mhcc - vain

mhcc@Genesis:3:6-8 @ Verse 6-8 -...lessen their sins, are vain and...-leaves, they make the matter never the better: yet we are all apt to cover our transgressions as Adam. Before they sinned, they would have welcomed God's gracious visits with humble joy; but now he was become a terror to them. No marvel that they became a terror to themselves, and full of confusion. This shows the falsehood of the tempter, and the frauds of his temptations. Satan promised they should be safe, but they cannot so much as think themselves so! Adam and Eve were now miserable comforters to each other!

mhcc@Genesis:3:22-24 @ Verse 22-24 -...It was henceforward in vain for...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Genesis:4:8-15 @ Verse 8-15 -...men. It is in vain to...1st John strkjv@3:12. In consequence of the enmity put between the Seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent, the war broke out, which has been waged ever since. In this war we are all concerned, none are neuter; our Captain has declared, He that is not with me is against me. Let us decidedly, yet in meekness, support the cause of truth and righteousness against Satan.

mhcc@Genesis:7:1-12 @ Verse 1-12 - The call to Noah is very kind, like that of a tender father to his children to come in-...the flood, it is vain and...

mhcc@Genesis:15:7-11 @ Verse 7-11 -...our spiritual sacrifices. When vain thoughts,...

mhcc@Genesis:31:43-55 @ Verse 43-55 -...it is not in vain to...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Genesis:33:1-16 @ Verse 1-16 -...It is not in vain to...-hearted, and open-handed. But Jacob declined Esau's offer to accompany him. It is not desirable to be too intimate with superior ungodly relations, who will expect us to join in their vanities, or at least to wink at them, though they blame, and perhaps mock at, our religion. Such will either be a snare to us, or offended with us. We shall venture the loss of all things, rather than endanger our souls, if we know their value; rather than renounce Christ, if we truly love him. And let Jacob's care and tender attention to his family and flocks remind us of the good Shepherd of our souls, who gathers the lambs with his arm, and carries them in his bosom, and gently leads those that are with young, Isaiah strkjv@40:11. As parents, teachers or pastors, we should all follow his example.

mhcc@Genesis:39:13-18 @ Verse 13-18 -...mistress, having tried in vain to...

mhcc@Exodus:1:8-14 @ Verse 8-14 - The land of Egypt became to Israel a house of bondage. The place where we have been happy, may soon become the place of our affliction; and that may prove the greatest cross to us, of which we said, This same shall comfort us. Cease from man, and say not of any place on this side heaven, This is my rest. All that knew Joseph, loved him, and were kind to his brethren for his sake; but the best and most useful services a man does to others, are soon forgotten after his death. Our great care should be, to serve God, and to please him who is not unrighteous, whatever men are, to forget our work and labour of love. The offence of Israel is, that he prospers. There is no sight more hateful to a wicked man than the prosperity of the righteous. The Egyptians feared lest the children of Israel should join their enemies, and get them up out of the land. Wickedness is ever cowardly and unjust; it makes a man fear, where no fear is, and flee, when no one pursues him. And human wisdom often is foolishness, and very sinful. God's people had task-...do but imagine a vain thing,...

mhcc@Exodus:10:21-29 @ Verse 21-29 - The plague of darkness brought upon Egypt was a dreadful plague. It was darkness which might be felt, so thick were the fogs. It astonished and terrified. It continued three days; six nights in one; so long the most lightsome palaces were dungeons. Now Pharaoh had time to consider, if he would have improved it. Spiritual darkness is spiritual bondage; while Satan blinds men's eyes that they see not, he binds their hands and feet, that they work not for God, nor move toward heaven. They sit in darkness. It was righteous with God thus to punish. The blindness of their minds brought upon them this darkness of the air; never was mind so blinded as Pharaoh's, never was air so darkened as Egypt. Let us dread the consequences of sin; if three days of darkness were so dreadful, what will everlasting darkness be? The children of Israel, at the same time, had light in their dwellings. We must not think we share in common mercies as a matter of course, and therefore that we owe no thanks to God for them. It shows the particular favour he bears to his people. Wherever there is an Israelite indeed, though in this dark world, there is light, there is a child of light. When God made this difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians, who would not have preferred the poor cottage of an Israelite to the fine palace of an Egyptian? There is a real difference between the house of the wicked, which is under a curse, and the habitation of the just, which is blessed. Pharaoh renewed the treaty with Moses and Aaron, and consented they should take their little ones, but would have their cattle left. It is common for sinners to bargain with God Almighty; thus they try to mock him, but they deceive themselves. The terms of reconciliation with God are so fixed, that though men dispute them ever so long, they cannot possibly alter them, or bring them lower. We must come to the demand of God's will; we cannot expect he should condescend to the terms our lusts would make. With ourselves and our children, we must devote all our worldly possessions to the service of God; we know not what use he will make of any part of what we have. Pharaoh broke off the conference abruptly, and resolved to treat no more. Had he forgotten how often he had sent for Moses to ease him of his plagues? and must he now be bid to come no more? Vain malice! to threaten him with death, who was armed with such power! What will not hardness of heart, and contempt of God's word and commandments, bring men to! After this, Moses came no more till he was sent for. When men drive God's word from them, he justly gives them up to their own delusions. **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Numbers:23:1-10 @ Verse 1-10 -...prayer; it is a vain wish,...

