Proverbs 3:16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. "Honour" can only be attained by religion and virtue. I. THE TRUE NATURE OF HONOUR. 1. Used to denote worthy and creditable parentage. 2. Or it signifies titles of place and dignity. Veneration is due to some callings and relations of men, though the persons themselves should not be virtuous. 3. The term is sometimes used for the esteem and reputation which a man hath in the world, especially amongst virtuous persons. Such honour is "power," enabling a man to do things great and worthy; and it is "safety," as it gives a man an interest in the esteem and affection of others. II. RELIGION AND VIRTUE ARE THE ONLY MEANS OF ATTAINING HONOUR. This can be proved — 1. By testimony; from Scripture, from the concurrent opinion of wise men in all ages. 2. By reason. There may be a twofold cause of things — moral and natural. A moral cause is that which doth dispose a man to such a condition, upon the account of fitness or desert, and in this sense honour is the reward of virtue. The natural cause of a thing, by its own immediate efficacy, produces the effect; and in this sense likewise virtue is the cause of honour. 3. By experience; that practical knowing which every man may attain by his own observation. Two objections may be urged against what is thus proved — (1) Good men have met with dishonour, as Christ and His disciples did. (2) Vicious men have sometimes been had in honour. External honour may be due to them; internal honour is only given by those who do not know them. (Bp. John Wilkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.WEB: Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor. |
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