultivate that domain which relates to the pleasant in their own religion; for there is distinctly a pleasurable department in Christianity. The restfulness, the kindness, the sincerity, the readiness to oblige and put ones self about to please, the unfeigned humility and readiness to commend–yea, and relish for all that beauty so copiously strewed in nature without. The cause of conversion often is said to be, These Christians seemed so much happier than I was. Instinctively, somehow or other, the unsaved feel that if you profess religion you belong to another party from them, and ought to be better; and when they see you indulging in the amusements they indulge in, and which they probably have a shrewd idea are not just the right thing, they are the first to feel the incongruity and to wonder at you. Their idea of religion is taken from you, and you are found false witnesses of God. Perhaps the impression your conduct may produce on their minds is utter scepticism of the reality of all vital religion whatever. The Christian that goes down to worldly pleasures is guilty of bringing a slander on his religion.

IV. Amusements and the unsaved. I know that in touching your amusements I am touching the apple of your eye.

1. Let me tell you frankly, then, that your worldly entertainments and amusements are sinful. Sinful, for they are to you the rivals of Christ, and keep you from salvation–yea, even more than ridicule and persecution.

2. They are also unseasonable. There are positions in life in which all acknowledge that anything like jollity or mirth is out of place. If a man has committed a crime, and he is placed in the dock to be tried for his life, frivolity and laughter would be counted exceedingly unbecoming. If you, as the Bible tells you, are a sinner; if you have done things that have angered God that is above, and if His wrath is abiding in your souls, is mirth seemly in your state? Sorrow, repentance, prayer, a turning to Christ, realising that your state is one of sin against the Infinite Jehovah–that is the becoming state for you to be in. (Alex. Bisset, M. A.)

Worldly pleasures

Worldliness is often condemned in the New Testament. It is not, as some seem to think, any particular object or pursuit. It is nothing external, but resides in ourselves. It is a condition of soul, not of circumstance–a mind which is more carnal than spiritual, more earthly than heavenly, more self-seeking than God-fearing. Persons who have no relish for society, or music, or public amusements, may yet be intensely worldly in the prosecution of business, in the gaining and spending or hoarding of money, in the management of a household, in the manner of bearing trials, in excessive care, in intellectual pursuits, and even in the affairs of benevolence and religion. It is especially tested in the selection of our pleasures and the degree in which they are indulged. Pleasure-providing is a trade in which, as in others, there is fierce competition. Many places of amusement are not remunerative, and every effort is put forth to increase the revenue. For this end the lowest tastes must be pandered to, and new excitements must be found. Must not such pleasures tend to corrupt a nation? Christians cannot hesitate as regards their own duty. We do not denounce pleasure as such. Rest as well as labour is from God, laughter as well as tears, recreation as well as toil. Pleasure becomes sin when we are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. This is always the case when our pleasures are opposed to purity and piety. Besides this, we may love inordinately that which is in itself innocent and useful. Excess in what is lawful may become wrong by violating a higher obligation. Whenever we find that our pleasures are interfering with our piety, that they occupy the chief place in our minds, that we are loving them more than we love God, then we may be sure that we are wrong, whatever the nature of those pleasures may be, or whatever the sanction which they claim. (Newman Hall, LL. B.)

Carnal pleasure ruling in man

Such were those libertines (Jam 5:5; 2Pe 2:13; Jdg 4:18-19). Peradventure they may give God some external worship of cap and knee; but they keep their hearts and best rooms for their carnal lusts and pleasures. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Godly pleasure

Many are so bewitched with their lusts and pleasures, that they do even sacrifice their time, wit, wealth, lives, souls, and all unto them. They are even led by them (2Pe 2:10), as an ox to the slaughter (Pro 7:22-23). They make them their chiefest good, and place their happiness in them. How many spend their precious time in playing, which they should spend in praying and in serving God in some vocation. (T. Hall, B. D.)

The poison of pleasure

1. That sensual pleasures are the very poison and bane of all grace in the soul; they war against the peace and purity of it (1Pe 2:11); they blind the eye, that it cannot attain to saving knowledge (chap. 3:6, 7); the love of pleasures eats out the love of God and goodness out of the soul.

2. It is these sensual pleasures which stop the ears against Gods call, so that no reason nor religion can work on men. These choke the good seed of the Word, that it cannot grow (Luk 8:14). That is the best pleasure which springs from the knowledge and love of God. We call not upon you to forsake, but to change your pleasures. Change your sordid, sinful, sensual delights, into sublime, spiritual, and noble delights.

3. The better to wean your hearts from carnal pleasures, consider the vanity and shortness of them. They are like a fire of straw–a blast, and gone. Do not, then, for a mite of pleasure, purchase a mountain of misery; for momentary joys, endure eternal sorrows.

4. They do emasculate and weaken the mind. Whoever was made more learned, wise, courageous, or religious by them? They rob man of his reason, and besot him (Hos 4:11); they take away the man, and leave a swine or beast in his room.

5. This world is a place of weeping, conflicting, labouring, to all the godly, and not of carnal mirth and rejoicing; carnal mirth must be turned into mourning (Jam 4:9-10); the way to heaven lies through many afflictions.

6. Consider those sensual pleasures end in sorrow. The end of such mirth (what ever the beginning is) is sorrow. Men call them by the name of pleasures, pastimes, delights; but in Gods dictionary their name is Madness (Ecc 1:17; Ecc 2:2), Sorrow (Pro 14:13), and is attended with poverty. (T. Hall, B. D.)

Voluptas

Voluptas, the goddess of sensual pleasures, was worshipped at Rome where she had a temple. She was represented as a young and beautiful woman, well dressed and elegantly adorned, seated on a throne, and having virtue under her feet. This representation is just enough; the love of pleasure is too often attended with the sacrifice of virtue. (C. Buck.)

Culling pleasure

The world may have many pleasures; but it is culling flowers from the enemys land, and we Christians must take care that no nightshade and henbane mix unwittingly with our garland.

Worldly pleasures vain

Pleasures, like the rose, are sweet, but prickly; the honey doth not countervail the sting; all the worlds delights are vanity, and end in vexation; like Judas, while they kiss they betray. I would neither be a stoic nor an epicure; allow of no pleasure, nor give way to all; they are good sauce, but nought to make a meal of. I may use them sometimes for digestion, never for food. (J. Henshaw.)

Pleasure-mongers

Better be preserved in brine than rot in boney. These plea sure-mongers are at last as the worst of all. Such a one was Catullus, who wished all his body was nose, that he might spend all his time in sweet smells. Such was Philoxenus, who likewise wished that his neck was as long as a cranes, that he might take more delight in meats and drinks. Such was Boccas, the poet, who said that he was born for the love of women. (J. Trapp.)

Pleasure-loving professors

It is always a terrible condemnation of a church member that no one should suspect him of being one. We have heard of a young lady who engaged for many months in a round of frivolities, utterly forgetful of her covenant with Christ. One Sunday morning, on being asked by a gay companion to accompany him to a certain place, she declined on the ground that it was the communion Sunday in her own church. Are you a communicant? was the cutting reply. The arrow went to her heart. She felt that she had denied the Lord who died for her. That keen rebuke brought her to repentance and a recon version. Are there not many other professors of Christ who appear to be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God? (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.)

Emblem of worldly pleasure

It was a remarkably hot and sultry day. We were scrambling up the mountain which rises above the east shore of the Dead Sea, when I saw before me a fine plum-tree loaded with fresh-blooming plums. I cried to my fellow traveller, Now, then, who will arrive first at that plum-tree? And as he caught a glimpse of so refreshing an object, we both pressed our horses into a gallop, to see which should get the first plum from the branches. We both arrived at the same time, and each snatching a fine ripe plum put it at once into our mouths, when, on biting it, instead of the cool, delicious, juicy fruit which we expected, our mouths were filled with a dry, bitter dust, and we sat under the tree upon our horses, sputtering and hemming, and doing all we could to be relieved of the nauseous taste of this strange fruit. We then perceived, to my great delight, that we had discovered the famous apple of the Dead Sea, the existence of which has been doubted and canvassed since the days of Strabo and Pliny, who first described it. (R. Curzon.)

Death of a lover of pleasure

Monsieur de LEnelos, a man of talent in Paris, educated his daughter Ninon with a view to the gay world. On his death-bed, when she was about fifteen, he addressed her in this language: Draw near, Ninon; you see, my dear child, that nothing more remains for me than the sad remembrance of those enjoyments which I am about to quit for ever. But, alas I my regrets are useless as vain. You, who will survive me, must make the best of your precious time.

Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell

Verse 2. For men shall be] The description in this and the following verses the Papists apply to the Protestants; the Protestants in their turn apply it to the Papists; Schoettgen to the Jews; and others to heretics in general. There have been both teachers and people in every age of the Church, and in every age of the world, to whom these words may be most legitimately applied. Both Catholics and Protestants have been lovers of their own selves, c. but it is probable that the apostle had some particular age in view, in which there should appear some very essential corruption of Christianity.

Lovers of their own selves] . Selfish, studious of their own interest, and regardless of the welfare of all mankind.

Covetous] . Lovers of money, because of the influence which riches can procure.

Boasters] . Vain glorious: self-assuming; valuing themselves beyond all others.

Proud] . Airy, light, trifling persons; those who love to make a show-who are all outside; from , above, and , to show.

Blasphemers] . Those who speak impiously of God and sacred things, and injuriously of men.

Disobedient to parents] . Headstrong children, whom their parents cannot persuade.

Unthankful] . Persons without grace, or gracefulness; who think they have a right to the services of all men, yet feel no obligation, and consequently no gratitude.

Unholy] . Without piety; having no heart reverence for God.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

For men shall be lovers of their own selves; that is, the generality of men shall be persons that will neither love God nor men, in comparison with themselves; charity, which seeketh not her own, shall wax cold, men shall be wholly for themselves.

Covetous; lovers of silver immoderately, so as they will get it any way, and when they have it will be as sordidly tenacious of it.

