+II. The argument by which the apostle urges the duty.+--"The days
are evil." The argument was not peculiar to those early times, but is
pertinent to all times. 1. _The days are evil because the Christian
finds in himself much disorder and corruption._ 2. _The days are evil
as he is exposed to various afflictions._ 3. _There are many
adversaries._ 4. _Iniquity abounds.--Lathrop._
Ver. 15. _The Wise Conduct of Life._--1. The more light and knowledge
a man receives from God he ought to take the more diligent heed that
in all things he practises according to his light. 2. Those only are
most fit to reprove sin in others who walk most circumspectly and
live so as they cannot be justly blamed themselves. Even the
righteous walking of such is a forcible reproof of sin in others,
though they speak nothing. 3. As those are only truly wise in God's
account who labour to walk most exactly by the rule of God's Word, so
where this sanctified wisdom is it will render itself evident by
making the person endowed with it walk circumspectly. 4. The less
circumspect and exact men be in walking by the rule of God's Word the
greater fools they are in God's esteem.--_Fergusson._
Ver. 16. _Redeeming the Time._--To redeem time is to regain what is
lost and to save what is left.
+I. Enter on your work speedily.+--Do you ask what is your work? It
is time you knew. Consult God's Word; that will tell you.
+II. Attend to your work with diligence.+--A sense of past
slothfulness must excite you to severer industry. Be not only
fervent but steady in your work.
+III. Guard against the things which rob you of your time.+--An
indolent habit is inconsistent with laudable actions. A
versatile humour is active, but wants patience. An excessive
fondness for company and amusement is the cause of much waste
of time.
+IV. Do every work in its season.+--Youth is the most promising
season. The time of health is more favourable than a time of
sickness. There are seasons friendly to particular duties. In
doing works of charity observe opportunities.
+V. Wisely divide your time among your various duties.+--_Lathrop._
_The Redemption of Time._
+I. The subject of the exhortation.+--1. _Time sometime signifies the
whole duration assigned to the present world._
2. _The period of human life._--The time we occupy in the present
state is that which God allots for our personal probation and trial.
All God's dispensations in respect to us refer to this period and
have their limits fixed by it.
3. _Time means season or opportunity._--In this sense the apostle
uses it here. We are to redeem all the opportunity God bestows on us
for getting and doing good, for acquainting ourselves with Him and
being at peace.
+II. The duty enjoined on us.+--"Redeeming the time"--the opportunity.