29<\/strong>. stand before<\/em> ] Comp. 1Ki 10:8<\/span>.<\/p>\n mean<\/em> ] “Heb. obscure<\/em> ” R.V. marg.<\/p>\n The gift of a quick and ready intellect is to lead to high office, it is not to be wasted on a work to which the obscure are adequate.<\/P> <\/p>\n Pro 22:29<\/span><\/p>\n Seest thou a man diligent in his business?<\/em><\/p>\n he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. <\/p>\n The Bible ideal of man<\/strong><\/p>\n The Bible is a history of human life and a picture of character extending through many ages, and embracing in its scope a vast variety of the family of man. There emerges from this story of life an ideal. There is a moral purpose in all the historical Scriptures.<\/p>\n 1. <\/strong>The Bible always recognises a basis of character which is found in the natural endowments of a man.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>According to the teaching of the Bible there must <\/strong>be a diligent use of these natural powers.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>The diligence of life must be, according to the Scripture ideal, accompanied by the virtues and purities of a moral self-restraint<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>This ideal man of the Scripture is to be further inspired by a sense of the Divine presence and power. There is one remark necessary to complete the Bible idea of human life. There is a condition which the Scriptures give us as belonging to life, not necessary to perfection, but almost always present, and helpful to its development. The best of men are greatly crossed and exercised by the sorrows and oppositions which are incident to life. Trouble plays an important part as testing and strengthening and sweetening life. (L<\/em>. D<\/em>. Bevan, D<\/em>.D<\/em>.)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Diligence brings success in life<\/strong><\/p>\n I <\/em>believe success in life is within the reach of all who set before them an aim and an ambition that is not beyond the talents and ability which God has bestowed upon them. We should all begin life with a determination to do well whatever we take in hand, and if that determination be adhered to with the pluck for which Englishmen are renowned, success, according to the nature and quality of our brain power, is, I think, a certainty. Had I begun life as a tinker, my earnest endeavour would have been to have made better pots and pans than my neighbours; and I think I may venture to say without any vanity that, with Gods blessing, I should have been fairly successful. The first step on the ladder that leads to success is the firm determination to succeed; the next is the possession of that moral and physical courage which will enable one to mount up, rung after rung, until the top is reached. The best men make a false step now and then, and some even have very bad falls. The weak and puling cry over <\/strong>their misfortunes, and seek for the sympathy of others, and do nothing further after their first or second failure; but the plucky and the courageous pick themselves up without a groan over their broken bones or their first failures, and set to work to mount the ladder again, full of confidence in themselves, and with faith in the results that always attend upon <\/strong>cheerful perseverance. (Lord Wolseley<\/em>.)<\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Verse 29<\/span>. He shalt not stand before mean men.<\/B><\/I>] chashukkim,<\/I> dark<\/I> or obscure persons<\/I>; men of no repute. Na he schal ben before<\/I> un-noble men<\/I>. – Old MS. Bible. “Not amonge the symple people.” – Coverdale<\/I>.<\/P> <\/P> The general meaning of the proverb is, “Every diligent, active man, shall be at once independent and respectable.”<\/P> <\/p>\n Diligent; <\/B>or, expeditious<\/I>, as the word properly signifies; one of quick despatch, vigorous and speedy in executing what hath been well and wisely contrived. <\/P> He shall stand before kings; <\/B>he is fit to be employed in the affairs of the greatest princes. <\/P> <\/p>\n 29.<\/B> Success rewards diligence(Pro 10:4<\/span>; Pro 21:5<\/span>).<\/P><\/p>\n Seest thou a man diligent in his business<\/strong>?…. In the business of his calling, be it what it will, whether for himself or his master; constant in it, swift, ready, and expeditious at it; who industriously pursues it, cheerfully attends it, makes quick dispatch of it; does it off of hand, at once, and is not slothful in it, nor weary of it; when you have observed and taken notice of such a man, which is not very common, you may, without a spirit of prophecy, foresee that such a man will rise in the world;<\/p>\n he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men]<\/strong>, or “obscure persons” o; he shall not continue in the service of ignoble persons, or keep company with them; but he shall be taken into the service of princes and noble men, and be admitted into their presence, and receive favours from them; as Joseph, who was industrious and diligent in his business in Potiphar’s house, was in process of time advanced, and stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt, Ge 39:4<\/span>. This may be spiritually applied. Every good man has a work or business to do in a religious way; some in a higher sphere, as officers of churches, ministers and deacons; the work of the one lies in reading, study, meditation, and prayer, in the ministration of the word and ordinances, and other duties of their once; and the business of the others in taking care of the poor, and the secular affairs of the churches; others in a lower way, and common to all Christians, which lies in the exercise of grace, and performance of all good works, relative to themselves, their families, and the church of God. Now ministers that are diligent in teaching and ruling; and deacons that do their office well; and private Christians, who are steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; are ready to every good work, heartily engaged in it, and constantly at it; shall not be company for the sons of darkness, unregenerate men, who are in the dark, and darkness itself; what communion has light with darkness, with works of darkness, they should be not workers of? or have any fellowship with the prince of darkness, from whose power they are delivered; but shall have society with the saints, who are made kings and priests unto God; shall be admitted into the presence of the King of kings now, and have communion with him; and shall stand before him at the great day with confidence, and not be ashamed; shall stand at his right hand, and shall be for ever with him. So the Jews p interpret this place, “he shall not stand before dark ones”, in hell; “he shall stand before kings”, in the garden of Eden, in paradise; that is, in heaven.