Boasters; vaunting of themselves, vain-glorious, boasting of what they have not.

Proud; lifted up in an opinion of themselves.

Blasphemers; speaking evil of God and men.

Disobedient to parents; stubborn and rebellious against those that bare them.

Unthankful, both to God and men, for kindnesses received from either.

Unholy; profane and impure.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

2. menin the professingChurch. Compare the catalogue, Ro1:29, c., where much the same sins are attributed to heathen menit shall be a relapse into virtual heathendom, with all itsbeast-like propensities, whence the symbol of it is “a beast”(Rev 13:1; Rev 13:11;Rev 13:12; Rev 17:3;Rev 17:8; Rev 17:11).

covetousTranslate,”money-loving,” a distinct Greek word from that for”covetous” (see on Col 3:5).The cognate Greek substantive (1Ti6:10) is so translated, “the love of money is a(Greek, not ‘the’) root of all evil.”

boastersempty boasters[ALFORD]; boasting ofhaving what they have not.

proudoverweening:literally, showing themselves above their fellows.

blasphemousrather,”evil-speakers,” revilers.

disobedient to parentsThecharacter of the times is even to be gathered especially from themanners of the young [BENGEL].

unthankfulTheobligation to gratitude is next to that of obedience toparents.

unholyirreligious[ALFORD]; inobservant ofthe offices of piety.

Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

For men shall be lovers of their own selves,…. Not in a good sense, as men may be, and as such are who love their neighbours as themselves, and do that to others they would have done to themselves; and who take all prudent and lawful care to preserve the life and health of their bodies, and seek in a right way the salvation of their immortal souls: but in a bad sense, as such may be said to be, who only love themselves; their love to God, and Christ, and to the saints, being only in pretence, not in reality; and who do all they do in a religious way, from a principle of self-love, and to selfish and mercenary ends; either to gain glory and applause from men, or to merit something for themselves at the hands of God, without any view to the glory of God, the honour and interest of Christ, and the good of others; and ascribe all they have and do to themselves, to their industry, diligence, power, free will, worth, and merit, and not to the grace of God: and this character may be seen in the principles and practices of the church of Rome, in their doctrines of merit and free will, in works of supererogation c. “Coveteous” lovers of silver, greedy of filthy lucre, doing nothing but for money; everyone looking for his gain from his quarter; making merchandise of the souls of men; and which are reckoned among the wares of Babylon, the Romish antichrist, Re 18:13. “No penny, no pater noster”.

Boasters; of their wealth and riches, of their honour and grandeur; I sit a queen, c. Re 18:7, of their numbers, of their holiness, of the infallibility of their popes, of their having the true knowledge, and certain sense of the Scriptures, and of having all power in heaven and in earth.

Proud as have been the popes of Rome; exalting themselves above all that is called God, above all princes, kings, and emperors of the earth; deposing one, excommunicating another, treading upon their necks, obliging them to hold their stirrups while they mounted their horses; the pride of the popes, cardinals, priests, and the whole clergy of the church of Rome, is notorious.

Blasphemers; of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ; sitting in the temple as God, as antichrist does, showing himself that he is God; assuming that to himself which belongs to God only, which is to forgive sin; calling himself Christ’s vicar on earth; taking upon him to enact new laws, and to dispense with the laws of God, and Christ; and has a mouth speaking great things, and blasphemies against God, his name, his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven, 2Th 2:4.

Disobedient to parents: as many of the votaries of the antichristian church have been; who have withdrew themselves from under the care of their parents, and their fortunes too out of their hands, when they have been in their power; and have shut themselves up in cloisters, monasteries, and nunneries, without the leave and consent, or knowledge of their parents.

Unthankful: to God, for what is enjoyed by them, ascribing all to themselves, and to their merit and good works; and to men, to the princes of the earth, by whom they were first raised to, and supported in their dignity; as the popes of Rome were by the Roman emperors, and whom they in return tyrannized over, and dethroned at pleasure.

Unholy; notwithstanding his holiness the pope at the head of them their holy father, and holy mother church, and holy priests, and holy orders they talk of; yet are without the fear of God, or any regard to him, living most unholy lives and conversations, Da 11:37.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

Lovers of self (). Old compound adjective (, ), here only in N.T.

Lovers of money (). Old compound adjective, in N.T. only here and Lu 16:14. See 1Ti 6:10.

Boastful (). Old word for empty pretender, in N.T. only here and Ro 1:30.

Haughty (). See also Ro 1:30 for this old word.

Railers (). See 1Ti 1:13.

Disobedient to parents ( ). See Ro 1:30.

Unthankful (). Old word, in N.T. only here and Lu 6:35.

Unholy (). See 1Ti 1:9.

Without natural affection (). See Ro 1:31.

Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament

Lovers of their own selves [] . Better, lovers of self. N. T. o. LXX Aristotle, De Repub. 2 5, says : “It is not loving one’s self, but loving it unduly, just as the love of possessions.”

Covetous [] . Better, lovers of money. Only here and Luk 16:14. For the noun filarguria love of money, see on 1Ti 6:10. Love of money and covetousness are not synonymous. Covetous is pleonekthv; see 1Co 5:10, 11; Eph 5:6. See on Rom 1:29.

Boasters [] . Or swaggerers. Only here and Rom 1:30. See on ajlazoneiaiv boastings, Jas 4:16.

Proud [] . Or haughty. See on uJperhfania pride, Mr 7:22.

Blasphemers [] . See on 1Ti 1:13. Better, railers. See also on, blasfhmia blasphemy, Mr 7:22.

Unthankful [] . Only here and Luk 6:35.

Unholy [] . Only here and 1Ti 1:9 (note).

Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament

1) “For men shall be” (esontai gar oi anthropoi) “For the men will be,” Rom 1:29-31.

a) “Lovers of their own selves” (philautoi) “Self-lovers, specimens of perennial, recurring impostors, Mat 24:24-26; 2Co 11:13-15. Emotionally selfish for their own interests, both religious and secular.

b) “Covetous” (philarguroi) “Money- lovers.” Selfish, 2Pe 2:3-4; 1Ti 6:9; 1Ti 6:16.

c) “Boasters” (alazontes) “Boasters” Jas 4:16; Psa 10:3.

d) “Proud (huperephanoi) “Arrogant,” an ungodly attitude toward God and men, Psa 119:21; Pro 6:17; Jas 4:6; 1Pe 5:5.

e) “Blasphemers” (blasphemoi) “Blasphemers,” ones who speak in derision against holy people and holy things, Mat 15:19.

f) “Disobedient to parents” (goneusin apeitheis) Rom 1:30; Eph 6:1.

g) “Unthankful” (acharistoi) “Unthankful or without gratitude,” like the non-returning healed lepers, Luk 17:17.

h) “Unholy” (anosioi) “Unholy.” Though they profess holiness, 2Ti 3:5. Though all and each of these sins have been in and/or committed by regenerate and unregenerate men in time, such shall increase in intensity and recurring tempo as the latter seasons and times come toward the end; selfish, covetous egotism leads to all kinds of sins; while the gift of love through Christ is the fulfilling of the Law, 1Co 13:5; Rom 13:10; Heb 12:14.

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

2 For men will be It is proper to remark, first, in what he makes the hardship of those “dangerous” or “troublesome” times to consist; not in war, nor in famine, nor in diseases, nor in any calamities or inconveniences to which the body is incident, but in the wicked and depraved actions of men. And, indeed, nothing is so distressingly painful to godly men, and to those who truly fear God, as to behold such corruptions of morals; for, as there is nothing which they value more highly than the glory of God, so they cannot but suffer grievous anguish when it is attacked or despised.

Secondly, it ought to be remarked, who are the persons of whom he speaks. They whom he briefly describes are not external enemies, who openly assail the name of Christ, but domestics, who wish to be reckoned among the members of the Church; for God wishes to try his Church to such an extent as to carry within her bosom such plagues, though she abhors to entertain them. So then, if in the present day many whom we justly abhor are mingled within us, let us learn to groan patiently under that burden, when we are informed that this is the lot of the Christian Church.

Next, it is wonderful that those persons, whom Paul pronounces to be guilty of so many and so aggravated acts of wickedness, can keep up the appearance of piety, as he also declares. But daily experience shows that we ought not to regard this as so wonderful; for such is the amazing audacity and wickedness of hypocrites, that, even in excusing the grossest crimes, they are excessively impudent, after having once learned falsely to shelter themselves under the name of God. In ancient times, how many crimes abounded in the life of the Pharisees? And yet, as if they had been pure from every stain, they enjoyed a reputation of eminent holiness.

Even in the present day, although the lewdness of the Popish clergy is such that it stinks in the nostrils of the whole world, still, in spite of their wickedness, they do not cease to arrogate proudly to themselves all the rights and titles of saints. Accordingly, when Paul says that hypocrites, though they are chargeable with the grossest vices, nevertheless deceive under a mask of piety, this ought not to appear strange, when we have examples before our eyes. And, indeed, the world deserves to be deceived by those wicked scoundrels, when it either despises or cannot endure true holiness. Besides, Paul enumerates those vices which are not visible at first sight, and which are even the ordinary attendants of pretended holiness. Is there a hypocrite who is not proud, who is not a lover of himself, who is not a despiser of others, who is not fierce and cruel, who is not treacherous? But all these are concealed from the eyes of men. (183)

To spend time in explaining every word would be superfluous; for the words do not need exposition. Only let my readers observe that φιλαυτία, self-love, which is put first, may be regarded as the source from which flow all the vices that follow afterwards. He who loveth himself claims a superiority in everything, despises all others, is cruel, indulges in covetousness, treachery, anger, rebellion against parents, neglect of what is good, and such like. As it was the design of Paul to brand false prophets with such marks, that they might be seen and known by all; it is our duty to open our eyes, that we may see those who are pointed out with the finger.

(183) “ Mais ce sont tous vices cachez, et qui n’apparoissent pas devant les yeux des hommes.” — “But all these are concealed vices, and do not show themselves before the eyes of men.”

Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary

IS SOCIETY ROTTING?

2Ti 3:1-7.

THIS Question, however startling, is not in the least strange. It is asked more often today, by thinking men, than is any other single one. This suggests two facts:

First, the subject relates itself to every feature of the human life, and if it must be answered in the affirmative, it envelops the future with fears and forebodings.

Again, this question is being asked because the signs of the times necessitate the same. They are not reassuring!

To the student of prophecy this startling question is not surprising even. Prophecy is history Divinely pre-written. What further proof need we of Pauls inspiration? If he were writing about society today, could he more accurately describe its essential features than they were formulated in this prophetic utterance two thousand years ago? Let us take a look at this Scripture text, then a look at the state of Twentieth Century society and see if they answer not one to the other, point by point.

THE PRESENT STATE OF SOCIETY

What is the present state of society, and how far does it conform to this factual prophecy?

The answer is in three remarks: Its putrid condition is commonly conceded; its foulness is fast fulfilling prophecy, and the present holds no prospect of improvement.

Its putrid condition is commonly conceded!

Some years ago we brought from the press the first edition of Inspiration vs. Evolution. At that time we called attention to the fact that newspapers of the most evangelical type, like The Alliance Weekly of New York, united with those of a mediating position, like The Christian Herald, and those of the most secular character, like the publication of a trust company, in admitting that the world was rapidly ripening for judgment, the age was money mad and pleasure polluted, or as one of the most secular of them said, The wolves of license, greed and materialism, in all its forms, are leaping at civilizations throatat mankinds moral self.

Have we marked improvement in the ten years since that publication? Only those who have the desire to be known as optimists or those who are playing politics, by shutting their eyes to the most sinful and sensuous facts, would say that we have.

Dr. Cadman, president of that falsely pretentious organization known as The Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, ardent advocate of the evolutionary hypothesis, and theological modernist, recently admitted that there were shadows on the outlook, saying that the old pieties have been forsaken at a crisis when mechanical and materialistic elements assert themselves on every side, with the result that much shallowness and cynicism mar the zest of life, and youthful, but prematurely stale souls, become inert and useless before their fight has well begun. Neurosis, depression, crime, and even suicide ravage youth, unfortified by domestic religion and its faith in a righteous and loving God.

Certainly, no one will charge Dr. Cadmati with an uncertified orthodoxy, or with intellectual hysteria. His language is extremely calm throughout, when it is compared with much that has been written in recent months concerning the breaking down of morals everywhere, the materialistic philosophy that grows increasingly popular and the rotting state of society that gives concern to all thoughtful men.

According to John E. Brown, the great evangelist, Dr. Smith of Washington and Lee University, recently startled an Atlanta audience with the following declaration:

America might just as well face facts. The facts are that side by side with universal education America today has all but universal crime.

But the language of this educator is not sufficiently strong to comport with the plain facts of society or the prophetic utterance of this Scripture. It requires stronger sentences. We venture this:

The foulness of present society is fast fulfilling prophecy. Pauls words, in the future tense, Perilous times shall come, must be converted into what is sometimes called pluperfect, for perilous times have come; men are lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof.

It is true that men are lovers of their own selves, that they are covetous, boasters, proud; it is because they are not lovers of God that they become blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good; it is because of the combined selfishness and the increasing skepticism that they are made traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

I thank God daily for the atmosphere of my church. Its quiet Christian life is like an eddy in a terrible torrent, and I am very happy to return to it as a resting place from the deluging, destroying current of society itself, which rages and foams and tears, and takes little account of the will of God or the interests of men.

I seldom touch the business world without finding that I have tarred myself. A few days since, after wrestling with the problem of meeting with some promptness and accuracy my personal financial obligations, in view of the fact that a number of people who had even more binding ones due me, disregarded almost to a man their verbal pledges and written agreements, and dismissed them without apparently the least sense of obligation or even desire to redeem, I thanked God that I was in a profession rather than in the whirlpool, which sometimes seems little better than a cesspool, of so-called business.

This is not to say that there are no honest men left. God forbid! But it is to say that the world drives in the direction of selfishness, covetousness, truce-breaking and pleasure loving. It is pathetic to have to add this after-remark, but facts demand it:

The present holds no prospect of improvement! The last ten years have not reduced iniquity. To be sure the legalized liquor traffic is gone, but the unlegalized liquor traffic lives and thrives; and, in the last ten years, demoralization has taken heavy toll upon many of our social customs. It has converted former social games into gambling devices; it has changed over the waltz and the schottische into the most lascivious movements possible to the embracing bodies of men and women; it has taken the low theater and made it more low and lewd than ever in modern history, if it does not exceed anything that Babylon, Greece and Rome ever saw. It has changed womans dress from a most ungainly and uncleanly and foolish sweep to skirts that know little limitations upon abbreviation. It has made the ordinary murderer into a butchering monster. It has multiplied the highwayman into hundreds, and changed his method from the individual hold-up into wholesale robbery of men of means and plethoric institutions; in fact, the deeds of Loeb, Leopold, Hickman and Shepperd indicate that there is now a diligent search for some more novel and terrible form of crime than the world has ever known to be committed.

This social state demands explanation. I want therefore to present in order some of the

POWERFUL SOURCES OF SOCIAL POISON

I shall not be at all able to mention them all within the limits of this sermon; but there are three or four that are so effectual for evil that they cannot be ignored. These at least should be mentionedthe murderous potency of the moving picture, the utter putridity of the low and lewd theater, the sensuous appeal of exceeding prosperity, and the demoralizing effect of college philosophy.

First, let us think of the murderous potency of the moving picture! I am not an enemy of the moving picture, in itself. I have never been among those ministers that railed against it as born of the devil, and fit only for hell. I look upon this discovery as one that is capable of marvelous educational advantages. I believe it has features that could be made to instruct the intellect, and even inspire the soul, and I am not attacking all picture shows, nor the principle of the cinema; but the most amazing thing to me is this fact, that the two outstanding men, whose profession of religious faith is known to every living American, at the head of the censorship of this new and popular institution, should let absurd, suggestive and sinful productions get by, and be permitted to do their destructive work.

There can be little doubt that the Wild West shows, so called, taking moving-picture form, and the dime-novel that has been thus dramatized, in which the hero is so often a successful killer of his fellows, has put the thought of murder into the minds of thousands of American youth, and that the hold-ups and bank robberies and jealousy killings that have been thus visualized, are back of the wide-spread banditry that has come so recently to characterize and curse the male children of our blessed land. The Associated Press recently carried an article from Hollywood, stating that the most remunerative picture shows of the past year have been those in which mystery murders played a prominent part. Productions of such character are nothing short of criminal.

It is frightful to put before the vision of a fourteen, sixteen or eighteen year old boy, not to speak of those of more tender youth, the suggestion and the method of robbing, killing and mutilating ones fellows. It is doubtful if there is a single exception to this rule, that the boys who are engaged in banditry are frequenters of picture show houses. Let Hickmans confession furnish the latest illustration.

Then to the show-house we must add another thing: the utter putridity of the low and lewd theater! Here again I am using exact language. I am not describing all theaters, nor declaiming against all plays; but I am describing the low and lewd one, and I employ the term putridity with occasion. The moving picture is a factor that is murderous in its influence; the low theater feeds the fires of lust. There is scarce a city in America, our own Minneapolis not excepted, that is not now the location of one or more theaters of the Gaiety sort. They are not schools of art. They present no great literary productions in dramatic form; they provide no music of an uplifting or inspiring character. They have apparently but one objective, and that is to appeal to lust. Their performers are mostly women, nine-tenths of whom make no claim to character.

They are selected on one basis only, and that is one of physical proportions; and they strip and disport themselves in such a way as to smut the minds of all onlookers and corrupt the hearts of all patrons.

Tolstoi in his volume, What is Art?, takes the French artists to task for having painted womens nudity in various forms, but American show-houses are not content to leave this appeal to the dead, though salaciously presented, forms of the canvas. In the interest of filthy lucre, they have taken the passion that God put into men and women for the purpose of making righteous love the highest of human joys, and also the basis of a continued race, and they have degraded it to the level of abominable desire and beastly conduct. So they pervert the finest feature of physical existence. If the average Gaiety Theater is permitted to continue in America, the destiny of Babylon, Rome and Greece will be ours; our moral gangrene has set in already, and our disease will prove to be incurable. It is both rotten and rotting!

As to the sensuous appeal of exceeding prosperity, I need not abide for discussion. It is uniformly admitted that the present generation is suffering through the prosperity of their living and dead sires. Oppulence is in itself a temptation. Hardship has ever made for righteousness; the pinch of poverty is the unappreciated friend of youth, while increased riches constitute his best loved but most deadly enemy. The personal ownership of a high powered car, the custom of living on fathers income without useful occupation, the inheritance of fine clothes and the possession of abundant cash without any sweat of the brow these are the things that are blighting our boys and girls alike, leaving them with little other necessary occupation than planning the next pleasure.

But in the judgment of this speaker, the most banal of all evil sources remains to be mentioned, namely, the demoralizing effect of college philosophy. Dr. Smith of Washington and Lee University, said, in view of the fact that side by side with universal education America, today, has all but universal crime, Something is wrong with our present system of education. Every day in the year emphasizes and illustrates the truthfulness of that statement. The prisons of America are being more and more filled with young men and women, who are either yet at school, or were out but yesterday. The age of the criminal drops annually; the juvenile courts are crowded increasingly. The city jailer, in a city of more than a million population, recently reported that seventy-five per cent, of his jail inmates were under twenty years of age. New York State has incarcerated, for the most nameless crimes, men in tenderest youth to the number of increasing hundreds per annum.

What is wrong with the present-day college? Its philosophy of life! The Literary Digest, commenting on Dr. Cadmans recent address on this subject, said, The old Biblical formulas are not accepted by modern youth; secularism has had some sort of triumph; materialism has been over-strest; the attainments of science have been used too much to promote physical welfare and comfort, and the new learning and much of current literature are too much devoted to inculcating an individualistic philosophy of life.

