14. Almost every word of this verse has
furnished matter for discussion to scholars, for it is very obscure. We will,
therefore, rest content with the common version, rather than distract the
reader with diverse translations. From men which are thy hand. Having
styled the ungodly a sword in his Father’s hand, he now likens them to that
hand itself, to set out his conviction that God could as easily remove their
violence as a man moves his own hand. He will never slay his child with his own
hand. From men of the world, mere earthworms; not men of the world to
come, but mere dwellers in this narrow sphere of mortality; having no hopes or
wishes beyond the ground on which they tread. Which have their portion inthis life. Like the prodigal, they have their portion, and are not content
to wait their Father’s time. Like Passion in the Pilgrim’s Progress,
they have their best things first, and revel during their little hour. Luther
was always afraid lest he should have his portion here, and therefore
frequently gave away sums of money which had been presented to him. We cannot
have earth and heaven too for our choice and portion; the wise choose that
which will last the longest. Whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure.
Their sensual appetite gets the grain which it craved for. A generous man does
not deny dogs their bones, and our generous God gives even his enemies enough
to fill them, if they were not so unreasonable as never to be content. Theyare full of children … This was their fondest hope, that a race from their
loins would prolong their names far down the page of history, and God has
granted them this also; so that they have all that heart can wish. What
enviable creatures they seem, but it is only seeming! … and leave the restof their substance to their babes. They were fat housekeepers, and yet
leave plenty to their heirs. Living and dying they lacked for nothing but
grace, and, alas, that lack spoils everything. Self, self, self, all these joys
begin and end in basest selfishness; but oh, our God, how rich are those who
begin and end in thee! From all contamination and injury which association with
worldly men is sure to bring us, deliver thou us, O God!
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