<\/p>\n o “ante obscuros”, Mercerus, Junius Tremellius, Piscator “coram obscuris”, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis; “in conspectu obscurorum”, Schultens. p Gloss. in T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 104. 2.<\/p>\n After these four proverbs beginning with , a new series begins with the following tristich:<\/p>\n 29 Seest thou a man who is expert in his calling – <\/p>\n Before kings may he stand;<\/p>\n Not stand before obscure men;<\/p>\n i.e.<\/em>, he can enter into the service of kings, and needs not to enter into the service of mean men = he is entitled to claim the highest official post. , in Pro 26:12<\/span> = Pro 29:20<\/span>, interchanging with , is perf. hypotheticum<\/em> (cf. Pro 24:10<\/span>; Pro 25:16<\/span>): si videris <\/em>; the conclusion which might begin with expresses further what he who sees will have occasion to observe. Rightly Luther: Sihestu einen Man endelich <\/em> ( vid<\/em>., at Pro 21:5<\/span>) in seinem geschefft, u.s.w .<\/em> = seest thou a man expert in his business, etc.. denotes in all the three chief dialects one who is skilful in a manner not merely by virtue of external artistic ability, but also by means of intellectual mastery of it. , to enter on the situation of a servant before any one; cf. Job 1:6<\/span>; Job 2:1<\/span>. , 1Sa 16:21<\/span>; 1Ki 10:8<\/span>. Along with the pausal form , there is also found in Codd. the form (the ground-form to , whence that pausal form is lengthened), which Ben-Bileam defends, for he reckons this word among “the pathachized pausal forms.” , in contrast to , are the obscuri <\/em> = ignobiles <\/em>. The Targ. translate the Heb. and by and . Kimchi compares Jer 39:10<\/span>, where is translated by (cf. 2Ki 24:14<\/span>; 2Ki 25:12<\/span>). ( ) is the old Heb. synonym in Ps 10. The poet seems here to transfer the Aram. usus loq<\/em>. into the Heb.<\/p>\n 29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.<\/I><\/P> Here is, 1. A plain intimation what a hard thing it is to find a truly ingenious industrious man: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business?<\/I> Thou wilt not see many such, so epidemical are dulness and slothfulness.” He is here commended who lays out himself to get business, though it be but in a very low and narrow sphere, and is not easy when he is out of business, who loves business, is quick and active in it, and goes through it, not only with constancy and resolution, but with dexterity and expedition, a man of despatch, who knows how to bring a deal of business into a little compass. 2. A moral prognostication of the preferment of such a man; though now he stands before mean men,<\/I> is employed by them and attends upon them, yet he will rise, and is likely enough to stand before kings,<\/I> as an ambassador to foreign kings or prime-minister of state to his own. Seest thou a man diligent<\/I> in the business of religion? He is likely to excel in virtue, and shall stand before the King of kings.<\/P><\/p>\n The Diligent Excel<\/strong><\/p>\n Verse 29 suggests that the man who is diligent in the conduct of his business or performance of his work will be observed, and will advance to higher levels. He will not remain among the obscure who complain, make excuses and lack initiative and will to strive for a worthy goal, Rom 12:11<\/span>; Gen 41:38-44<\/span>; Pro 13:4<\/span>; Pro 18:9<\/span>; Pro 24:30-31<\/span>; Pro 26:16<\/span>.<\/p>\n BEHIND THE COUNTER<\/strong><\/p>\n Pro 22:29<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n OUR subject this evening is Behind the counter, and what I shall say is intended primarily for merchant clerks, but will prove none the less profitable I trust to those who are followers of other pursuits.<\/p>\n It is fitting that this great company of people, whose vocations call them into kindred service, and develop in them some unity of purpose and spirit, should be spoken to from this pulpit concerning their calling.<\/p>\n When we remember that most of the merchant clerks of America, and for that matter all the world, are young men and women, before whom life opens full of promise, and for whom there are good things in store, provided the perils that wreck so many are avoided and escaped by them. We know the seriousness of these.<\/p>\n Our text seems to have business men in mind, and it is none the less true, if so read as to include the women of commerce also; and while what we shall say tonight may seem to be peculiarly applicable to young men, we shall not wholly forget that women are coming more and more into the work of commercial life.<\/p>\n I want to speak to you this evening of three things: your employment, your perils, and your privileges.<\/p>\n YOUR EMPLOYMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n is the question of first concern.<\/p>\n Before the most of you can be engaged in business, you must be yourselves engaged.<\/p>\n Wanted a situation as saleswoman, salesman, bookkeeper or clerk, is the commonest Ad of the daily paper. Every city is full of young men and women seeking such positions. Some of them will never be employed, and a large proportion of those that find positions will fail to keep them.<\/p>\n There must be reasons for these failures and in presenting this evening some of the qualities essential to success in the commercial world, it is to be hoped that some will see these occasions of failure in time to reform, and finish well a course badly begun.<\/p>\n To be a clerk or salesman demands affability.<\/strong><\/p>\n Geniality is a rare and commanding genius, and is much in demand in this world, and nowhere more than behind the counters. The stores of a city are popular in some proportion to their employment of genteel and affable clerks. There is not a woman in the city whose buying is not determined, in some measure, by her interest in some attractive salesman, or saleswoman.<\/p>\n Emerson wrote, Give a boy address, and accomplishments, and you give him the mastery of palaces and fortunes wherever he goes; he has not the trouble of earning or owning them. They solicit him to enter and possess.<\/p>\n Lord Chesterfield, who was himself the best illustration of what he said, declared, It is by manner only that you can please and consequently rise.<\/p>\n All your Greek will never advance you from secretary to envoy, or from envoy to ambassador, but your address, your air, your manner, if good, may.<\/p>\n Two gentlemen were talking together when one asked, Why did our friend never succeed in business? He had sufficient capital, a thorough knowledge of his business, and exceptional shrewdness.<\/p>\n But he was not pleasant, was the friends reply.<\/p>\n It is perfectly wonderful what an affable manner can accomplish in this world.<\/p>\n The story is told that a beautiful young woman, turning the corner of a crooked street in London, was run into by a ragged beggar-boy, and the blow almost knocked him down. Recovering herself, she turned around and said smilingly, I beg your pardon, my little fellow; I am very sorry that I ran against you.<\/p>\n The boy dragged off his ragged cap and making a low bow answered, You have my pardon, miss, and welcome; and the next time you run agin me, you can run me clean down and I wont say a word.<\/p>\n If she had been a commercial clerk, a year or two would have put her at the head of the department, for business men know the value of affability.<\/p>\n But to smiling, you must add energy.<\/strong> Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings<\/em>?<\/p>\n What commercial marts absolutely demand is industry. Sir Fowler Buston said, The longer I live, the more I am certain that the great difference between men, the feeble and the powerful, the great and the insignificant, is energyinvincible determination; a purpose once fixed and then death or victory. That quality will do anything that can be done in this world, and no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities will make a two-legged creature a man without it.<\/p>\n Why do they fail? is the unanswered question of a multitude of indolent folks, but everybody else knows why others of equal mental talents remain poor. Some people do not see, and yet it is not difficult to discern the reason.<\/p>\n Sixty years ago, Philadelphia was full of young fellows who were looking for an easy job with a high salary. Many of them have already filled paupers graves. Sixty years ago Philadelphia had one man in it who was willing to walk four miles every day, and work in a bookstore for $1.25 a week, and a little later in a clothing store for $1.50 a week, and that boy put such energy into his efforts that no employer could keep him in the lowly place, and he went up and up, and when he died he was the outstanding commercial man of Philadelphia. I speak of John Wanamaker.<\/p>\n If there is anything that makes one tired, that tries ones patience and fills one with something akin to disgust, it is this crowd of proud youngsters who are going about the world with very few attainments, seeking exalted and honorable positions, despising as unworthy of them the only ones they could possibly fill.<\/p>\n I have worked for fifty cents a day and one meal, and I would return to it to-morrow, if I could do no better; and it is difficult to keep ones respect for those who combine inability and pomposity.<\/p>\n People are constantly coming to my study and saying, We want a position, and are constantly asking for a position for which they are in no sense fitted, and refusing those that they might fill.<\/p>\n Every week homes are in need of many young women to do housework, but notwithstanding the cries of distress that are poured into my ears by people who are competent in their own esteem, we do not know where to turn to fill one of these domestic service places.<\/p>\n What is the secret of success in business? a gentleman asked of Cornelius Vanderbilt.<\/p>\n Secret? replied the Commodore. Secret? There is no secret about it. All you have to do is to tend to your business and go ahead.<\/p>\n Some years ago, a proud student at Andover bought some wood and going to Professor Stewart, he asked where he could get a man to saw it. Instantly the Professor replied, Well, I am out of a job of that kind, and Ill saw it myself, if you will pay me for it.<\/p>\n A man that can saw wood is the man that can hold professorships, preach the Gospel, run a department store and fill the presidency of the United States; and the men that cannot saw wood will go begging at back doors.<\/p>\n Seest thou a man diligent in business? He shall stand before kings.<\/em><\/p>\n And then your employment requires honesty.<\/strong><\/p>\n No dishonest methods have any promise of permanent success in the commercial marts.<\/p>\n Young bloods may gamble on wheat and get thirty millions in a month, and end that month with the odds against them, and their fortune gone; while a humble poor lad, employing honest methods, plodding on and on for many years, amasses millions, and competent judges may be compelled to say, There is not a smirched dollar in it all.<\/p>\n There are people who will tell you that you will never succeed in the commercial marts by honest methods, but be assured of this, that you will never keep or enjoy what you make by dishonest methods.<\/p>\n Some years ago a business man telegraphed a friend, asking what a certain man was worth. The reply message read, His note is worth a million dollars; but his word is not worth a cent. In a few months his note was as worthless as his word. Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right.<\/em><\/p>\n Smiles has said truly, that money earned by cheating and over-reaching may for a time dazzle the eyes of the unthinking, but the bubbles blown by unscrupulous roses, when full blown, usually glitter only to burst. The Sadlier, Dean Paul, Redpath, Wiggins, and Cairus, for the most part, come to a sad end, even in this world, and though the successful swindlers of others may not be found out and the gains of their roguery may remain with them, it will be as a curse and not as a blessing.<\/p>\n In your employment be affable, be energetic, and be honest.<\/strong><\/p>\n I can find a good place for a thousand such young men and women to-morrow, without going out of Minneapolis.