mhcc@Numbers:24:10-14 @ Verse 10-14 - This vain attempt to curse Israel is ended. Balak broke out into a rage against Balaam, and expressed great vexation. Balaam has a very full excuse; God restrained him from saying what he would have said, and constrained him to say what he would not have uttered.

mhcc@Deuteronomy:22:5-12 @ Verse 5-12 -...and not to the vain fashions...

mhcc@1Samuel:6:19-21 @ Verse 19-21 -...affront to God, for vain men...29:29. Colossians strkjv@2:18. Man was ruined by desiring forbidden knowledge. God will not suffer his ark to be profaned. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Those that will not fear his goodness, and reverently use the tokens of his grace, shall be made to feel his justice. The number smitten is expressed in an unusual manner in the original, and it is probable that it means 1170. They desire to be rid of the ark. Foolish men run from one extreme to the other. They should rather have asked, How may we have peace with God, and recover his favor? Micah strkjv@6:6,7. Thus, when the word of God works with terror on sinners' consciences, they, instead of taking the blame and shame to themselves, quarrel with the word, and put that from them. Many stifle their convictions, and put salvation away from them. Henry'_1__7 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@1Samuel:12:16-25 @ Verse 16-25 -...God's place, they are vain things...._1__13 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@2Samuel:21:1-9 @ Verse 1-9 - Every affliction arises from sin, and should lead us to repent and humble ourselves before God; but some troubles especially show that they are sent to bring sin to remembrance. God's judgments often look a great way back, which requires us to do so, when we are under his rebukes. It is not for us to object against the people's smarting for the sin of their king; perhaps they helped him. Nor against this generation suffering for the sin of the last. God often visits the sins of the fathers upon the children, and he gives no account of any matters. Time does not wear out the guilt of sin; nor can we build hopes of escape upon the delay of judgments. If we cannot understand all the reasons of Providence in this matter, still we have no right to demand that God should acquaint us with those reasons. It must be right, because it is the will of God, and in the end it will be proved to be so. Money is no satisfaction for blood. It should seem, Saul's posterity trod in his steps, for it is called a bloody house. It was the spirit of the family, therefore they are justly reckoned with for his sin, as well as for their own. The Gibeonites did not require this out of malice against Saul or his family. It was not to gratify any revenge, but for the public good. They were put to death at the beginning of harvest; they were thus sacrificed to turn away the wrath of Almighty God, who had withheld the harvest-...the present harvest. In vain do...

mhcc@1Kings:2:35-46 @ Verse 35-46 -...rage, it is a vain thing..._1__3 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@1Kings:20:22-30 @ Verse 22-30 -...a certain district; thus vain were...

mhcc@2Kings:5:20-27 @ Verse 20-27 -...that it was in vain to...-path, does not thy own conscience go with thee? Does not the eye of God go with thee? He that covers his sin, shall not prosper; particularly, a lying tongue is but for a moment. All the foolish hopes and contrivances of carnal worldlings are open before God. It is not a time to increase our wealth, when we can only do it in such ways as are dishonourable to God and religion, or injurious to others. Gehazi was punished. If he will have Naaman's money, he shall have his disease with it. What was Gehazi profited, though he gained two talents, when thereby he lost his health, his honour, his peace, his service, and, if repentance prevented not, his soul for ever? Let us beware of hypocrisy and covetousness, and dread the curse of spiritual leprosy remaining on our souls. Henry'_2__6 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@2Kings:6:24-33 @ Verse 24-33 - Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh of their own children, Deuteronomy strkjv@28:53-...labour is not in vain in..._2__7 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@2Kings:18:17-37 @ Verse 17-37 -...because it is in vain to..._2__19 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@1Chronicles:22:17-19 @ Verse 17-19 -...shall not be in vain in..._1__23 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@2Chronicles:8 @ Henry'_2__7 ****** 2nd Chronicles 8 ****** *** Outline of 2nd Chronicles 8 *** Solomon's buildings and trade. -...altar been built, in vain had...__Outline Henry'_2__9 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@2Chronicles:11:1-12 @ Verse 1-12 -...And it is in vain to...

