Proverbs 13:7 There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing: there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches. I. THERE IS THAT MAKETH HIMSELF RICH, YET HATH NOTHING. I. Such are they who are unacquainted with their real character. "Among these may be reckoned all who are ignorant even of fundamental truths, or pervert them. 2. Such are they who, notwithstanding, entertain a high opinion of their spiritual condition. To beast of what we have not is the greatest folly; to glory of what we have is the most intolerable vanity. 3. Such are they who are indifferent to the means of obtaining relief, and the supply of their spiritual wants. II. THERE IS THAT MAKETH HIMSELF POOR, YET HATH GREAT RICHES. 1. Persons of this sort commonly complain much of themselves and their condition. 2. The temper and conduct of such persons serves to discover the mistaken judgment which they have formed of their spiritual condition. From whatever cause this error in opinion may proceed, there is always something in the temper and conduct of people of this sort that shows the high value which they put upon the true riches, and the humbling sense they entertain of their apprehended spiritual poverty. This distinguishes them from those who only pretend to the character of which I am speaking. 3. Notwithstanding they think themselves poor, they have great riches. The Lord, whose loving-kindness is better than life, is their God, the strength of their hearts, and their portion for ever. (W. McCulloch.) Parallel Verses KJV: There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. |
    |