<\/p>\n <\/span>YOUR PERILS<\/strong><\/p>\n It is perfectly understood that young men and women who crowd these great civic centers seeking employment are put in peril by the very places they long to fill.<\/p>\n Our subject, Behind the Counter, might seem to suggest a narrow space of safety, but, alas, for the fact that those who are behind the counters of our great commercial institutions are not safe from temptation, even in the times of employment, and they are the subjects of many a snare when they step from the store to the street.<\/p>\n In the mere act of merchandizing there is the peril of money.<\/strong> The disposition to either get from employer, or from customer what is not your own that eternal tendency to dishonesty.<\/p>\n The scriptures say that the love of money is the root of oil evil<\/em> and we may be sure of this, that whenever we put into our pockets a solitary penny that has been unjustly taken from another, we have voluntarily vaccinated ourselves with leprosy. No matter how great our need may seem, no matter how strong a persuasion may be put upon us by debt or promise, no matter what were the ends we think we would accomplish if only more money was in our hands, we should never be deceived into getting it in godless ways. What the world needs today is a company of clerks having in them the spirit of Adam Clark, who, as a boy of fourteen years of age, was engaged in a dry-goods store, and was told by the merchant to stretch the cloth as he measured it. Young Clark refused, and in consequence was discharged, but the world heard from him as the wonderful commentator.<\/p>\n Remember that when you cannot make a living in merchandise by honest methods, God has a higher calling for you, where you can have a competency, and the riches that are imperishable, namely, a clean conscience with a beautiful character and an honored name.<\/p>\n Then there are perils from associations.<\/strong> Every young man and woman in Minneapolis engaged in business comes into contact almost daily with the clean and the unclean, the holy and the unholy. God said to prophets, They shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane, and came them to discern between the unclean and the clean.<\/em><\/p>\n It does not take the closest observer to see who are the suitable associates of a department store, or even of the place of smaller dimensions. If you will only wait a few weeks before choosing your chums, you can tell who is moral, who is upright, who is honorable, and you can discern his opposites with equal ease; and, remember this, that evil communications corrupt good manners.<\/em><\/p>\n Goethe was right, Tell me with whom thou dost company, and I will tell thee who thou art. If that lear-eyed man is your admiration; if that loud-mouthed girl is your attraction, you are yourself condemned and doom is not far distant. If you take to the man whose shirt-front is immaculate and diamond-studded, whilst you know that underneath beats a heart of evil purpose, or to that other one who has forgotten his fathers counsel, despised his mothers instruction, and talks slightingly of the sisters of other men, if not of his own; or of that other who treats with contempt the holy church and the sacred Scriptures, your future is settled and you will finish it as he will finish it, in the blackness of darkness. Satan accomplishes most of his destructive work through sinful associates.<\/p>\n And there are perils from injurious customs.<\/strong><\/p>\n Like Grant, you may conquer many foes and yet be sent to your grave by an unconquered cigar.<\/p>\n Like Tom Marshall, you may excite much admiration for intellect and ability and yet be drowned in drink.<\/p>\n The very fact that Minneapolis supports as many blind-pigs as disgrace her streets is a sure prophecy that hundreds and thousands of young men are to be destroyed in them, and if you lay your finger to one cup, the chances are all against your survival, and in favor of your doom.<\/p>\n The gambling custom is not only godless, but deadly. Its unhappy subjects keep the wail of sorrow forever on the lips of sister, wife, mother and friend. The harlots house is the way that leadeth unto death, and to go there once is to have the brand of the beast; is to make such surrender as no man can survive; is to put the spade in the ground for your own grave; is to begin the inscription that shall be written into your own doom; and that grave will be the grave of the leper and that inscription, here lies the suicide of lust.<\/p>\n Thain Davidson tells of having visited the Grotto del Can, near Naples, a natural cavern which is partly charged with a highly poisonous atmosphere. The carbonic acid gas, however, being heavier than the common air, rests upon the ground, and reaches up to a height of four feet. So long as one stands upright, he is uninjured, but when he stoops, or lies down, it begins its fatal work. Remember, young man, that behind the counter there are such caves. So long as you are unbending in your mastery of appetites, so long as you stand upright, so long as you are erect in your moral integrity, that long you are safe; but the moment you stoop to drink, or to gambling, or to lust, stupefication begins and a bloated body and a blighted soul will be the end.<\/p>\n You know your perils. God has in a thousand ways shown them to you by every sentence of sacred writ, and every consecrated tongue, and every hallowed influence is warning you against them.<\/p>\n If you perish, he will be compelled to write over the place of your grave what King David said, died Abner as the fool dieth.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/span>YOUR PRIVILEGES<\/strong><\/p>\n Thank God it is not all peril. There are privileges unspeakable and full of glory.<\/p>\n You can choose your companions. <\/strong>What a privilege! This world has in it a whole company of good folks, and you can make them your friends. You can work in a firm, if you will, where the heads of departments are Christian men, clean every whit.<\/p>\n Somebody says, But we cant. My reply is, If you cant, it is your own fault. If you are affable, energetic and honest, you will not be subject to the caprice of commerce, but can demand whatever place you want and receive the appointment.<\/p>\n A young man, small of stature, was standing before the manager of a factory in Manchester saying, I saw your Ad in the paper and have applied for this position.<\/p>\n You are too young, replied the manager.<\/p>\n They used to object to me on that score four or five years ago, but I did not expect that now. Well, said the manager, how often do you get drunk in the week?<\/p>\n I never have tasted a drop in my life.<\/p>\n What salary do you want?<\/p>\n Three hundred pounds a year.<\/p>\n Three hundred pounds a year? replied the manager Why I have had I dont know how many for this place this morning, and all their askings together will not come up to what you want.<\/p>\n No matter, said Robert Owen, I will not take less, I am making three hundred pounds a year now and you can take me or let me alone.<\/p>\n The man looked at him a moment and said, Your engagement will begin to-day.<\/p>\n Be what you ought to be. Be what business demands, and you can determine what position you will accept and not be asking what one you can get.<\/p>\n I have a friend in Chicago who gave up three places in less than as many months because the business was dishonestly conducted, and yet he did not go without employment, and finally landed in a good position with the noblest possible associates.<\/p>\n And this is true of the family where you are to live. It is not needful for you to be in a cheap lodging-house where criminals congregate. There are Christian women in every city who are veritable mothers indeed to the young men that room and board in the homes over which they preside, and if you dont seek such out, whose is the fault?<\/p>\n I have been away from my fathers house since I was nineteen. Until I was 29, I put in most of my time in boarding houses. For part of that time I was compelled to seek places where board and lodging could be had at no great expense, but I never found it necessary to spend one night, to eat one meal under a disreputable roof, and in the company of abandoned people.<\/p>\n There are lodging houses in Minneapolis that are the anti-rooms to hell, and there are lodging houses in Minneapolis that breathe a holy atmosphere and tend toward Heaven, whose matrons are veritable mothers and would be to you young men and women the guardian angels that you need, if only you sought them out.<\/p>\n Henry Ward Beecher said, One of the most touching incidents that ever came under my notice occurred here in Brooklyn during the war. I was called to see a young man who was sick. He had been in the army and was sent north to a hospital, but had been taken into one of our respectable families. He died in their house and was buried from it, and when I asked, How came you to be interested in him? The woman replied, Well, we found him in a hospital. But what led you to bring him into your house? Well, said the mother, our only boy went to the war. In Missouri he was wounded and some Christian family in St. Louis took him home with them and cared for him, and he died in their house, and when I went into the hospital, this young man looked like my boy, and I remembered what they did for my boy. I brought him into my house and have taken care of him.<\/p>\n When I think of the perils that associate themselves with many a boarding house, I thank God for the privilege that young men and women have, when away from home in a great city like this, of selecting a boarding-house of the better kind where there is a woman who has a mothers heart in her, and who will see in every young life her own child, and will watch it with care, shield it in the time of temptation, nurse in the hours of sickness and weep with a mothers heart, if death shall come, thereby making her home his home, and also the avenue of Heaven.<\/p>\n And, there is the privilege of Christian society. <\/strong>The churches of Jesus Christ offer to you young men and women, from behind the counters, the very society you need. If anybody has said to you, that it is a slow-pokey society, let me give their statement the lie.<\/p>\n Minneapolis knows no nobler circle, no happier one than the young people of this church, and it knows very few in whose company you could be more safe.<\/p>\n I expect sometimes that young men and women, strangers in the city, seek the Lords house on the Sabbath Day and depart sadder than when they came. Nobody has spoken to you. You have been a stranger in the midst of strangers. You have missed the old home. You have sought in vain for familiar faces, and even the music and the sermon were not such as you used to hear, and when you have gone out, you have said, Nobody spoke to me and I shall not go there again, but be slow to come to such a conclusion. It is better to wait in silence in Gods house, a stranger among strangers, than to run with sinners into their excesses.<\/p>\n Again, maybe the man or woman who sat beside you was a stranger also, and needed as much that you speak to them, as that they speak to you, and the fault may not have been wholly that of others. If you came a second time, the very seat into which you might be shown would accomplish an introduction, and in one hour might make for you many, and the most wholesome friends.<\/p>\n I do not excuse the churches for that want of friendliness that too often characterizes them, but I do know that their friendship is valuable, that an acquaintance with the young people there and the older people is what you need, what will be for your temporary and eternal good, and the effort to make it is not to be given up lightly; I also know that in this church, and I trust it is so in hundreds of churches, our people long to extend their hands and open their hearts and their homes, and if possible the very Heaven of their Saviour to those who sit with us through a single service.<\/p>\n There are scores of men and women on the toboggan slide of Satan, driving downward with dreadful pace, destined to perish without God and without hope, who are today sinning and suffering because when they came into Minneapolis they left their church letters in the country, or village, or town church, at home, and tried very little, if at all, to make such associations, tramped about from church to church for a while and then quit the house of God altogether, and every day makes more sure their doom.<\/p>\n I know the church has her faults. I know that she does not properly represent her Christ. I know that hypocrites hold membership in her, and even her good people are far from perfect, but I also know that she is Gods haven to the tempest-tossed and offers a refuge into which men may run.