mhcc@2Chronicles:22 @ Henry'_2__21 ****** 2nd Chronicles 22 ****** *** Outline of 2nd Chronicles 22 *** The reign of Ahaziah, Athaliah destroys the royal family. -...God had purposed, and vain were...__Outline Henry'_2__23 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@Nehemiah:6:1-9 @ Verse 1-9 -...idle merry meetings by vain companions,...

mhcc@Esther:1:1-9 @ Verse 1-9 -...extravagant feast. This was vain glory....-exaltation and self-indulgence, in one form or another, will be the ruling principle. Yet none did compel; so that if any drank to excess, it was their own fault. This caution of a heathen prince, even when he would show his generosity, may shame many called Christians, who, under pretence of sending the health round, send sin round, and death with it. There is a woe to them that do so; let them read it, and tremble, Habakkuk strkjv@2:15,16.

mhcc@Esther:3:7-15 @ Verse 7-15 -...turns them back. How vain and...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Job:8:8-19 @ Verse 8-19 - Bildad discourses well of hypocrites and evil-...the world with his vain confidences....

mhcc@Job:9:25-35 @ Verse 25-35 -...fast towards eternity! How vain the...-tossed soul consider Job, and notice that others have passed this dreadful gulf; and though they found it hard to believe that God would hear or deliver them, yet he rebuked the storm, and brought them to the desired haven. Resist the devil; give not place to hard thoughts of God, or desperate conclusions about thyself. Come to Him who invites the weary and heavy laden; who promises in nowise to cast them out. **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Job:11:7-12 @ Verse 7-12 -...untameable. Man is a vain creature;...-conceited. He would be wise, would be thought so, though he will not submit to the laws of wisdom. He would be wise, he reaches after forbidden wisdom, and, like his first parents, aiming to be wise above what is written, loses the tree of life for the tree of knowledge. Is such a creature as this fit to contend with God?

mhcc@Job:21:7-16 @ Verse 7-16 -...religion is not a vain thing....

mhcc@Job:21:Jude @ Verse Jude -...but such things are vain distinctions....**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Job:28:20-28 @ Verse 20-28 - There is a two-...vanity, or amuse our vain curiosity....**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Psalms:2:10-12 @ Verse 10-12 -...the way of your vain hopes;...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Psalms:41:5-13 @ Verse 5-13 -...pleasure in the making vain their...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Psalms:52:1-5 @ Verse 1-5 -...But the enemies in vain boast...

mhcc@Psalms:60:6-12 @ Verse 6-12 -...to indulge sloth, or vain confidence....**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Psalms:67 @ ****** Psalms 67 ****** *** Outline of Psalms 67 *** A prayer for the enlargement of Christ's kingdom. - All our happiness comes from God's mercy; therefore the first thing prayed for is, God be merciful to us, to us sinners, and pardon our sins. Pardon is conveyed by God's blessing, and secured in that. If we, by faith, walk with God, we may hope that his face will shine on us. The psalmist passes on to a prayer for the conversion of the Gentiles, which shows that the Old Testament saints desired that their advantages might also be enjoyed by others. And many Scripture prophecies and promises are wrapped up in prayers: the answer to the prayer of the church is as sure as the performance of God's promises. The joy wished to the nations, is holy joy. Let them be glad that by his providence the Lord will overrule the affairs of kingdoms; that even the kingdoms of this world shall became the kingdom of the Lord, and of his Christ. Then is declared a joyful prospect of all good when God shall do this. The success of the gospel brings outward mercies with it; righteousness exalts a nation. The blessing of the Lord sweetens all our creature-...we might think it vain to...__Outline Henry'__68 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Psalms:73:1-14 @ Verse 1-14 -...It is not in vain to...

mhcc@Psalms:73:15-20 @ Verse 15-20 -...it is but a vain show,...

mhcc@Psalms:107:10-16 @ Verse 10-16 -...misery. Having struggled in vain for...

