xxviii. 20. _For the bed is shorter, &c._
Of all the striking images made use of in this chapter, none was so
likely to catch the ear, and impress itself on the memory, and become
a seed of useful reflection, as that embodied in this proverbial
saying. Epigrams have done much to guide popular movements. Lord
Bacon speaks of them as "the edge-tools which cut and penetrate the
knots of business and affairs." The adage before us is homely, but
forcible and expressive. To a fastidious taste and a false refinement
it may appear undignified; but where one has to deal with reckless
folly and obstinacy, he selects what best serves his purpose of
exposing it. Lifted out of the occasions which gave the birth, these
pithy and sententious sayings admit of manifold applications. They
refute error, and make truth visible.
I. Apply this aphorism to the _shifts of diplomacy._ This is the use
which the prophet makes of it. No words could better expose the folly
of the Egyptian alliance. The "scornful" politicians of Jerusalem
"had not only secured themselves by a treaty with that
personification of death and hell, the Assyrian, but they had
outwitted him; for what chance could a mere barbarian soldier have
against the deep-laid policy of an old, long-civilised state? They
were in communication with Egypt and Ethiopia, and at the proper time
would bring the armies of Tirhakah to free them from the power of
Sennacherib." This was the plausible but imprudent and deceitful
scheme which the prophet denounced; and all such measures will in due
time land their short-sighted and dishonest authors in the short bed
with the narrow covering.
II. Apply it to the _dishonesties of trade_ and the _reckless
extravagance of living._ The rash speculator and the careless
spendthrift will soon find out its truth. If they do not live within
their means, and regulate dress and diet according to their income,
they will soon find themselves in the short bed, vainly seeking
warmth and comfort under a scanty covering. How much society has
suffered from reckless speculation! Many a promising youth has
foolishly squandered his means, and has grown so enormously in his
luxurious habits, that he has no room to stretch himself on the short
bed of his income. Visions of sequestration disturb his repose;
pinching poverty hinders his comfort.
III. The same imprudent miscalculation is seen in _the plans of
worldly-minded men._ Their purpose is to make a fortune, and then
retire to enjoy it. They imagine that thus they shall have
constructed an ample bed with abundant covering, in which they may
comfortably spend the evening of life's day. But they have made their
bed without measuring its occupant at his full height. Providing for
the body, but neglecting the soul, they are cribbed and confined
within the narrow boundaries of time, and it will be well for them if
they discover their mistake when the chill frosts of old age seize
upon their uncovered limbs.
IV. Apply it to the _expedients by which men seek spiritual rest._
There are many short beds on which they seek repose, and narrow
coverings in which they try to wrap themselves. What apologies do
they find for their sin!--how earnestly they work out a righteousness
of their own in which to find shelter, forgetting that "all have
sinned and come short," and "the one thing" they lack is a fatal
defect! They will soon shiver with cold under this insufficient
covering. Nothing but the saving work of Christ can answer man's need
as a sinful creature. Here is both room and warmth (Matt. xi. 28). As
the fond mother lays her child to sleep, so will He provide for our
comfort (Isa. lxvi. 13). The word "hap" is dear to a Scotch ear,
expressing "the care with which the bed-clothes are laid upon the
little forms, and carefully tucked in about the round sleeping
cheeks." Seek rest in Christ. He will support you in sickness and
sooth you in pain; and when laid down on your last bed, rejoicing in
the fulness and all-sufficiency of His grace, you will fall asleep in
Him. A common proverb runs, "He has made his bed, and now he must lie
on it," sometimes harshly used, yet expressing a solemn truth (Gal.
vi. 7; Isa. l. 11).--_William Guthrie, M.A._
An end is proposed to be accomplished; the first consideration will
be the suitability and sufficiency of means. The kingdom of Judah was
trusting in inadequate defences against the Assyrians, whose approach
was feared. False gods. Words of false prophets. Alliance with Egypt.
Warned against all these. True defence in faithful adherence to God
as covenant God. If they continued to look elsewhere they would find
themselves in the position of a man in a bed too short for him, or
with a covering too narrow to wrap himself. Instead of comfort and
rest, weariness, discomfort, unrest. The bed does not answer its end.
It is inadequate.
This thought is capable of another application. Men's religious
beliefs and practices may be inadequate. A religion for man must be
true in itself, be evidenced as true, be adapted to and sufficient
for his religious necessities, capacities, and susceptibilities.
Otherwise, it is inadequate.
Point out the inadequacy of some religious ideas that are in vogue.
+I. Scepticism is inadequate.+ There is not only the unbelief that
denies the truth of Christianity, but the more subtle unbelief which
refuses to affirm while it does not exactly deny. It says we know
nothing, and may act on the assumption that there is nothing--as to
God, Christ, a future state. Now we might show that there is
sufficient evidence, but at present only show that this theory is not
adequate to the demands of human nature. It is a fair inference from
the almost universal experience of mankind that the doctrines of God,
conscience, responsibility, prayer, a future state of existence, are
congenial to human nature. Education does not account for them,
although it may give them shape. Without them human nature is short
of something which it needs. It is adapted to them. Without them its
deepest needs are inadequately supplied.
The religion of the Bible supplies the need of man in all these
respects. It reveals the Divine Being and character. It tells of a
Father on whom, in his helplessness, man may call. It guides his
conscience so that it may fitly guide _him._ It acquaints us with the
nature of the life to come.
+II. Self-righteousness is inadequate.+ There are necessities which
did not exist in man's original constitution, self-created
necessities. The state of sinfulness is a second nature, superinduced
on the original nature. Overlooking this, many imagine the Divine
favour can be won and the religious life prosecuted by obedience to
God and kindness to man. They proceed on the supposition that it is
only necessary to continue such a course from any given commencement.
If the sinful part is recognised, it is assumed that it will be
condoned in consideration of the new service. It is assumed that the
long-standing debt of former sin will be gradually paid by goodness
in excess of ordinary demands, or that God, in some unknown way, will
remit it.
This bed is too short. This covering too narrow. The religion for a
fallen creature must deal seriously with the state of sin, guilt,
condemnation. The question meets you at the outset. If every farthing
of your present income is absolutely required to meet your barest
necessities, how can you out of it pay back debts? Does not the law
require a perfect obedience? Do you at present render more than it
requires? Do you ever, with your best endeavour, come up to the law?
It is hopelessly inadequate. The religion for man must provide a free
forgiveness; one also honourable to God. It is not in our power. It
is in God. And He has made such a provision. The Gospel of the Lord
Jesus Christ is that provision. His obedience, death, righteousness.
Freely given without works to the believing sinner. This is the only
adequate ground. This bed is long enough. This covering wide enough.
+III. Ceremonialism is inadequate.+ Human nature is impure. It needs
cleansing as well as pardon. Some imagine this is accomplished by
sacramental grace, through baptism, which is supposed to regenerate;
and the mysterious influence of the consecrated bread and wine. All
this is inadequate. No outward rite can effect an inward and
spiritual change. There must be a new nature. There must be a love of
holiness and a living growth into holiness. There must be a new
birth. There must be the conviction of sinfulness; the acceptance of
Christ; the surrender to the authority of Christ. For this the Gospel
provision is adequate. There is the word of God which proclaims the
mercy and offers the inducement. There is the Holy Spirit which
changes the heart.
Be not satisfied with inadequate religion. Remember the solemn
importance of possessing an adequate religion.--_J. Rawlinson._