Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. I. THE DIVERSITY OF STATION, OF POWER, OF AUTHORITY, OF WEALTH, AND THE LIKE IS INHERENT IN THE NATURE OF MAN. Men are diverse in their natural capacities, abilities, and inclinations. But this diversity rests not altogether on chance or on injustice of mankind, since it originates, if not in the very nature of the soul, yet surely in the constitution of the body which it inhabits, the external objects by which man is environed, the early education that he receives and the climate allotted him for his abode, and which cannot possibly be everywhere the same. II. The proof, however, that the difference of station is necessarily inherent in our nature WILL NOT PACIFY THE DISCONTENTED MAN. He will probably complain of this necessity, that he is subjected to it against his will. But will he justly do so if we prove to him that God in this institution had the wisest and kindest designs in view, and that it is in reality calculated to procure to every one in particular and to all in general manifold and important benefits? 1. Certain it is that without the diversity of estates and conditions of life, we should be absolutely obliged to forego very many of the conveniences which we may enjoy. We should be more independent, but we should also have less support in weakness, less protection in dangers, less help in misery, less relief in distress. And how burdensome would life become if every one were obliged to provide himself necessaries alone, every one to procure and prepare for himself whatever he wanted for his maintenance, for his food and clothing, for his recreation and his amusement! 2. By this regulation established by the Deity mankind have the best opportunity for employing their several capacities, faculties, and endowments, and of carrying them to the highest degree of perfection which they can here attain. The difference of states and conditions of life introduces a great variety of projects and designs, of occupations, exertions, labours, and amusements. 3. By means of this Divine economy every species of satisfaction and pleasure is enjoyed whereof mankind are capable, and these satisfactions and pleasures, taken together, constitute unquestionably the greatest possible sum of happiness or of agreeable sensations that could have place in the present state of man. How few the species of pleasure to which mankind would be restricted if they were in all respects equal! 4. This diversity of station and outward prosperity are excellent means of exercising us in virtue, and so of rendering us capable of the perfection and happiness of another life.Conclusion: 1. Let every one of us be contented with his situation. Acquire the habit of viewing it on the most agreeable side — that God knows us far better than we know ourselves, and is uniformly consulting our welfare. 2. Let each of us only act up to his station with all possible fidelity in every particular. 3. Let us with extraordinary diligence strive after a superior station in a future world. (G. J. Zollikofer.) Parallel Verses KJV: The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.WEB: The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all. |
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