mhcc@Psalms:119:41-48 @ Verse 41-48 -...it was not in vain to...

mhcc@Psalms:119:113-120 @ Verse 113-120 -...we shall be, lest vain thoughts...-doers. The believer could not live without the grace of God; but, supported by his hand, his spiritual life shall be maintained. Our holy security is grounded on Divine supports. All departure from God's statutes is error, and will prove fatal. Their cunning is falsehood. There is a day coming which will put the wicked into everlasting fire, the fit place for the dross. See what comes of sin Surely we who fall so low in devout affections, should fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into heavenly rest, any of us should be found to come short of it, Hebrews strkjv@4:1.

mhcc@Psalms:128 @ ****** Psalms 128 ****** *** Outline of Psalms 128 *** The blessings of those who fear God. -...are truly happy. In vain do...__Outline Henry'__129 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Psalms:130:1-4 @ Verse 1-4 - The only way of relief for a sin-...God, it is in vain for...

mhcc@Psalms:134 @ ****** Psalms 134 ****** *** Outline of Psalms 134 *** An exhortation to bless the Lord. -...by trifling conversation and vain amusements,...__Outline Henry'__135 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Psalms:139:1-6 @ Verse 1-6 -...There is not a vain word,...

mhcc@Proverbs:1:10-19 @ Verse 10-19 -...Men promise themselves in vain that...-hill; men cannot stop themselves. Would young people shun temporal and eternal ruin, let them refuse to take one step in these destructive paths. Men's greediness of gain hurries them upon practices which will not suffer them or others to live out half their days. What is a man profited, though he gain the world, if he lose his life? much less if he lose his soul?

mhcc@Proverbs:8:32-36 @ Verse 32-36 -...world find time for vain amusements,...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Proverbs:9:1-12 @ Verse 1-12 -...holy life. It is vain to...

mhcc@Ecclesiastes:5:1-3 @ Verse 1-3 -...objects. We should avoid vain repetitions;...

mhcc@Ecclesiastes:7 @ ****** Ecclesiastes 7 ****** *** Outline of Ecclesiastes 7 ***...life; of sorrow above vain mirth....(_1-6.) Concerning oppression, anger, and discontent. (_7-10.) Advantages of wisdom. (_11-22.) Experience of the evil of sin. (_23-29.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Ecclesiastes:7:1-6 @ Verse 1-6 -...we are to be vain and...

mhcc@Isaiah:14:1-23 @ Verse 1-23 -...soul to heaven, but vain pomp...5:12. But if the just punishment of sin, it denotes that impenitent sinners shall rise to everlasting shame and contempt. Many triumphs should be in his fall. God will reckon with those that disturb the peace of mankind. The receiving the king of Babylon into the regions of the dead, shows there is a world of spirits, to which the souls of men remove at death. And that souls have converse with each other, though we have none with them; and that death and hell will be death and hell indeed, to all who fall unholy, from the height of this world's pomps, and the fulness of its pleasures. Learn from all this, that the seed of evil-doers shall never be renowned. The royal city is to be ruined and forsaken. Thus the utter destruction of the New Testament Babylon is illustrated, Revelation strkjv@18:2. When a people will not be made clean with the besom of reformation, what can they expect but to be swept off the face of the earth with the besom of destruction?

mhcc@Isaiah:21:1-10 @ Verse 1-10 -...grievous. Let this check vain mirth...

mhcc@Isaiah:25:9-12 @ Verse 9-12 -...labour is not in vain in...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Isaiah:55:6-13 @ Verse 6-13 -...shall not be in vain to...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Isaiah:58:3-12 @ Verse 3-12 -...which, without them, is vain and...

mhcc@Isaiah:65:11-16 @ Verse 11-16 - Here the different states of the godly and wicked, of the Jews who believed, and of those who persisted in unbelief, are set against one another. They prepared a table for that troop of deities which the heathen worship, and poured out drink-...shall be ashamed of vain confidence...

mhcc@Isaiah:66:1-4 @ Verse 1-4 - The Jews gloried much in their temple. But what satisfaction can the Eternal Mind take in a house made with men's hands? God has a heaven and an earth of his own making, and temples of man's making; but he overlooks them, that he may look with favour to him who is poor in spirit and serious, self-abasing and self-...be deceived by the vain confidences...

mhcc@Jeremiah:2:14-19 @ Verse 14-19 -...of forbidden pleasure or vain sinful...

mhcc@Jeremiah:6:1-8 @ Verse 1-8 -...are used, it is vain to...

