470. PRO 3:14. BELIEVERS SPIRITUAL MERCHANTS
Pro_3:14. Believers Spiritual Merchants
"For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof, than fine gold."’97Pro_3:14.
God often addresses men in his word under the character of buyers, and offers a variety of things unto them for their purchase. By the prophet Isaiah, he says, "Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat," &c., Isa_55:1. He urges that "we buy the truth, and sell it not," &c. And shows the value of his blessings by comparing them to treasure hidden in a field, which a man possesses by selling all things that he had. Solomon represents the whole course of wisdom as one of merchandise, wherein it is better than the merchandise of silver, &c. Notice,
I. The Propriety of the Comparison.
The godly man is like unto a merchant. The calling of a merchant is,
1. Honorable.
Some of the most distinguished persons in the world have been merchants. A man who may happen to possess wealth, and lives in indolent luxury, is a contemptible character, in the eyes of mankind, compared with the enterprising merchant. The Christian is a dignified character. His calling is one honorable to his judgment, and spirit, and character. It is a course vindicated by wisdom, and which enjoys the especial approbation of God.
2. It is a calling of activity.
It involves the employment of energies, and the constant use of means for improving opportunities which may present themselves, &c. Much of the success depends on the measure of activity which is devoted. &c. So with the Christian merchant, his energies and means must be diligently and actively laid out. Fervent in spirit. Glowing with zeal. Giving all diligence, &c.
3. It is a calling of risk.
The merchant is liable to losses. His property is exposed to the contingencies of sea, and thieves, and fire, &c., &c. A merchant therefore must be vigilant, and employ great prudential care. Such also is the state of the Christian. He is the subject of numerous enemies. He is liable to many contingencies, therefore he must watch, and be vigilant, knowing that his adversary, &c. The apostle speaks of some who had made shipwreck, &c. "Hold fast that which thou hast," &c. Generally,
4. It is a calling of great profit.
The prudent, diligent merchant often greatly increases his wealth, &c. The diligent hand maketh rich. Godliness is profitable for all things, &c. It is profitable to body and soul. For time and eternity. Then observe,
II. The Way in which the Christian Merchant should conduct his Affairs.
1. To trade in proper commodities.
He must buy those things which are lawful, necessary, and useful. Of these there are (1) Food. Heavenly manna, the milk and wine of the divine word. (2) Raiment. The white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints. (3) Medicine. Spiritual eye salve, Gilead’s balm, &c. (4) Riches. Fine gold, and the holy ornaments of the graces of the Spirit. The wise merchant will not expend his money in that which is not bread, or that which satisfieth not.
2. He must be prompt and regular in his engagements.
This will be the basis of his reputation, which will be essential to his prosperity. He must draw daily on the bank of heaven by fervent prayer, and honor all God’s goodness by sincere and hearty thanks giving. In all his concerns with God and mankind "He must do justly, love mercy," &c.
3. He must avoid speculations.
How many thousands have been thus ruined. The success of the few is the exception rather than he rule. Now the Christian merchant must be content to pursue the old path, the good way, and avoid a spirit of novelty and change Religion, as God’s work, admits of no improvement, and allows of no alteration or addition. Religious speculators of all men are most miserable.
4. He must constantly act so as to secure the patronage of the court of heaven.
All his means, and stock, and privileges are from above. He is a trading citizen of Zion. He sails under the flag royal of heaven. And this patronage is essential to his prosperity and success. God will order all things for him. He will bring all the ways committed to him to pass. His smile will ensure happy results, &c. Then he must do all, so as to honor God and show forth his praise.
III. The Superior Advantages which this Merchandise yields.
"For the merchandise is better," &c. Now the advantages of the spiritual merchant over those who trade in earthly treasures is manifest,
1. From the intrinsic worth of the commodities in which he trades.
He trades in spiritual things, adapted to the mind; necessary to the soul; suited to the powers and capacities of spiritual intelligences. Gold and silver are worthless here. The treasures of the earth are inapplicable, and therefore in reality valueless.
2. From the certainty of success ensured.
In human affairs all is contingent. The race is not always to the swift, &c. Human policy, diligence, &c. often unavailing. The Christian merchant has success guaranteed. He has God’s promises and engagements, to render the results favorable and prosperous. If he trades therefore he succeeds. God will give him success. Providence and grace are combined to ensure it.
3. From the nature of the profits derived.
The advantages are of a better kind. The gain of an abiding and immortal character. His riches will not fly away. Nor pass into other hands. Or ever fail. They are exhaustless and eternal. He secures a portion, proof against time, death, and eternity. He obtains an inheritance, incorruptible, &c. An exceeding great and eternal reward.
Application
1. Invite sinners to invest ail they have in the trade of wisdom. Every thing else will finally fail. Nothing else superlatively important.
2. Urge believers to diligence in their heavenly calling.
3. Incite all wisdom’s merchants to cheering hope as to the glorious results which shall crown their spiritual trading.
4. Those who trade in ignorance and sin will be ruined in body and soul forever and ever.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS