3. Wealth and riches shall be in his house. Understood literally this is rather a promise of the old covenant than of the new, for many of the best of the people of God are very poor; yet it has been found true that uprightness is the road to success, and all other things being equal the honest person is the rising person. Many are kept poor through knavery and profligacy; but godliness has the promise of the life that now is. If we understand the passage spiritually it is abundantly true. What wealth can equal that of the love of God? What riches can rival a contented heart? It matters nothing that the roof is thatched, and the floor is of cold stone: the heart which is cheered with the favor of heaven is “rich to all the intents of bliss.” And his righteousness endureth for ever. Often when gold comes in the Gospel goes out; but it is not so with the blessed person. Prosperity does not destroy holiness of life, or humility of heart. The godly character stands the test of examination, overcomes the temptations of wealth, survives the assaults of slander, outlives the afflictions of time, and endures the trial of the last great day. The righteousness of a true saint endureth forever, because it springs from the same root as the righteousness of God, and is indeed the reflection of it. So long as the Lord abides righteous, he will maintain by his grace the righteousness of his people. They will hold on their way, and wax stronger and stronger. There is also another righteousness which belong to the Lord’s chosen, which is sure to endure forever, namely the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus, which is called “everlasting righteousness,” belonging as it does to the Son of God himself.
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