Is it any wonder that these students are casting aside all restraints when college professors are constantly telling them that there is no God, that the universe originated itself and that all life is the product of a nonsentient principle known as Evolution? Is it any wonder, when conventions are held and such professors as Albert Parker Fitch, the late head of religion in Carleton College, are sent to tell young men and women that the Bible is non-dependable, that no great mind ever believed that Christ was God, and that the doctrine of the Atonement is a dogma to be rejected, and when such professors as Harry Emerson Fosdick reduce the birth of Jesus to the level with the mythologies of heathen people, and such atheists as Dr. Wakefield Slaton should have charge of the religious teaching in a professedly orthodox college, that our young people come out of these institutions intellectual anemics and moral derelicts?

Is it any wonder that Minnesota feels the effect of this beastly and false philosophy when such text-books as Chapins, Social Evolution, deride alike the authority and authenticity of the Ten Commandments; Parmelees Criminology is in nature and character a defense of crime itself; Ross Social Psychology is an open attack on Divine revelation, and Ellwoods Sociology and Modern Social Problems perverts the Truth and practically destroys the same; that the state should feel the effect of such teaching and reap the widespread harvest of having the same scattered throughout our entire school system by those instructed in such godless and crime-producing texts.

Is it any wonder that we have constant reports emanating from grades and high schools in Minneapolis of moral degenerates when Burch and Patterson are employed as instructors in American Social Problems; and, when that text-book grows so unpopular that it is no longer endured by parents and preachers, it is put aside, and Harte introduced, with his clear declaration of atheism?

Moral breakdown in America today is constantly attributed by our school men to the failure of fathers and mothers, but it is only the natural fruit of the Darwin doctrine applied to every branch of learning, reducing each in turn to the beastly basis, justifying lust, rapine, murder and every other conceivable outrage, on the basis of the struggle for existence, and the survival of the unfittest.

Only a little while ago a leading paper of Montana, a paper that had backed the State University many years, came but in an editorial of two full columns, denouncing as vile, unfit for the ears of living men or the eyes of decent readers, the teaching that one professor, Fox, had been giving to the students in the mixed classes on the subject of sex, and demanded that a publication which was unfit for the mails, should be no longer permitted immature students. Thereupon, the president of the institution, in perfect conformity with the average presidents practice, defended, and by subterfuge said they were not responsible for the publication (although it bore the name of the University, had the University seal upon it, and its affairs were directed by a board selected by the faculty), and that the difficulty was not with the professor, but with the general public, who had not yet been educated up to hisFoxsideals and philosophy of life. How interesting!

It is little wonder that Dr. Edward Steiner of Grinnell College said, Under guise of art our children are allowed to see and read smut. Besides the movies, and some of the movies are good, we have a mass of magazines catering to the sex motiveerotic in nature. I become disgusted with the movies and when I pass a news stand and look at it I want to touch a match to the whole thing. He declared that ninety per cent, of the students are at school for a good time, and lack even the energy to challenge the statements of professors, and said, I could stand in my class and tell my students that the moon is made of green cheese and they would write it down in their notes and never question me, and added, Our colleges have now become places for the prolongation of the period of indecision for four more years.

Little wonder that students are committing suicide as a result of such teaching, Rigby Wile of New York saying, Life is pointless and futile, and Alfred Kehoe of Brooklyn, I am passing out of the picture in my own little peculiar way; Cassels W. Noe, University of Wisconsin, sending back a message, I go out to solve the riddle of life and death.

It is absolutely certain that they are not finding the riddle solved by the skeptical professor of the present day. The recollections received from his teaching are ephemeral and are worthless tomorrow, but the sad part of it is that the skepticism imparted abides to curse.

The Southern Methodist recently carried the letter of a gifted girl who, under a pretender of a Bible teacher, in a Methodist College, had suffered every conceivable blow against her faith. She wrote to her parents, You will never know what I was up against. The Professor would sit and pick out contradiction after contradiction and give the very references so that we could see the contradictions right before our eyes. I was not afraid to stick to what I believed, but when he stuck those things before me and asked how I could believe that the Bible was literally inspired, when I could see for myself the errors, I just did not know what to think. He told us that we could blindly go on believing the Bible was absolutely infallible and just shut our eyes to the errors, or else we could face things as they stand and have a religion that can stand all tests. With it all he was so earnest and sincere and seemed to be such a true, consecrated Christian, that he had me up the air. I was just about gone, when Mr. (an evangelist) saved me and gave me absolute proof of some things that the Professor had hooted at and said were impossible. Oh, mother and father, for goodness sake, dont send the boys to that school!

Am I pleading against education? God forbid! I believe in it, and live for it; but I candidly believe that of all the influences that are at work today that have fruited in crime, no one is comparable to the beastly philosophy of evolution, now basal to every study at most of the universities. It has first wrought havoc with the faith of the professor himself, and today it is destroying the morale of the entire land, and when the day of final reckoning is on, it will be found that more potent than murderous picture shows, more putrid than low and lewd theaters, more ruinous than the temptation of riches, has been the Darwin doctrine, the philosophy of atheism that lifts itself against God and smites the faith of the land.

But we turn from description to prescription. Is there any antidote to these evils? Is there any way out of this quagmire unto which men have come? Is there any salvation from this corrupt state of Society?

Yes! No Prophet or Apostle ever so presents a subject as to leave the student in pessimism. Inspired men were not blind to the facts about them; neither were they faithless concerning the future, and Paul has his remedy and plainly states it.

It is

THE ONE AND ONLY PRESCRIPTION

A knowledge of God is the one and only cure of souls; that knowledge comes from a study of the Holy Scripture. Its truths suffice to morally redeem and establish men.

The knowledge of God is the one and only cure of souls. There is but one Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Paul had put his trust in that Name, and he pleads with Timothy, his junior, to continue in the things which he had learned of him, and chief among them was belief in God.

Edgar Guest, Americas first poet (when the appeal is to the heart), writing a while ago on What My Religion Means to Me, said: I want Bud, my boy, to know this. The sooner any young man discovers that belief in God and belief in his own Divine purpose are vital to his career, the better it will be for him. I would rather die leaving nothing to my boy but his religion, than to die leaving him a fortune, with no religion. If I can but impress upon him, as my mother impressed upon me, the fact that God has given him a soul to be his for all eternity; that he has been blessed with Divine powers to beautify and glorify that soul; if I can give to him the sure belief in a Supreme Being, I shall not need to worry about his future. He will be safe against temptation. He will be able to see crooks and liars and cheats win temporarily, and still retain his own honor. With that faith he can be manly, self-reliant, independent, humor-loving, artistic, athletic, friendly and whatsoever he wills to be. The boy who has faith in God will have faith in himself.

And the boy or the man or the woman who has no faith in God has no faith in his fellows. The most sinister company that I know in America, todaythe company that has the least respect for their fellowmen, are the American atheists. I have had much contact with them in debates over the subject of evolution, for they are evolutionists everyone, and I say without hesitation that for superficiality and scorn and sinister expression they are without peers; and I also say they are without success in life.

I believe with my favorite American poet, Edgar Guest, that all great men of nearly all the ages have known God.

That knowledge comes from a study of the Holy Scriptures. Paul refers to this fact and tells Timothy that from a child he had known the Holy Scriptures and through them had come to a faith that saved. I would not say that a man is never saved without the Scriptures; in fact, I believe on the authority of the New Testament itself, that some men have been saved without them, as Peter said of Cornelius, God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable with Him; but I am confident that the Bible is Gods usual, and practically, His only medium of revealing Himself clearly to the minds of men.

Nature makes a certain revelation, but it is partial and incomplete.

The Book makes a perfect revelation. It presents Him as the Creator in Genesis, it reveals Him as the Father of our spirits in both the Old and New Testaments. It tells of His power, of His grace, of His love. It presents Christ, an incarnation of them all, and then it points to Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And, in that, it stands alone!

Mr. Shepherd, who, some time ago, was writing a series of articles in Colliers Weekly, while admitting that he was not a churchman, expressed his conviction that the present-day breakdown in morality and the failure of society was due to the neglect of certain fundamental teachings found nowhere except in the Word of God; and he called attention to the fact that when men started in to drive sectarianism out of the schools they ended up by driving the Bible out and produced a far-reaching havoc mentally and morally and spiritually. And then John Brown, who quotes him, adds: I have worked through states where the Bible is read and where prayer is offered at every chapel service, and I have worked through states where the Bible has been legislated from the school-room as though it were a consuming plague. And the difference in the atmosphere of the schoolrooms of these states was so apparent that only a man blind to facts and dead to holy convictions could do other than admit that the difference was there.

The reason is not far to seek. The Bible, and the Bible alone, lights the way to God, and without Him the world stumbles in darkness, continues in sin, and grovels in increasing depths of degradation.

Modernism has made its attack upon the Bible, and in so far as it has been successful, has undermined society itself. Dr. William Powick, at one time an ardent modernist, confesses the failure of the men who have come to question the authority and integrity of the Book. He says, They have failed signally to bring to our struggling world either vision or courage for its salvation. Fundamentalism at its best, for example, in some of the work of the Salvation Army, has to its credit the dramatic healing of sick souls. Who ever heard similar tales of twice born men as proofs of the living power of the Modernists word?

No wonder! If men are to be saved it will be through a knowledge of and faith in the plain teaching of the Word of God.

It is enheartening to know that that Word lives and thrives, and that every year sees a larger number of this volume sold than in the preceding year, or than any book or collection of books, that the world ever knew besides. There is a reason for this. You can fool some people all the time; you can fool all people some of the time; but, as the great Lincoln said, You cant fool all the people all the time, and the volume that has held its way in the world from two thousand to thirty-five hundred years, ever increasing in favor with thoughtful men, must have merit, and must bring them a hope that is not found elsewhere; and present a prospect nowhere equalled, or it would not persist.

