Verse 21. For it had been better for them, etc. Compare See Barnes "Mt 26:24".

It would have been better for them, for

(1.) then they would not have dishonoured the cause of: religion as they have now done;

(2.) they would not have sunk so deep in profligacy as they now have; and

(3.) they would not have incurred so aggravated a condemnation in the world of woe. If men are resolved on being wicked, they had better never pretend to be good. If they are to be cast off at last, it had better not be as apostates from the cause of virtue and religion.

{c} "better" Mt 11:23,24; Lu 12:47,48

{d} "way of righteousness" Pr 12:28