<\/p>\n And then, best of all, we have the privilege of Christs salvation.<\/strong> Seest thou a man who is diligent in business? He shall stand before kings. But the unspeakable privilege is to stand before the King of kings.<\/em><\/p>\n You are not safe behind the counter, if Christ is not yours. You are not safe in the streets without His everlasting salvation. You are not safe in the home, unless He is in your heart. You are not safe in society, unless His Spirit directs your steps.<\/p>\n Oh, you who make merchandize the subject of so much concern, will you not give some attention to my master, and your Master, and see to it that your own souls are not put into some evil bargain. You, who are seeking a fortune, do you not know that eternal failure is the lot of all them that finish life without Christ.<\/p>\n A ship passenger pointed toward a wreck that lay on some rocks near to which a vessel was plying, and asked the Captain, What caused that?<\/p>\n Trying to run without a pilot, was his instant reply.<\/p>\n And I want to say to you tonight that if you will be<\/em> successful in business, take Christ as Pilot. If you would escape the perils of store and street, lodging-house and companionship, accept Christ as Saviour. If you would know the sweets of holy living and the triumphs of holy dying, accept Christ as Lord. If you would sail the sea of life in perfect security, ending at last in that haven of rest of which the sainted sing, accept Christ as Skipper, and if you would be sure of this privilege which passes all others, act now and say, Lord I come.<\/p>\n A ship-master said, It was my lot to fall in with the ill-fated steamer Central America on the night of her accident. The darkness was fast falling and the sea was rolling high, and I cried to Captain Herndon, inquiring if he needed help. He answered, I am in a sinking condition. Then send your passengers on board our vessel directly. No, answered he, we will keep our passengers aboard, but will you lie by us until morning? Yes, I will try, but you had better not risk it. Send your passengers on board now. Lay by me until morning, replied Herndon. I tried; but the night was wild and the rolling of the sea was heavy. I could not keep my position. A short time sufficed to separate us and an hour and a half later, Herndons vessel, with all of its living freight, had gone down.<\/p>\n You young men and women know that you are not safe. Like Captain Herndon, you purpose also to make good your escape from the danger that besets you, but like him you are saying, Later!<\/p>\n Gods answer is NOW!<\/strong>. Behold now is the time accepted: behold today is the day of salvation! <\/em>NOW!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n CRITICAL NOTES.<\/p>\n Pro. 22:29<\/span><\/strong>. Diligent<\/strong>, rather expert<\/em>, apt<\/em>.<\/p>\n MAIN HOMILETICS OF <\/em>Pro. 22:29<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n THE DESTINY OF THE DILIGENT<\/p>\n I. The diligent man meets with Divine approval<\/strong>. The repeated commendations of diligence and condemnations of slothfulness which we meet with in this book show the estimate which God sets upon rightly-directed industry. <\/p>\n 1. The diligent man is in harmony with God<\/em>. The Divine Father is ever working for the good of His creatures, and no being who ever trod this earth laboured so continuously and earnestly as the Divine Son. With Him during His public ministry the completion of one work was the beginning of another. He was ever about His Fathers business, diligently carrying on and seeking to finish the work which His Father had given Him to do. The man who is diligent in business is in this respect a follower of his Lord and Master. <\/p>\n 2. He is in harmony with creatures both above Him and beneath Him<\/em>. Angels are doing the will of their King with promptitude and despatchGabriel flies swiftly<\/em> (Dan. 9:21<\/span>) when sent on a message to the earth. Heaven is a world of activity, the cherubim around the throne rest not day nor night<\/em> (Rev. 4:8<\/span>). Many of the creatures below man set him an example of industry. (See on chap. Pro. 6:6-11<\/span>, page 78.) Even inanimate nature seems to rebuke the idle man. (See a comment by Dr. Perry on page 425.) <\/p>\n 3. He is in harmony with the needs of humanity<\/em>. The world calls for diligent workers, and without them all civilisation would soon cease and men sink to the condition of the savage. We have around us many proofs of this. The home of the indolent husband or wife is destitute of all refining influences and is often a nursery of crime. The land where the people are thriftless is a land of degradation and poverty. We can well understand, therefore, that Gods approval rests upon those who make the best use of the time and opportunities which He gives them.<\/p>\n II. The diligent man will reap some reward for his diligence<\/strong>. It is not, of course, possible to take this proverb in an absolutely literal sense, because many diligent men never saw the face of a king. But without diligence it is hardly possible for any man to obtain any position of honour, or if he do he is not likely to retain it. But there is another sense in which diligence may bring a man before kings. Caxton was a diligent man, and by his diligence came literally to stand before the King of England. But he has, by his invention of the printing-press, stood before kings and princes from that hour to this, for they have all learned to honour his name, and to acknowledge their obligations to him. Every time a royal traveller takes his seat in a locomotive James Watt stands before him, for his ability to move with such ease and speed from place to place is the result of that mans diligence, and his name is held in honour in consequence. And instances might be multiplied indefinitely, in which diligence has caused a man to stand before not only the kings of his own time, but of succeeding generations.<\/p>\n On this subject see also Homiletics on chap. Pro. 12:24<\/span>, page 285.<\/p>\n OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS<\/em><\/p>\n Of all the qualities which kings especially look to and require in the choice of their servants, that of despatch and energy in the transaction of business is the most acceptable. There is no other virtue which does not present some shadow of offence to the minds of kings. Expedition in the execution of their commands is the only one which contains nothing that is not acceptable.Bacon<\/em>.