August 31

"For sake the foolish, and live."—Proverbs 9:6.

THE book of Proverbs contains a vast fund of useful maxims and sententious sayings, easily retained in the memory, and suited to all classes of character. Here is a short, but interesting portion. Observe

THE SOCIETY YOU ARE TO AVOID. "The foolish." The wicked are so called to distinguish them from the righteous, who are designated "wise." Their folly is shown in trifling with the interests of the soul. They act as absurdly as the individual who should bestow all his pains to embellish a casket, while he cared not if the diamond it contained were lost. Their folly is shown in neglecting the means of religious improvement. These are placed within their reach; but they would rather be drowned in perdition than embark in that vessel that is bound for the shores of Canaan, guided by a heavenly Pilot, and wafted by the gales of the Spirit's influences. Their folly is shown in pursuing an ungodly course. The way of transgressors is hard; what, then, will the end be?

THE DETERMINATION YOU ARE TO MAKE. "For sake the foolish." We must not choose their company. You may know a man by the society he keeps. It was said of the persecuted apostles, "Being let go, they went to their own company." So it will be with Christians; their lawful avocations in the world are cords that often unite them for a time to the ungodly, but when the business is transacted, being let go, they will go to their own company; and when the silver cord of life shall be broken, and they shall be let go from this world, they shall go to their own company in heaven. Again, with regard to the foolish, we must not imbibe their notions, because these are contrary to Christian principles. We must not imitate their example. Dare to be singular, and come out from among them.

THE ADVANTAGES YOU SHALL OBTAIN. "And live." It is often the means of prolonging natural life; for "the wicked shall not live out half his days." It is necessary to the enjoyment of spiritual life—the life of God in the soul; a life of peace, respectability, usefulness, and devotedness to God. It conducts to eternal life. If we forsake not the foolish here, we must share in their everlasting condemnation. How important is decision of character in religion!