III. Because, short as our time is, much of it has already elapsed.

IV. Because what remains to us is uncertain.

V. Because nothing can ever compensate the loss of time.

VI. God has made eternity to depend on the issues and results of time.—Dr. Robt. Newton.

Ver. 6. Christian Conversation.—The apostle recommends a seasoning

  1. Of piety.
  2. Of chastity.
  3. Of charity.
  4. Of severity.
  5. Of solidity.

Lessons.—1. Extravagant raillery poisons conversation. 2. A spirit of disputing is a vice of conversation. 3. Indiscreet questions are a pest of conversation.—Saurin.

Christ’s Truth in Relation to our Daily Conversation.

  1. The large space which words occupy in human life.—1. On account of their number. 2. On account of their consequences.
  2. The importance of special self-examination in reference to our words.
  3. Earnest listening to the Divine voices the cure for vain speech and the source of gracious speech.
  4. Our words are not to be all about religion but pervaded by the spirit of religion.
  5. Our conversation being thus seasoned, we shall know how we ought to answer every man.—R. Abercrombie.

MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Verses 7–11.