The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but he overthroweth the words of the transgressor (Proverbs 22:12).
When knowledge in the mind is attended by pureness in the heart and grace in the lips, they form an amiable and worthy character, which draws to it the eyes and hearts of wise men: but that is not the principal recommendation of it, for the eyes of the Lord himself preserve knowledge, and watch for good over the man whose lips and conversation are regulated by it. The king should be his friend, but there are Ahabs among kings who have not so much sense as poor Belchazzar, but love only those that speak pleasing things to them, whether true or false: but the King of kings will surely be his friend; his eyes are upon him for good, and every loss that he sustains for his adherence to truth shall be gain. But the words of the transgressor are overthrown by Him. He disappoints their hypocrisy, and brings evil upon them, instead of those advantages which they expected from their cunning and insincerity.
It is mostly safe to follow the counsels of a wise man, for they are likely to be attended with happy success, and if it is in his power he will contribute for his own honour to the success of them; but it is always safe to follow the counsels of God, who can insure and command success, and will not suffer any man to lose in the end, by obedience to his will. God did not indeed interpose in the same visible manner, for the support of John Baptist, as he had formerly done for the preservation of Shadrach and his companions. But John the Baptist had done his work, and was fit for a better world, and this world was not worthy of him; we cannot suppose him a loser, because his integrity procured him the crown of martyrdom, and he now praises God as cheerfully for the administrations of providence towards him on earth, as the three children who escaped the violence of fire, or he that came unhurt out of the lion’s den.
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