Ver. 5. Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain ? etc.] Some think that the apostle refers to a particular passage of Scripture in the Old Testament, and that he took it from ( Genesis 6:3) as some; or from ( Exodus 20:5), as others; or from ( Deuteronomy 7:2,5) or from ( Job 5:6) or from ( Proverbs 21:10) others think he had in view some text in the New Testament; either ( Romans 12:2) or ( Galatians 5:17) and some have imagined that he refers to a passage in the apocryphal book: For into a malicious soulwisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin. (Wisdom 1:4) and others have been of opinion that it is taken out of some book of Scripture then extant, but now lost, which by no means can be allowed of: the generality of interpreters, who suppose a particular text of Scripture is referred to, fetch it from ( Numbers 11:29) but it seems best of all to conclude that the apostle has no regard to any one particular passage of Scripture, in which the following words are expressly had, since no such passage appears; but that his meaning is, the sense of the Scripture everywhere, where it speaks of this matter, is to this purpose: nor does it say this, or any thing else in vain; whatever is written there is to answer some end, as for learning, edification, and comfort, for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness; neither with respect to what is before suggested, that what is asked in a right manner, and for a right end, shall be given; and that the love of the world, and the love of God, are things incompatible; nor with respect to what follows: the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy ? that is, the depraved spirit of man, the spirit of an unregenerate man; that as it is prone to every lust, and prompts to every sin, the imagination of the thought of man's heart being evil, and that continually, so it instigates to envy the happiness of others; (see Genesis 6:5 8:21) or this may be put as a distinct question from the other, does the spirit that dwelleth in us lust to envy? that is, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the hearts of his people, as in his temple: the Ethiopic version reads, the Holy Spirit: and then the sense is, does he lust to envy? no; he lusts against the flesh and the works of it, and envy among the rest; (see Galatians 5:17,21) but he does not lust to it, or provoke to it, or put persons upon it; nor does he, as the Arabic version renders it, desire that we should envy; he is a spirit of grace; he bestows grace and favours upon men; and is so far from envying, or putting others upon envying any benefit enjoyed by men, that he increases them, adds to them, and enlarges them, as follows.
Verses 1-10 - Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our ow hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the members Wordly and fleshly lusts are distempers, which will not allow conten or satisfaction. Sinful desires and affections stop prayer, and the working of our desires toward God. And let us beware that we do no abuse or misuse the mercies received, by the disposition of the hear when prayers are granted When men ask of God prosperity, they often as with wrong aims and intentions. If we thus seek the things of thi world, it is just in God to deny them. Unbelieving and cold desires be denials; and we may be sure that when prayers are rather the languag of lusts than of graces, they will return empty. Here is a decide warning to avoid all criminal friendships with this world Worldly-mindedness is enmity to God. An enemy may be reconciled, but "enmity" never can be reconciled. A man may have a large portion in things of this life, and yet be kept in the love of God; but he wh sets his heart upon the world, who will conform to it rather than los its friendship, is an enemy to God. So that any one who resolves at all events to be upon friendly terms with the world, must be the enemy of God. Did then the Jews, or the loose professors of Christianity, thin the Scripture spake in vain against this worldly-mindedness? or doe the Holy Spirit who dwells in all Christians, or the new nature whic he creates, produce such fruit? Naturalcorruption shows itself by envying. The spirit of the worldteaches us to lay up, or lay out for ourselves, according to our own fancies; God the Holy Spiritteaches u to be willing to do good to all about us, as we are able. The grace of God will correct and cure the spirit by nature in us; and where he gives grace, he gives another spirit than that of the world. The prou resistGod: in their understanding they resist the truths of God; in their will they resist the laws of God; in their passions they resis the providence of God; therefore, no wonder that God resists the proud How wretched the state of those who make God their enemy! God will giv more grace to the humble, because they see their need of it, pray for it are thankful for it, and such shall have it. Submit to God, very #(7). Submit your understanding to the truth of God; submit your will to the will of his precept, the will of his providence. Submi yourselves to God, for he is ready to do you good. If we yield to temptations, the devil will continually follow us; but if we put on the whole armour of God, and stand out against him, he will leave us. Le sinners then submit to God, and seek his grace and favour; resistin the devil. All sin must be wept over; here, in godly sorrow, or hereafter, in eternal misery. And the Lord will not refuse to comfor one who really mourns for sin, or to exalt one who humbles himsel before him.
