Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?… I. WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY "GOODNESS" AND A "FAITHFUL MAN"? — Goodness often means the Whole of a virtuous or religious temper. In Scripture it is sometimes limited to good affections, and the proper expression of them in our conduct. Goodness here is kindness; and a "faithful man" is one sincere and steady in goodness, who really feels benevolent affections, and is uniform and constant in the practical exercise of them. 1. He is "faithful in goodness," whose general conduct is kind and beneficent. He is affable and courteous in his ordinary conversation, and never without necessity deliberately says that which may hurt or offend. He does not withhold his bounty till it is wrung from him by importunity. His friendly offices reach men's spiritual necessities. 2. He is "faithful in goodness" whose goodness flows from an inward, a sincere, and a religious principle. Goodness sufficiently diffusive in its objects and exercises can only be the fruit of the Spirit of God. 3. The man "faithful in goodness" is steady, constant, and persevering in doing good. Important services to others often require much of diligence, self-denial, and disinterestedness. He does good, expecting nothing again. II. WHAT IS SUGGESTED when it is said, "A faithful man, who can find"? 1. He reminds us that this is a character not to be found among unconverted sinners. 2. Faithfulness in goodness is uncommon. 3. Fidelity in goodness in a strict sense, and in full perfection, is not the character of the best saints on this side the grave. III. SOLOMON'S MAXIM, THAT "MOST MEN WILL PROCLAIM EVERY ONE HIS OWN GOODNESS." Men are prone to disguise their true characters under a deceitful mask, and profess sentiments and affections to which their hearts are utter strangers. There are some who, in proclaiming their own goodness, cannot be charged with gross hypocrisy. They are self-deluded. Let every one press after the fidelity in goodness, to which every false display of it is opposed. (John Erskine, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?WEB: Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man? |
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