One likes to think of the Gideons, who, according to the January 14, 1928, Literary Digest, have placed 883,000 Bibles in hotel rooms, and expect to finish the distribution of one million by June. One likes to dwell upon the fact that the New York Bible Society has placed 100,000 in hotel rooms during the last ten years. To know that the American Bible Society in 1926 issued 9,907,361 Bibles, or parts of Bibles, and is sending the same to every nook and cranny of the world; and during the 111 years of the societys existence has distributed 184,028,960 volumes of the Holy Book.

Why this persistence and this ever-increasing output? Solely because men have found there the Way of Life. I read the other day a statement from dear old David James Burrell, the man who made Westminster Church, this city, as few other pastors ever imparted power to it. You know he only recently passed away after a notable work in the Marble Collegiate Church, New York City. He tells how, when he was a student at Yale, he was caught up in the conflicting winds of controversy, and how, little by little, his faith in the old-time religion vanished until all was gone. When I had finished at Yale I went back to my western home and was met by my dear mother at the gate. She threw her arms about me, kissed me on both cheeks, and said, Now, my boy, my dream is coming true. You are going to be a minister of Christ, It was like a blow in the face. I loved my mother devotedly, but my plans were made. What could I do? For three days I wrestled with the problem. How could I enter the ministry, when my faith was gone? I had lost even the power of prayer. I was resolved not to enter the ministry unless I could honestly assume its solemn vows. I tried most earnestly to recover my faith. I resolved to try an experiment. I would take a years course in theology and abide by the result. So I entered a liberal institution in Chicago where, by a kind providence, I roomed in old Farwell Hall, which was Mr. Moodys headquarters. I cannot thank God sufficiently for my association with that devoted man. But the lectures in the Seminary gave me no help. I returned to my room after each hour in the classroom, and the only prayer I could make was, Lord, help Thou mine unbelief. Still I did not abandon my purpose. A second year in Union Theological Seminary served me no better. One day as I sat in my room there was a knock at my door, and one of my newsboys entered with his heart in his throat and his hair on end. He asked me to come quickly. His father was dying and I was the only minister he knew. I followed him down the avenue and climbed the rickety stairs to an attic room where his father lay dying. As I sat by his bed he looked at me and said, You are pretty young to tell an old man like me how to die. I shall never forget that night! The old man began by asking me if I thought God would have mercy on an old sinner like him. I answered by quoting Wesleys lines,

Betwixt the saddle and the ground,Mercy sought is mercy founds

How do you know that? I replied, that Christ had said so! How do you know Christ said so? I referred to the Bible as my authority. He said, Do you believe the Bible? What could I answer? I lied to him, saying that I did. He asked me, Do you believe Jesus died for a low down sinner like me? I lied again, and said that I did. How do you know that? Again I referred to the Bible as authority. How do you know the Bible is true? I did my best to explaininsincerely. But what could I do? The dying man shot questions at me all night, thrusting me, metaphorically, from one corner of the room to another, and keeping his filming eyes on me as I sought to answer him. Oh, that dreary, momentous night! I had never seen a man die before. At last the old man, who had been bred in a Highland home by Christian parents, began to remember, and presently he was murmuring to himself the Scottish version of the Shepherd Psalm:

The Lords my Shepherd, Ill not want;He makes me down to lie;In pastures green He leadeth me,The quiet waters by.Yea, though I walk through deaths dark vale,Yet will I fear no ill,For Thou art with me and Thy rod And staff me comfort still.

The past was coming up before him. Presently he said, Pray with me. I fell on my knees by his bedside and poured out my soul in the first real prayer I had offered in years. When I rose from my knees the old Scotchman had gone; the morning was dawning and I had reason to thank God that in trying to teach a sinner how to die, I had myself learned how to live. My faith had come back to me! I had discovered that henceforth there was no middle-of-the-road for me. I must believe or disbelieve. Since then, thank God, 1 have never wavered.

I am entering on my eighty-second year. For nearly half a century I have served in the ministry of Christ, and the memory of that night in a tenement house on Eleventh Avenue, always abides with me. And the Lord who has been my faithful keeper, will keep me to the end. This testimony of that grand man, David James Burrell, has its lesson for minister and layman alike; its lesson for the menaced, and for the formal professor of Christianity. It is this: the revealed truths of the Bible are the only truths that can save and establish a man in righteousness!

Fuente: The Bible of the Expositor and the Evangelist by Riley

(2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves.Hofmann and others have attempted to portion out these vices into groups. But any such effort seems artificial. A certain connection seems to exist in some part; but when pressed to preserve the groups, a strained meaning has to be given to some of the terms. It seems, therefore, best simply to understand the catalogue as representing the various more prominent vices which appeared on the surface of Christian society, and threatened the very existence of the Church, even in those early times when Timothy ruled over the congregations of Christians at Ephesus. Hofmann, however, divides the catalogue contained in 2Ti. 3:2-4 into three groups, consisting of five, six, and seven terms, respectively.

Lovers of their own selves.Selfishness well heads the dreary list. It is the true root of all sin.

Covetous.More accurately rendered, lovers of money. This love of money has been happily termed the daughter of selfishness.

Boasters.Those who arrogate to themselves honour which does not fairly belong to them.

Proud.These are they who contemptuously look down on others beneath them, either in social position or wealth, or perhaps in natural gifts. The Latin, ostentatio, represents the vice which affects the first of these classesthe boasters; and superbia, that which affects the second classthe proud.

Blasphemers.The two vices just mentioned refer to mans conduct to his brother man; this alludes to his behaviour towards his God. The pride with which he looks down on his fellows develops itself into insolence in thought, if not in word, towards his God: and this is termed blasphemy.

Disobedient to parents.The blasphemer of the Father which is in heaven is only too likely to train up little ones who, in their turn, will display a disobedience and disrespect of their earthly parents. The home life of the man who chooses not to know God in his heart will too easily reflect his evil thoughts and senseless pride.

Unthankful.Or, ungrateful. The children who begin life with disobedience to their parents, with rare exceptions, are ungrateful to all others who may show them kindness in their life journey.

Unholy.Unholy through their want of inward purity. (See 1Ti. 1:9.)

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

2. Men The men with the article; the people, that is, of the Church and professedly religious community, (and much worse as in Rom 1:25-32.) This catalogue of qualities belonged, of course, to the paganism of the age, as the history of the times plentifully and sadly shows.

Lovers of their own selves Not merely possessing rational self-love but selfishness.

Covetous Silver-loving. Note on Luk 16:14.

Boasters Braggarts of qualities superior to others.

Proud With a reserved sense of their own excellence.

Blasphemers Reproachers not only of God, but of man also.

Unholy Unjust and irreligious.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

‘For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, swaggeringly arrogant (professing loudly about themselves what is not true), boastful (having an all consuming desire, often secret, to control others), abusive, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers (backbiters), without self-control, fierce (uncontrollable), no lovers of good, treacherous, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,’

Paul then lists the reasons why these days in which they are living are so grievous. The picture is in fact one of men in all ages, and it is certainly equally relevant to our own day. It is a description of what is in the heart of man. Compare Mar 7:21-23; Rom 1:26-32; 1Co 6:9-10; Gal 5:20-21, although it is noticeable that here the gross sins of murder, adultery and sexual misbehaviour do not have attention drawn to them. The emphasis is more on their daily attitudes towards each other (outside their own intimate circles), and the attitude of men’s hearts towards God. Firstly they are idolaters, although their idols are self and money. They think only of what they can get for themselves, and what they can grab out of life. Then they are totally selfish, having high opinions of themselves while at the same time being objectionable towards others, being swaggeringly arrogant (professing loudly about themselves what is not true), boastful (having an all consuming desire, often secret, to control others) abusive, and contemptuous of the views of their parents. Then they have no time for either what man thinks or for God. They are ungrateful to society (thankless), and offend against all decency (anosios), as well as being ungrateful to God, and thus thankless and ‘unholy’ (not giving God a decent thought, or if they do it is in some way off religion). Then they are hard and unyielding, being without natural affection, implacable (hard hearted, hostile), slanderers (gossipers and talebearers), and without self-control. Thus they easily give way to ‘fierceness’ and belligerence. And finally they have no love for what is truly good, and instead are treacherous, headstrong, and puffed up about themselves, being lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Note how having begun with ‘lovers of self and lovers of money’ he has ended with ‘lovers of pleasure and not lovers of God’. The whole heart of those described is set in the wrong direction. They love themselves, they love mammon and they love pleasure, but they have no time for God and His ways.

The list is in the form of a chiasmus. Lovers of self and lovers of money parallel lovers of pleasure, not lovers of God. Swaggeringly arrogant parallels those who are puffed up. A desire to control others parallels headstrong. Abusive parallels treacherous. Disobedient to parents parallels not lovers of good. Those who are ungrateful parallel those who are uncontrollable. Those who offend against all decency parallel those who are without self-control. Those who are hard and unyielding parallel those who are so hard that they gossip about, and bear tales about, others. Those who are without natural affection parallel those who are slanderers. And implacability, that is an unwillingness to be tolerant, takes central place. It is the very opposite of what a Christian leader should be (2Ti 2:24-25 a).

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

2Ti 3:2-5 . ] The article is not to be overlooked. Luther is inaccurate: there will be men; Nouveau Test. Mons: il y aura des hommes. The article points to the generality, but, as Matthies rightly observes, not exactly “all without exception, rather taking the average, as a general rule.”

Bengel: majore gradu et numero tales, quam unquam, in ecclesia.

Mack is incorrect: “the people of whom I am speaking.”

( . .). It may be explained from Arist. ad Nicom . ix. 8: . Heinrichs, on the analogy of 1Co 10:24 , says: , .

] only elsewhere in Luk 16:14 ; the substantive occurs in 1Ti 6:10 .

, ] Rom 1:30 ; the first expresses boastfulness without intending contempt for others; the second, pride and haughtiness with contempt for others; see Meyer on that passage. Hofmann’s explanation of is not appropriate: “he who attributes to himself an honour which is not his.”

] “slanderous;” not quite “blasphemous” (Matthies). In 1Ti 1:13 a definite reference to divine things is given by the context.

