2. That personal duties demand genuine hard work.—“And to work with your own hands” (ver. 11). The claims and enjoyments of religion do not release us from the necessity of toiling for our daily bread and providing things honest in the sight of all men. True religion rather consists in doing all the work of life with consistency, diligence, and perseverance. Manual labour is not the only form of genuine industry. The industry of some of our public men is something amazing. There is no greater foe to piety than idleness. It is the beginning of many other evils and has been the origin of many a career that has ended with the prison and the gallows. An idle man is always something worse. His brain is the shop for the devil, where he forges the most debasing fancies and plots the most pernicious schemes. Many take more pains to go to hell than almost the holiest to go to heaven. Hièrome used to say that a man who labours disheartens even the devil himself.
3. That industry in personal duties is enforced by apostolic precept.—“As we commanded you” (ver. 11). The apostle frequently took occasion to enforce upon his converts the importance of diligence in one’s daily business and set them an example in his own conduct (2 Thess. iii. 7, 8). Honest labour is not beneath the dignity of any, and he who works the hardest has the greater influence in enforcing industry upon others.
III. That a pacific spirit, combined with diligence, recommends Christianity to those outside the Church.—“That ye may walk honestly towards them that are without” (ver. 12). Industry is no small part of honesty. A lazy man can never be an honest one, though his chastity and fidelity were as renowned as Joseph’s, if that were possible to a mere idler. A restless, trifling busybody does unspeakable damage to religion. Many, who are Christians by profession, are often more heathenish in practice, and the blindest among the aliens are swift to detect and pronounce judgment on their dishonesty. The unbelieving world, on the other hand, is impressed and attracted by the peaceful and diligent behaviour of the faithful. Human nature is powerfully influenced by appearances.
IV. That a pacific spirit, combined with diligence, ensures an honoured independence.—“And that ye may have lack of nothing” (ver. 12). It is more blessed to be able to give than to receive. What a mercy it is neither to know the power and misery of those temptations which arise from pinching poverty, nor yet to be necessitated to depend upon the cold-hearted, merciless charity of others. The patient, quiet persevering plodder in the way of Christian duty may not always be rewarded with affluence; but he is encouraged to expect, at least, a modest competency. And the very spirit he has striven to cultivate has enriched him with an inheritance, which few possibly attain—contentment with his lot. He whose is the silver and the gold will care for His loved and faithful servants (Ps. xxxvii. 25).
Lessons.—1. Quarrelsomeness and indolence cannot co-exist with a high degree of sanctity. 2. To secure the blessings of peace is worthy of the most industrious study. 3. The mightiest aggressions of the Gospel upon the world are made quietly.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSE.
Ver. 11. Study to be Quiet.
I. Make it our meditation day and night and fill our minds with it.
II. Put our meditation into practice.
III. We must unlearn many things before we can be taught this.—1. Cast out self-love. 2. Covetousness. 3. Pull back our ambition. 4. Bind our malice. 5. Empty ourselves of all suspicion, surmising, and discontent.