255. PRO 23:23. THE PROHIBITED SALE

Pro_23:23. The Prohibited Sale

"Sell it not."’97Pro_23:23

The truth must be purchased, however much we may be called to give for it. Better have the truth than life, or the whole world itself. When possessed it must be retained. Held fast. However tempted to barter it away, whatever price is offered, the Divine prohibition is, "Sell it not."

Let us inquire,

I. By whom the Truth is sold.

This prohibition is violated,

1. By the mercenary minister.

Those who enter upon the office for a morsel of bread; those who consult their gain more than the interests of godliness; those who suppress any portion of the truth and declare smooth things to please men See Mic_3:11; Tit_1:11; Jdg_1:11

The truth is sold,

2. By the temporizing professor.

There are exactions and self-denials required in following Christ. The world must be forsaken in its spirit, maxims, &c.; the cross borne, &c. How often are these things evaded, religion compromised, and the truth sold.

The truth is sold,

3. By the false speaker.

There is not a more degrading habit of mind than that which produces deceit and falsehood. It strikes at the root of all moral excellency; is the very portrait of the wicked one. All liars have their portion in the lake, &c.

The truth is sold,

4. By the flatterer.

Here we must discriminate between commendation and flattery. Jesus publicly commended the affection of the woman who had been a sinner; but flattery is the expression of praise beyond what is deserved. It is imposition on the credulity and weakness of our fellow men. It is a course where the heart and mouth are at variance, &c.

The truth is sold,

5. By the backslider.

Hence James speaks of those who "en from the truth." It is clearly exhibited in Peter, who denied that he knew Jesus. It is renouncing the truth, making shipwreck of it, &c.

Let us then,

II. Assign some Reasons why we should not sell the Truth.

1. Because we cannot receive an equivalent.

If we sell the bargain is bad. Were the globe one mass of gold or rubies, yet it is valueless contrasted with the truth. Life itself is not an equivalent for the truth.

We should not sell the truth,

2. Because it has no substitute.

Truth is the atmosphere of the mind; we cannot live without it, and there is nothing that can supply its place.

3. Because its sale is ever accompanied with the most appalling circumstances.

See this in our first parents, Balaam, Gehazi, Judas, Ananias, and Sapphira. With the dismissal of truth, peace, comfort, and hope, all go with it.

4. Because it is indispensable to salvation.

Salvation consists in knowing the truth, walking in the truth, being the children of the truth. If we do not hold the truth, then God will not smile’97Jesus accept’97nor can we possibly enter into the celestial city. The basis of God’s eternal throne is truth.

Application

1. See that you are really the children of the truth, and walk in it, and hold it fast.

2. Be enriched with the word of truth.

3. Copy the example of the Prince of truth.

4. Pray fervently tor the Spirit of truth.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS