“Timor Domini disciplina sapientiæ, et gloriam præcedit humilitas.”
“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”
“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
“The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.”
“The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor goeth humility.”
Lesson. Or “what teacheth.” Humility, or docility, as those who acknowledge no master will never become wise, Matthew xxiii. 12. (Calmet)
I. Holiness. A little, if we manage it and enjoy it in the fear of the Lord, if we keep a good conscience and go on in the way of duty, and serve God faithfully with the little we have, will be more comfortable, and turn to a better account, than great treasure and trouble therewith. Observe here, 1. It is often the lot of those that fear God to have but a little of this world. The poor receive the gospel, and poor they still are, Jam 2 5. 2. Those that have great treasure have often great trouble therewith; it is so far from making them easy that it increases their care and hurry. The abundance of the rich will not suffer them to sleep. 3. If great treasure bring trouble with it, it is for want of the fear of God. If those that have great estates would do their duty with them, and then trust God with them, their treasure would not have so much trouble attending it. 4. It is therefore far better, and more desirable, to have but a little of the world and to have it with a good conscience, to keep up communion with God, and enjoy him in it, and live by faith, than to have the greatest plenty and live without God in the world.