] Rom 1:30 .

] elsewhere only in Luk 6:35 ( Sir 16:29 ; Wis 19:17 ).

] 1Ti 1:9 . Beza: quibus nullum jus est nec fas. 2Ti 3:3 . ] Rom 1:31 , especially of the natural affection between parents and children: caritate a natura ipsa nobis insita orbati, Heinrichs.

] Rom 1:31 ; both those who make no covenant (Luther: “irreconcilable”) and those who do not keep a covenant made, “covenant-breaking.” Hofmann says: “one who is destitute of moral sense of justice;” but that does not give the reference peculiar to the word.

] 1Ti 3:11 .

( . .), “having no control over one’s passions;” 1Co 7:5 : ; the opposite is , Tit 1:8 .

] ( . .). Oecumenius makes it equivalent to , ; synonymous with , Rom 1:31 .

( . .); the opposite: , Tit 1:8 . Theophylact: . Luther wrongly: “unkindly.” 2Ti 3:4 . ] Luk 6:16 ; Act 7:52 ; here: “men among whom there is no fidelity” (Wiesinger).

] (Act 19:36 ), qui praecipites sunt in agendo (Bengel), “foolhardy.” Hofmann’s is too weak: “inconsiderate.”

] 1Ti 3:6 ; 1Ti 6:4 , “puffed up,” not merely “made stupid” (Hofmann).

(both words . . Philo, de Agricult.: ); such paronomasia are often found in the N. T.; see Wilke’s Hermeneutik , vol. II. p. 346: “rather hunting after pleasure than seeking after God.” [44] 2Ti 3:5 . ] , Rom 2:20 , in a different meaning from here; see Meyer on that passage. We must not, like Beza, understand it to be vera forma et effigies pietatis, sicut in lege proponitur; it rather denotes the external form in general. But as Paul contrasts it here with , it acquires the signification of mere appearance in distinction from true nature.

] in contrast with : “the living, powerful nature of genuine blessedness” (Heydenreich).

] 1Ti 5:8 ; Tit 1:16 ; Tit 2:12 : “they show that they do not possess the , and do not wish to possess it.”

This ends the enumeration of the characteristics which Paul uses to describe the men in the last times.

Rom 1:30-31 is similar to this passage; Wiesinger (following Olshausen) aptly remarks: “it is a new heathendom under a Christian name which the apostle is here describing.”

A definite connection between the ideas cannot be established, [45] but in both passages kindred ideas are placed together. Thus the two first are compounded with ; then follow three expressions denoting arrogance; to there is added ; this word begins a longer series of words beginning with privative, and the series is interrupted by ; the next expressions: , , seem to form a paronomasia; to there is added the kindred notion ; some more general notions close the list. But this very confusion brings out more vividly the varied manifestations of the evil one. It is to be observed, however, that the list begins with , that accordingly only such qualities are enumerated as have their root in , and that hypocrisy is the last mentioned, as the means by which the selfish man seeks to conceal his selfishness by a show of piety.

Heydenreich wrongly tries to establish in the particular expressions a special reference to the peculiar nature of the heretics.

As the closing word, Paul adds the exhortation: ] , . . (1Ti 6:20 : ), is kindred in meaning with , 2Ti 2:23 : “from these things turn away, these things avoid.”

This exhortation shows that Paul in single phenomena of the day already recognised the approach of the which were to come fully in the future.

[44] Theod. v. Mopsu.: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

[45] Hofmann does indeed seek to establish an order in accordance with definite points of view, but he does not accomplish this without much ingenuity and many inaccurate interpretations.

Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Ver. 2. Lovers of their own selves ] This sinful self-love is the root of all the rest that follow in this black beadroll.

Boasters ] Or, arrogant, as that Pyrgopolynices,Isa 10:8-11Isa 10:8-11 , Thrasonical a Lamech, Gen 4:23 , where he brags and goes on to out dare God himself. Spaniards are said to be impudent braggers, and extremely proud in the lowest ebb of fortune.

a Resembling Thraso or his behaviour; given to or marked by boasting; bragging, boastful, vainglorious. D

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

2 .] for (reason for ) men ( generic: the men who shall live in those times) shall be selfish ( , Theod-Mops. Aristotle, in his chapter , Eth. Nicom. ix. 8, while he maintains that there is a higher sense in which , allows that use the word of , , : and adds, , covetous (ref.: we have the subst., 1Ti 6:10 , and the verb, 2Ma 10:20 ), empty boasters ( , , Theod-Mops.: see ref. and definitions from Aristotle in note), haughty ( , , Theod-Mops.: ref. and note), evil speakers ( , Theod-Mops. Not ‘blasphemers,’ unless, as in ref. 1 Tim., the context specifies to what the evil-speaking refers), disobedient to parents (‘character temporum colligendus imprimis etiam ex juventutis moribus.’ Bengel), ungrateful , unholy (ref. , Theod-Mops., and Beza’s ‘quibus nullum jus est nec fas’ are perhaps too wide: it is rather ‘irreligious’), without natural affection (ref. and note), implacable (it does not appear that the word ever means ‘truce- breakers ,’ , , as Theod-Mops. In all the places where it occurs in a subjective sense, it is, ‘that will make’ or ‘admit no truce:’ e.g., sch. Agam. 1235, : Eur. Alcest. 426, : Demosth. p. 314. 16, . : the same expression, . , occurs in Polyb. i. 65. 6. For the primary objective sense, ‘without ,’ see Thucyd. i. 37; ii. 22; v. 32, and Palm and Rost’s Lex.), calumniators (reff.), incontinent (we have the subst. , 1Co 7:5 ), inhuman ( , , c.), no lovers of good ( , Thl.), traitors, headlong (either in action, ‘qui prcipites sunt in agendo,’ Beng.: or in passion (temper), which would in fact amount to the same), besotted by pride (see note, 1Ti 3:6 ), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God ( . . . Philo, de agric. 19, vol. i. p. 313), having a (or the ?) form (outward embodiment: the same meaning as in ref., but here confined, by the contrast following, to the mere outward semblance, whereas there, no contrast occurring, the outward embodiment is the real representation. “The more correct word would be (sch. Ag. 873, Eum. 412), being properly active, e.g., . , Theophr. de caus. plant, iii. 7. 4: there is, however, a tendency in the N. T.: as in later writers, to replace the verbal nouns in – by the corresponding nouns in – : cf. , ch. 2Ti 1:13 .” Ellicott) of piety, but having repudiated (not pres., ‘ denying ,’ as E. V., ‘ renouncing ,’ as Conyb.; their condemnation is, that they are living in the semblance of God’s fear, but have repudiated its reality) the power of it (its living and renewing influence over the heart and life).

Cf. throughout this description, Rom 1:30-31 . Huther remarks, “We can hardly trace any formal rule of arrangement through these predicates. Here and there, it is true, a few cognate ideas are grouped together: the two first are connected by : then follow three words betokening high-mindedness: is followed by : this word opens a long series of words beginning with privative, but interrupted by : the following, , , seem to be a paronomasia: the latter of these is followed by as a cognate idea: a few more general predicates close the catalogue. But this very interpenetration serves to depict more vividly the whole manifoldness of the manifestation of evil.” And from these turn away (ref.: cf. , 1Ti 6:20 . This command shews that the Apostle treats the symptoms of the last times as not future exclusively, but in some respects present: see note above, 2Ti 3:1 ):

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

2Ti 3:2 . : mankind in general, not . This list of human vices should be compared with that given in Rom 1:29 sqq .; , , , are common to both passages. appropriately heads the array, egoism or self-centredness being the root of almost every sin, just as love which “seeketh not its own” (1Co 13:5 ) is “the fulfilment of the law” (Rom 13:10 ). is used favourably by Aristotle in the sense of self-respect ( Nic. Eth . ix. 8. 7). But “once the sense of sin is truly felt, self-respect becomes an inadequate basis for moral theory. So Philo ( de Prof . 15) speaks of those who are ” (Dean Bernard, in loc ).

: covetousness ( , Rom 1:29 ) naturally springs from, or is one form of, selfishness; but we cannot suppose with Chrys. that there is a similar sequence intended all through.

Other compounds of .- in the Pastorals, besides the five that occur here, are , Tit 1:8 , , , Tit 2:4 , , Tit 3:4 , , 1Ti 3:2 , Tit 1:8 .

, : elati, superbi . The , boastful , betrays his character by his words; the , haughty , more usually by his demeanour and expression.

: abusive, railers (R.V.); not necessarily blasphemers (A.V.).

and naturally go together; since, as Bengel observes, gratitude springs from filial duty.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

men. App-123.,

lovers, &c Greek. philautes. Only here.

covetous = lovers of money. Greek. philarguros. Only here and Luk 16:14.

boasters. Greek. alazon, See Rom 1:30.

proud. Greek. huperephanos. See 2Ti 1:30.

disobedient, &c. See Rom 1:30.

unthankful. Greek. acharistos. Only here and Luk 6:35.

unholy. See 1Ti 1:9.

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

2.] for (reason for ) men ( generic: the men who shall live in those times) shall be selfish ( , Theod-Mops. Aristotle, in his chapter , Eth. Nicom. ix. 8, while he maintains that there is a higher sense in which ,-allows that use the word of , , : and adds, , covetous (ref.: we have the subst., 1Ti 6:10, and the verb, 2Ma 10:20), empty boasters (, , Theod-Mops.: see ref. and definitions from Aristotle in note), haughty ( , , Theod-Mops.: ref. and note), evil speakers ( , Theod-Mops. Not blasphemers, unless, as in ref. 1 Tim., the context specifies to what the evil-speaking refers), disobedient to parents (character temporum colligendus imprimis etiam ex juventutis moribus. Bengel), ungrateful,unholy (ref. , Theod-Mops., and Bezas quibus nullum jus est nec fas are perhaps too wide: it is rather irreligious), without natural affection (ref. and note), implacable (it does not appear that the word ever means truce-breakers, , ,-as Theod-Mops. In all the places where it occurs in a subjective sense, it is, that will make or admit no truce: e.g., sch. Agam. 1235, : Eur. Alcest. 426, : Demosth. p. 314. 16, . : the same expression, . , occurs in Polyb. i. 65. 6. For the primary objective sense, without , see Thucyd. i. 37; ii. 22; v. 32, and Palm and Rosts Lex.), calumniators (reff.), incontinent (we have the subst. , 1Co 7:5), inhuman (, , c.), no lovers of good ( , Thl.), traitors, headlong (either in action, qui prcipites sunt in agendo, Beng.: or in passion (temper), which would in fact amount to the same), besotted by pride (see note, 1Ti 3:6), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God ( . . . Philo, de agric. 19, vol. i. p. 313), having a (or the?) form (outward embodiment: the same meaning as in ref., but here confined, by the contrast following, to the mere outward semblance, whereas there, no contrast occurring, the outward embodiment is the real representation. The more correct word would be (sch. Ag. 873, Eum. 412), being properly active, e.g., . , Theophr. de caus. plant, iii. 7. 4: there is, however, a tendency in the N. T.: as in later writers, to replace the verbal nouns in – by the corresponding nouns in -: cf. , ch. 2Ti 1:13. Ellicott) of piety, but having repudiated (not pres., denying, as E. V.,-renouncing, as Conyb.; their condemnation is, that they are living in the semblance of Gods fear, but have repudiated its reality) the power of it (its living and renewing influence over the heart and life).

Cf. throughout this description, Rom 1:30-31. Huther remarks, We can hardly trace any formal rule of arrangement through these predicates. Here and there, it is true, a few cognate ideas are grouped together: the two first are connected by : then follow three words betokening high-mindedness: is followed by : this word opens a long series of words beginning with privative, but interrupted by : the following, , , seem to be a paronomasia: the latter of these is followed by as a cognate idea: a few more general predicates close the catalogue. But this very interpenetration serves to depict more vividly the whole manifoldness of the manifestation of evil. And from these turn away (ref.: cf. , 1Ti 6:20. This command shews that the Apostle treats the symptoms of the last times as not future exclusively, but in some respects present: see note above, 2Ti 3:1):

Fuente: The Greek Testament

2Ti 3:2. , men shall be) Such shall be of higher rank and of greater number in the Church than ever formerly: 2Ti 3:5. They shall be worse even than those who had abused the light of nature alone, Rom 1:29, etc.: where we explain many things in the notes, which are here repeated.-, lovers of their own selves) The first root of evil.-, lovers of money) The second root.- , disobedient to parents) The character of the times is to be gathered even especially from the manners of the young.-, ungrateful) The obligation of a grateful mind is next to that of filial duty.

Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament

2Ti 3:2

For men shall be lovers of self,-Selfishness will be a general characteristic of the period. It denotes one who assigns to himself a larger share of wealth, honors, and bodily pleasures than to others. This trait is mentioned first because, as the root of the essence of all sin, it is the source of the other evil characteristics mentioned.

lovers of money,-Filled with selfish greed for the accumulation of wealth; improperly desirous of gain.

boastful,-These arrogate to themselves honors which do not fairly belong to them.

haughty,-These are they who contemptuously look down on others beneath them either in social position or wealth or in natural gifts.

railers,-Are scornful, insolent, and blame with bitterness. They carry the war of their tongues into the camp of the enemy and give vent to their vengeance against God or man. It is sinful in either case.

disobedient to parents,-No character has been more condemned by God than those disobedient to parents. Under the law of Moses the stubborn and rebellious son who would not obey his parents was to be stoned to death. (Deu 21:18-20.) The parents stood in the place of God to the child, and if it would not obey them they could not expect it to obey God. [Christ has set up a new standard of individual responsibility which sometimes makes it necessary for children, when they have come to years of responsibility, to act contrary to the wishes of their parents in order that they may obey God. The Lord said: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Mat 10:37.) Yet parents have not forfeited all their natural rights, and in all matters where obedience to God is not at stake children are even more bound to yield them respect, obedience, and tender affection.]

unthankful,-[Children who begin life with disobedience to their parents with rare exceptions are ungrateful to all others who may show them kindness in their life journey. Ingratitude has always been regarded as one of the worst of crimes. It is said here that it would characterize that wicked age of which Paul speaks.]

unholy,-Not consecrated to God through their want of purity; defiled with sin, irreligious. [Those who scoff at holiness of life and character in its deepest sense.]

Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary

lovers: 2Ti 3:4, Rom 15:1-3, 2Co 5:15, Phi 2:21, Jam 2:8

covetous: Luk 12:15, Rom 1:29, Col 3:5, 2Pe 2:3, 2Pe 2:14, 2Pe 2:15, Jud 1:11, Jud 1:16, Rev 18:12, Rev 18:13

boasters: Psa 10:3, Psa 49:6, Psa 52:1, Isa 10:15, Act 5:36, Rom 1:29-31, Rom 11:18, 2Th 2:4, Jam 4:16, 2Pe 2:18, Jud 1:16

proud: Pro 6:17, 1Ti 6:4, Jam 4:6, 1Pe 5:5

blasphemers: Dan 7:25, Dan 11:36, 1Ti 1:20, 2Pe 2:12, Jud 1:10, Rev 13:1, Rev 13:5, Rev 13:6, Rev 16:9, Rev 16:11, Rev 16:21

disobedient: Mat 15:6, Mar 7:11, Mar 7:12, Rom 1:30

Reciprocal: Lev 11:29 – creeping things that creep Psa 107:31 – Oh that men Pro 14:2 – but Pro 24:19 – Fret Isa 48:1 – not in truth Jer 7:9 – steal Dan 7:8 – a mouth Mic 7:6 – son Mat 13:47 – and gathered Luk 10:32 – General Luk 20:47 – for Act 8:9 – giving Act 17:17 – daily Rom 1:21 – they glorified Rom 3:10 – none Rom 16:18 – by Eph 5:3 – covetousness Tit 3:3 – living

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2Ti 3:2. Lovers of their own selves. They will be selfish and interested chiefly in that which gives themselves the enjoyments of life. Such characters will often insist on such gratification even when it causes discomfort to others. Covetous is from PHILARGUROS, which Thayer defines, “loving money, avaricious.” It is easy to understand how such characters would make it hard for others to get along. Boasters is from ALAZON and Thayer defines it, “an empty pretender, a boaster.” It is unbecoming for a man to manifest the spirit of a boaster, even when he has accomplished something worth while. It is more so when one boasts of some merit that he does not actually have. Proud includes much of the same spirit as the word just explained, and goes further to include an exalting of one’s self above others. It means a person who is overbearing and shows a “holier-than-thou” attitude toward others. Blasphemers. I can do no better at explaining this word than to quote the definition of the original given by Thayer as follows: “Speaking evil, slanderous, reproachful, railing, abusive;” and that of Robinson, “Hurtful to the good name of any one, detractive.” Disobedient to parents. The simple fact of disobedient children was nothing new when Paul wrote this epistle, as may be seen by reading Deu 21:18; Pro 19:18; Heb 12:9-11. Hence it is well to consider again the comment at verse 1, that is was the increase of the evils that was predicted. We do not know how soon after Paul’s day this predicted increase began, but we do know that disobedience and other forms of disrespect to parents are rampant today. However, the children are not the only ones who are responsible for this condition; parents also are to blame. They will throw up their hands in a gesture of despair, and wonder what is to be done about the “problem of the young people,” as if a radical change had come into the natural relation between parents and their offspring. Nothing of that kind has happened, for the children have always been just as they are now, except that their natural tendency toward disobedience has become worse according to the prediction. The change has come on the part of parents, in that they are too indolent to exercise the discipline they should. This situation is made worse by the modern teaching of public schools, where it is said that the youth should be left to form their own conclusions regarding their personal conduct. They have always wanted to do that, hence it is no new idea. Another thing that encourages this increased rebellion is the daily public press. Many of the “columns” in the papers advocate such notions as “proper handling” of our children. In some instances, this “advice” comes from persons who never had any children of their own, and may even never have been married. The world would be better off if these features were ruled out of the papers. Unthankful. Ingratitude is one of the worst characteristics manifested by humanity. Many people will grasp the favors that come within reach, and act as if such things were to be taken for granted, and that the obligations all traveled in one direction. Unholy. This is a general term, and applies to all forms of evil conduct considered in this passage. Any form of un-righteousness may truly be described as unholy.

Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary

2Ti 3:2. Covetous. The alliterative emphasis is better given by lovers of themselves, lovers of money.

Proud. Better, haughty.

Blasphemers. The context would rather imply that the word is used in the sense of railers or revilers.

Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament

Here our apostle reckons up the several sins which would abound in these last days, and make the times perilous: persons professing Christianity shall appear inordinate self-lovers, insatiably covetous, vain-glorious, boasters, proud, despisers of others, blasphemers of God, and Christ, and the Holy Spirit, by denying the prescience and foreknowledge of the former, the divinity and godhead of the latter.

Learn hence, That sins, especially great sins, seldom go single and alone, but commonly generate and beget one another. Thus here, self-love begets covetousness, covetousness pride, and pride blasphemy. Thus men fall from one sin to another, and proceed from one degree of wickedness to another.

Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” 4 “Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;”

SAY WHAT? WOW! Who upset Paul? He was on a roll there. Let’s look at those one at a time – I think these are not so nice people.

Lovers of their own selves: I think the world and much of the church is in this category. We in America are so self serving we never see the other person. This is why we have all the rudeness, road rage, and problems between people in this country.

As Dr. Phil once ask a person Who declared you the center of the universe?

This is the translation of one Greek word – “philautos” – it is translated “own self” “loving oneself” or “too intent on oneself”

I’m stuck on me would be the modern thought. I am so important and I certainly know it, but I’m not sure you do yet so let me tell you.

The word used here is made up of two words philos which means friend or to be friendly and the word owtos which means him or themselves. So we would see it as the thought of a friend of oneself.

