Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. I. THE PRECEPT ITSELF AND THE LIMITATIONS WITH WHICH IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD. We must not make what we expect others would do in our circumstances the rule of conduct; because we expect selfishness, we must not be selfish; this is retaliation. The rule of the text does not apply when what we would is inconsistent with the well-being of society; a creditor need not forego a just debt. So this rule has equity and right reason as a limit. We must not take too favourable views of our individual case and form an exaggerated estimate of what we are entitled to at the hands of a neighbour. Anger may be justified. II. The EXCELLENCY OF this rule, and the grounds on which we claim for it the respect of mankind. 1. Its reasonableness, as founded on the original equality of all men. 2. Its capability of easy and immediate application. 3. The beneficence of such a rule in relation to ourselves. God seems to let us make our own laws. III. A few practical ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE WAY IN WHICH THIS RULE MAY BE APPLIED. 1. Let the rule be applied to the civilities of social intercourse. 2. To the practice of neighhourly charities and compassions. "Ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." 3. To the rights, properties, and good name of all around us. 4. To the social duties falling under no special name, regard for the opinions of others. 5. The connection of these several duties with the sinner's acceptance with God. (D. Moore, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. |
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