<\/p>\n God loves nimbleness; What thou doest, do quickly, said Christ to Judas, though it were so ill a business that he were about.Trapp<\/em>.<\/p>\n (29) He shall stand before kings.<\/strong>Shall attend upon them as their minister. (Comp. Gen. 41:46<\/span>.) This verse is a tristich, containing three lines.<\/p>\n 29<\/strong>. <\/strong> Diligent <\/strong> Quick, active, prompt, skilled in business. Such a man will attract the attention of those above him rulers, princes, kings; and he will be called into the public service he will not remain in the service of mean <\/strong> (common or obscure) men<\/strong>. The form of the verb is forcible: He shall take his stand, or present himself, before kings. It has been said, “Of all the qualities which kings look to and regard in the choice of their servants, that of energy and dispatch in business is the most acceptable. There is no other virtue which does not present some shadow of offence to the minds of kings. Expedition in the execution of their commands is the only one which contains nothing that is not acceptable.”<\/p>\n Fifth Saying (Tristitch) <\/strong> Pro 22:29<\/span><\/em><\/strong> forms a single proverbial thought using three lines, which is called a tristitch. It tells us that men who are diligent believe that they have a destiny in life. They do not enjoy the company of the average person who lack purpose and direction in his daily affairs.<\/p>\n Pro 22:29<\/strong><\/span> Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.<\/p>\n Pro 22:29<\/strong><\/span><\/strong> <\/strong> Illustration – <\/em><\/strong> In 1989 I began to work as a maintenance man at an apartment complex in Hurst, Texas. I was attending a large church in Dallas, Texas and began to work as an altar worker. After two years, I began to pray and ask the Lord to put me with a man of God at church, someone who would influence me and change my character. In seven days, I received a position as an assistant director of the altar work ministry. This promotion immediately placed me with one of the greatest men of God in the church. I spent the next three years working closely with this man, eating lunch with him after Sunday services. I learned to receive his counsel and his correction. During this time, in 1994, I prayed a similar prayer. I asked the Lord to put me with a man of God on my job. Within thirty days, I received a promotion from maintenance man to maintenance supervisor. This promotion put me in a new office and in daily contact with the general manager of the company. I spent the next four years learning how to manage a business with godly business ethics. <\/p>\n I still look back in amazement at how quickly the Lord answered these two prayers. Working with these two men changed my life and prepared me for a greater calling, that of a missionary in July 1997. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n v. 29. Seest thou a man diligent in his business?<\/strong> one who is skilful, apt, diligent. He shall stand before kings,<\/strong> being invited to serve them with his counsel and with his ability; he shall not stand before mean men,<\/strong> ordinary, obscure persons, for the services of such a man would be considered too valuable to be of benefit to a small circle only. <\/p>\n Pro 22:29<\/span><\/em><\/strong>. <\/strong>Seest thou a man diligent in his business<\/em><\/strong><\/strong> Solomon does not merely commend industry and diligence, as some understand it; but something more, which the Hebrew word mahir, <\/em>plainly imports; namely, speed, swiftness, readiness, and cheerfulness in the dispatch of business; to which is required a quickness of apprehension in conceiving the fittest means, and a dexterity in the application of them; so that the business is not only done, but done speedily, and without much noise and bustle. Bishop Patrick. Houbigant, in conformity with this remark, renders it, If any<\/em> man is intelligent and quick in the dispatch of business. <\/em>Upon which Lord Bacon observes, that quickness of dispatch only in the execution of commands, of all other qualities, hath nothing in it which doth not please the minds of princes: the motions of their minds are swift, and not very patient of delay; for they imagine that they can do any thing. This only being wanting, that it be done out of hand; upon which account, above all other qualities, celerity is to them most acceptable. <\/p>\n REFLECTIONS.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n READER! a name to live while virtually dead before God, is one of the most awful states into which our poor nature can possibly fall. But to be named with a good name in Christ which the mouth of the Lord shall name, is among the highest felicities our nature is capable of enjoying. Solomon seems to have had this in view while sending forth these proverbs. everything that can lead to this enjoyment in Jesus, ought to be our daily pursuit and desire. And what can tend to the attainment of it, but an interest in Christ Jesus? The grace of God which bringeth salvation is the only possible means of procuring it. And under the divine blessing this will ensure whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, lovely, and of good report. Reader! let me hope that this grace hath appeared unto you: and then it will be found that all these divine principles will have their suited influence upon the heart. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, it is the companion of fools that is destroyed.<\/p>\n Pro 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].<\/p>\n Ver. 29. Seest thou a man diligent.<\/strong> ] God loves nimbleness; “what thou doest, do quickly,” said Christ to Judas, though it were so ill a business that he was about. Princes love such, and employ them, as Pharaoh did Joseph, and those that were men of activity among his brethren. Solomon also made use of Jeroboam for the same reason, though that was not the wisest act that ever he did. 1Ki 11:28 How dear was Daniel to Darius, because, though sick, yet he despatched the king’s business! What favourites to our Henry VIII were Wolsey, Cromwell, Cranmer, for like reason! A diligent man shall not sit long in a low place. Or if he do all the days of his life, yet if his diligence proceed out of conscience, “he shall stand before the King” of kings when he dies. And surely if Solomon’s servants were held happy for this, and the greatest reward Solomon could promise the diligent is this in the text, what an inconceivable honour must it needs be to look for ever upon the face of God, and, angel-like, stand in his presence!