Matthew 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said to them, Why stand you here all the day idle? The text contains — I. AN IMPLICATION — That there is work to be done. 1. Knowledge to acquire — of God, self, etc. 2. Blessing, to secure. Pardon, etc. 3. Duties to discharge. Notwithstanding, many are idle. II. AN EXPOSTULATION. Why stand ye who are active, rational, responsible, rewardable creatures? Why stand ye here idle? Here on a theatre of action. In this the day of your probation. In this state of uncertainty. Why stand ye? Standing not working. III. AN INQUIRY? "Why?" Some are idle because they have no work. Some do not like the master. Some do not love the work. Some imagine themselves unable to work. Some do not like the wages. Some no man hath hired. Does not the Bible, memory, and conscience supply instances in which He would have hired you, but you were unwilling to have your old Master and desert His work, etc. (W. Atherton.) Parallel Verses KJV: And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? |
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