We have all seen the character on the road that thinks he owns the entire road and that all must get out of his way. The other day I was biking just east of my home and there were two cars sitting at a stop sign. The second in line tooted his horn slightly to which the other man floored his gas to get across the intersection slammed on his brakes and piled out of his car hollering at the other driver that was at least half a block up the road by then. I was waiting for traffic to clear so I could go across the street I crossed as quickly as I could lest he decide I didnt belong in his space either.

Covetous: Loving money or avariciousness. This is the same first word as the previous with a different word following it relates to being friendly with silver. In our day we cant say money because there is little coinage that contains any silver, but the thought is of money or of any silver item material covetousness might be a good way to put it today.

Loving money often leads to many other problems of materialism. If it goes far enough, you can enter into theft and deception to gain that which you love.

It might be noted that this is not a deep love but a friendliness toward money. Some relate love of money only to the super greedy when this seems to just relate to anyone that has a friendship with money.

Might I step on some toes here? I wonder if a church can be a lover of money wanting to increase itself, its buildings, its library, and its congregation. I think this is distinctly possible.

Years ago I read an article on institutionalism and the principle that an institution that comes to a point where it is doing all it does to perpetuate itself has become institutional. Indeed, I think many churches are in this boat today. They raise funds and build buildings for the betterment of the institution rather than for the purpose of extending the spiritual kingdom of God.

boasters: This word comes from a word that means vagrancy and means empty pretender or as it is translated a boaster.

Sadly we have these in our churches today. In the Midwest, and I am sure all over the country people are so stuck on numbers that they often stretch the imagination with how their church is doing.

A friend asked if I knew anything about a church near us. It was the church we had been attending. The average attendance often left more people playing instruments and on the platform than in the congregation.

I told him and he started to laugh. He had been talking to the pastor at a pastors get together about his church and the pastor had left the impression that the church was fairly large.

Since it is God that gives the increase, why must man attempt to impress others with their abilities?

Even in the pew, I suspect many tend toward the uplifting of themselves when they have opportunity.

Proud: This comes from a word that relates to putting oneself over another. Humm, seems we just saw this in the previous illustration. Bad enough a believer is involved in one sin, but in the process gets a two for one deal.

Blasphemers: Railing, reproachful, and slanderous fit the word used here. Usually this is used of the way someone speaks of God. Even the cursing of lost men fall into this category.

Any language that takes away from the correct image of God should be called blasphemous.

In a limited sense wasn’t this what the pastor was doing. Detracting from what God was actually doing in the church? The pastor had no need to inflate the image of his church. God had been the increaser – as long as the pastor was doing the best he could, God is doing the rest. If God isn’t adding numbers then it would seem that He didn’t want to at the time.

The pastor was doing well in his sermons, he was shepherding his flock and he was calling on the lost in his area. The blessing he was missing was in waiting upon the Lord for His increase.

Disobedient to parents: This word simply means not compliant. The not following of a parents instructions.

How sad this is in a believers family, but if the parent has done his level best, then the child is making choices for themselves. These choices will be on their head rather than the parent if the parent has done his best before the Lord.

Many are the parent that has been talked down to by people that do not get this point. A person should know the erring child before condemning the parent.

While on deputation I was taken to lunch by an older couple that had lost their son to sin many years before. They were still trying to operate under the guilt a pastor had laid upon them years before. In talking to the folks it was obvious this son had gone his own way knowing he was going against his parents wishes as well as God’s wishes.

When I explained this truth to them they were so greatly relieved that they both were crying. How dare a church leave a couple thinking that they were responsible for their childs wrongs when the man was making adult decisions in disobedience to God.

Unthankful:This word relates to being ungracious or unpleasing. It is the opposite of forgiving. Not being thankful for what one has or is given.

The exaggerating pastor fits in this category as well. He is not thankful for God using him as God has chosen to use him. I would clarify that this man, as many, probably didn’t give a second thought to embellishing stories, but the point is that they ought to give a second though to it.

I call these fellows bean counters in clerical clothing always counting noses instead of caring for sheep.

Unholy: Wicked is another way this word can be translated. Being the opposite of holy, looking at Christ and then forming an image of His opposite would give you the thought of unholy – not a pleasant thought at all.

As the old rock song mentions “the beat goes on,” this list just goes on. What an indictment of these people.

Without natural affection: Without natural affection and unsociable are suggested usages. However, the word relates to not having natural affection toward a wife, a child, a parent etc. Clarke mentions of the word Without that affection which parents bear to their young, and which the young bear to their parents. An affection which is common to every class of animals; consequently, men without it are worse than brutes.

I’ve been accused of being unsociable – probably the thought that it is not natural to not be sociable since humans are normally sociable. I am not sure this is as true as it used to be in America. Due to many social issues Americans are becoming less sociable all the time.

One of our sons teachers called when he was in grade school to inform me that she wanted our son to be tested for some possible rehabilitation. I asked what his big problem was and I was informed that he was very shy.

I told the teacher I was very shy and that I didnt think either of us needed testing or rehabilitation. I told her I was capable of operating in the world and that I was sure my son would be capable of doing the same.

In my own defense and the multitude of other un-sociables shyness is not a fault, but a general state of nature we function differently in the mind according to doctors.

However, these people are not normal in their affections – this could well relate to homosexuality, or it could relate to the thought of not liking to be honest, moral etc. The natural way of socialized man is to be monogamous and we all know how our country stands on that issue today.

Canada now allows same sex marriage and some of the states are considering it. I understand that about one third of homosexual couples are now raising children tell me the world and our grandchildren do not have terrible times coming!

It was reported this week that researchers were extracting eggs from aborted babies in the hope of fertilizing them for infertile couples.

Can you imagine a child asking her mother where she came from well dear a doctor dug around in the remains of an aborted baby and found an egg and made you.

Actually this most likely relates to the spouse that decides they dont love their spouse anymore. This is not a natural state between spouses, so is not right. It would also relate to a child that does not love his folks. It would also relate to the parent that has lost love for their offspring.

Trucebreakers: This word relates to not being able to come to agreement or one that won’t come under a covenant rather than the implied breaker of a covenant or agreement. In practical application it most likely relates to not desiring to come under a covenant with God – refusing God’s terms.

In 2003 we know that Saddam is a trucebreaker he does not want to come under the rule of the United Nations nor the United States. He also fits another shade of meaning to the term which is this one that promises anything because they plan on doing nothing.

False accusers: This is the Greek word “diabolos” or devil – false accuser. One that is the same in action as the devil – relating to his system of thought or action.

The Devils action in the fall seems to be the emphasis under which he received this name. He basically proclaimed that God was inferior to himself. He attempts in all that he does to place himself above God.

Incontinent: Without self control or intemperate is the meaning of this word. Lacking the desire to or the control of one’s self.

If a person is in this list then there may well be external controls upon them that keep them doing wrong.

Some might suggest that it is their sin nature. True it is the natural man, but probably relates to the bent toward self and serving self. The concept of the sin nature tends to relieve the person of believing in any responsibility for personal sin. Self acting for itself is what is responsible for the sin committed. This seems more in keeping with Scripture this in my mind is the problem rather than a sin nature that thing that drives us to sin – not that far off thing, deep inside that we can’t do anything about that many teach.

Fierce: Not tame or fierce can be the meaning of this word. Imagine the fury of the wild horse that roams the wilderness, or the wild tiger of Africa – these seem to picture this term – a person that has never been under, nor responded to civil training or God’s grace.

Lewis and Clark when they entered the western country ran into Grizzly Bears bears that were fierce animals that the Indians warned them about. Lewis and Clark could not imagine an animal to be feared, but when they found out that eight and nine shots would not stop these furry balls, they found that the Indians had a very distinctly true point.

This is someone that you meet on the street that cuts you off, that is totally rude to you, is the one that glares at you for no apparent reason – this is normally called totally depraved – totally without God’s influence in their life. This is one that can do nothing else than what is natural to them.

Despisers of those that are good: Another way to translate this is one that opposes good or good men. Another way to describe total depravity – completely geared toward self and self fulfillment.

I can’t picture a better term for those in our government today that oppose all that is good – those that oppose stopping abortion, those that oppose prayer in the schools, those that oppose the ten commandments on the court room wall, those that oppose anything Godly and support all that is un-Godly.

Traitors: The sense of giving forward into the enemies hands may picture this term. This is one that turns you over to the enemy.

This again continues the picture of the previous terms, one that opposes anything good and attempts to deliver any that are good into the hand of evil.

Heady: This relates to rash or reckless. Not considering the consequences of the actions taken. One that gives no thought to future ramifications. We could probably roll this thought up into one word for our day teenager a general statement, not that all teens are rash and reckless, but many are.

Highminded: This is in the perfect tense which indicates action that is permanent continuing into the future to a sure end. It is also a passive term which indicates there are outside forces acting upon the person to bring this action. It has the thought of proud, or deceiving others into thinking highly of another. It can relate to wrapping in smoke as to disguise the true identity.

The term belongs with the phrase below – some will be lovers of self in verse two – a long list of description and the next phrase that tells us that they are proud, wrapped in false smoke of righteousness but love pleasure more than God. You can’t describe self better than that can you?

The proof of the previous is found in verse five – they have a form of godliness, but have nothing to do with God.

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God: Now, I know that we are speaking of lost unregenerate people but I can’t help but relate this phrase to some believers – we do act like the lost at times – how many love the pleasure of staying in bed or going to some pleasurable exercise rather than going to church and showing their love for God on a Sunday morning? Enough said.

Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson

3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, {a} unholy,

(a) Who make no account, either of right or honesty.

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes

People would be (1) self-centered and narcissistic (Gr. philautoi), (2) lovers of money (philargyroi, cf. 1Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:8), (3) boastful of their own importance (alazones), and (4) proud, arrogant in attitude (hyperephanoi). They would be (5) abusive toward others (blasphemoi), (6) unresponsive to parental discipline, (7) ungrateful, unthankful, unappreciative (acharistoi), and (8) impure, unholy (anosioi).

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)