<\/p>\n Seest thou . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6. <\/p>\n mean = mean ones: i.e. men who are obscure. <\/p>\n Pro 22:29<\/p>\n Pro 22:29<\/p>\n “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.”<\/p>\n “Diligence would not commend a man so highly unless it was accompanied by unusual skill, dexterity, ingenuity and creativeness. In ancient times persons with such abilities were called “tektons.” The word was applied to Christ himself (as a carpenter) (Mar 6:3). Such skilled workers are the benefactors of all mankind. We dedicated our Book of Acts (In the New Testament Series) to a “[@tekton].” Bezalel (Exo 35:30-35) was just such a person.<\/p>\n Pro 22:29. A person diligent in business is one who is ambitious, industrious, and aggressive. They are men of application, and they will be numbered among the great and the known. Their lifetimes will be spent in major, not minor, concerns. Joseph tended to every business assigned to him (Gen 39:1-6; Gen 39:21-23), and he stood before the Pharaoh (Gen 41:39-44). David was diligent in caring for his fathers sheep. In this he developed both skill and bravery in protecting them against ferocious animals, and this (together with his great faith in God) had much to do with his fighting and killing Goliath (1Sa 17:32-37). This led to his relationship with King Saul and the army (1Sa 18:2; 1Sa 18:5). Daniel was diligent in business (Dan 6:4-5), and he was an important man in the administration of the following kings: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Darius. The word mean in our verse means insignificant. Paul used the same word in referring to his native city Tarsus (Act 21:39).<\/p>\n Proverbs of Solomon – Pro 22:1-29<\/p>\n Open It<\/p>\n 1. When you were a child, what excuses did you use for not doing something you were supposed to do (such as your homework)? <\/p>\n 2. What do people do to develop a good or bad reputation? <\/p>\n 3. What is the best thing your parents or guardians taught you? <\/p>\n Explore It<\/p>\n 4. What is the value of a good name? (Pro 22:1) <\/p>\n 5. What types of people did Solomon write about in this chapter? (Pro 22:1-29) <\/p>\n 6. What do the rich and the poor have in common? (Pro 22:2) <\/p>\n 7. What brings wealth and honor in life? (Pro 22:4) <\/p>\n 8. What is the result of training a child properly? (Pro 22:6) <\/p>\n 9. What happens to generous people? (Pro 22:9) <\/p>\n 10. How does a sluggard use his or her mouth? (Pro 22:13) <\/p>\n 11. How do children become wise? (Pro 22:15) <\/p>\n 12. Why did Solomon want the reader to listen to what he taught? (Pro 22:17-21) <\/p>\n 13. Who wrote the proverbs in the second half of this chapter? (Pro 22:17-29) <\/p>\n 14. What counsel do the wise have concerning friends? (Pro 22:24-25) <\/p>\n 15. Why should we strive to learn and develop skills? (Pro 22:29) <\/p>\n Get It<\/p>\n 16. What should we do in pursuit of a good reputation in the community? <\/p>\n 17. How should the fact that Lord is Maker of both the rich and the poor impact our life? <\/p>\n 18. How do humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life? <\/p>\n 19. What is the purpose and goal of parenting? <\/p>\n 20. In what ways are parents responsible or not responsible for the way their children turn out? <\/p>\n 21. What does it mean to be a good parent? <\/p>\n 22. What is the difference between a valid reason and an excuse? <\/p>\n 23. What is the purpose and goal of discipline? <\/p>\n 24. Why is it hard to live our life after what the Bible teaches? <\/p>\n 25. Why should we be careful about the kind of people with whom we associate and make friends? <\/p>\n Apply It<\/p>\n 26. What is one concrete step you can take this week to cultivate a good reputation in your neighborhood or community? <\/p>\n 27. How can you take greater responsibility for something your parents taught you? <\/p>\n 28. In what way can you be generous to another person today? <\/p>\n a man: Pro 10:4, Pro 12:24, 1Ki 11:28, Ecc 9:10, Mat 25:21, Mat 25:23, Rom 12:11, 2Ti 4:2 <\/p>\n he shall stand: That is, he shall have the honour of serving kings; as the phrase denotes. <\/p>\n mean men: Heb. obscure men <\/p>\n Reciprocal: Gen 24:33 – General Gen 24:54 – Send me Gen 39:4 – overseer Gen 41:40 – Thou shalt Gen 41:41 – General Gen 41:46 – he stood Gen 47:6 – rulers Deu 1:38 – which standeth Jos 10:9 – all night Rth 2:7 – continued 1Sa 16:21 – stood before him 1Sa 17:31 – sent for him 2Sa 2:32 – went Pro 26:12 – Seest Pro 27:18 – so Jer 15:19 – stand Jer 40:10 – serve Dan 1:4 – ability Dan 1:19 – therefore Dan 6:3 – was preferred<\/p>\n Pro 22:29. Seest thou a man diligent in his business Hebrew, , expeditious, as the word properly signifies; one of quick despatch, vigorous and speedy in executing what hath been well and wisely contrived. He shall not stand before mean men He is fit to be employed in the affairs of the greatest princes. <\/p>\n The quality of a person’s work, not his bribes or flattery, will ultimately determine how his career progresses. Therefore a person should seek to improve his or her skills.<\/p>\n "Anyone who puts his workmanship before his prospects towers above the thrusters and climbers of the adjacent paragraphs." [Note: Kidner, p. 150.] <\/span><\/p>\n Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men]. 29. stand before ] Comp. 1Ki 10:8. mean ] “Heb. obscure ” R.V. marg. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges The gift of a quick and ready intellect is to lead to high … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 22:29”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17055","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17055"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17055\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nFuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Bible of the Expositor and the Evangelist by Riley<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"