mhcc@Jeremiah:7:29-34 @ Verse 29-34 -...God, be cured of vain mirth,...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Jeremiah:12:7-13 @ Verse 7-13 - God's people had been the dearly-...the world, with its vain fashions,...

mhcc@Jeremiah:25:15-29 @ Verse 15-29 -...and it is in vain for...

mhcc@Jeremiah:28:10-17 @ Verse 10-17 -...ungodly men to make vain the...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Jeremiah:52:31-34 @ Verse 31-34 - See this history of king Jehoiachin in 2Kings strkjv@25:27-...it is not in vain for...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Ezekiel:13:1-9 @ Verse 1-9 -...They flattered people into vain hopes....

mhcc@Ezekiel:30:20-26 @ Verse 20-26 -...shall grow stronger. In vain do...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Hosea:10:1-8 @ Verse 1-8 -...water. Sinners will in vain seek...

mhcc@Hosea:12:1-6 @ Verse 1-6 -...with God. The Jews vainly thought...

mhcc@Amos:5:7-17 @ Verse 7-17 -...men thought it in vain even...

mhcc@Amos:9:1-10 @ Verse 1-10 -...to climb thither by vain confidence...

mhcc@Jonah:1:13-17 @ Verse 13-17 -...but it is in vain to...-guiltiness. And when we are led by Providence God does what he pleases, and we ought to be satisfied, though it may not please us. Throwing Jonah into the sea put an end to the storm. God will not afflict for ever, He will only contend till we submit and turn from our sins. Surely these heathen mariners will rise up in judgment against many called Christians, who neither offer prayers when in distress, nor thanksgiving for signal deliverances. The Lord commands all creatures, and can make any of them serve his designs of mercy to his people. Let us see this salvation of the Lord, and admire his power, that he could thus save a drowning man, and his pity, that he would thus save one who was running from him, and had offended him. It was of the Lord's mercies that Jonah was not consumed. Jonah was alive in the fish three days and nights: to nature this was impossible, but to the God of nature all things are possible. Jonah, by this miraculous preservation, was made a type of Christ; as our blessed Lord himself declared, Matthew strkjv@12:40. **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Haggai:1:1-11 @ Verse 1-11 -...shall not be in vain in...

mhcc@Malachi:1:6-14 @ Verse 6-14 - We may each charge upon ourselves what is here charged upon the priests. Our relation to God, as our Father and Master, strongly obliges us to fear and honour him. But they were so scornful that they derided reproof. Sinners ruin themselves by trying to baffle their convictions. Those who live in careless neglect of holy ordinances, who attend on them without reverence, and go from them under no concern, in effect say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. They despised God's name in what they did. It is evident that these understood not the meaning of the sacrifices, as shadowing forth the unblemished Lamb of God; they grudged the expense, thinking all thrown away which did not turn to their profit. If we worship God ignorantly, and without understanding, we bring the blind for sacrifice; if we do it carelessly, if we are cold, dull, and dead in it, we bring the sick; if we rest in the bodily exercise, and do not make heart-...and if we suffer vain thoughts...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Matthew:1:18-25 @ Verse 18-25 -...learn to despise the vain honours...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Matthew:2:9-12 @ Verse 9-12 -...cottages, after having in vain sought...

mhcc@Matthew:6:5-8 @ Verse 5-8 -...great faults in prayer, vain...-glory and vain repetitions. "Verily they have their reward;" if in so great a matter as is between us and God, when we are at prayer, we can look to so poor a thing as the praise of men, it is just that it should be all our reward. Yet there is not a secret, sudden breathing after God, but he observes it. It is called a reward, but it is of grace, not of debt; what merit can there be in begging? If he does not give his people what they ask, it is because he knows they do not need it, and that it is not for their good. So far is God from being wrought upon by the length or words of our prayers, that the most powerful intercessions are those which are made with groanings that cannot be uttered. Let us well study what is shown of the frame of mind in which our prayers should be offered, and learn daily from Christ how to pray.

mhcc@Matthew:11:25-30 @ Verse 25-30 - It becomes children to be grateful. When we come to God as a Father, we must remember that he is Lord of heaven and earth, which obliges us to come to him with reverence as to the sovereign Lord of all; yet with confidence, as one able to defend us from evil, and to supply us with all good. Our blessed Lord added a remarkable declaration, that the Father had delivered into his hands all power, authority, and judgment. We are indebted to Christ for all the revelation we have of God the Father's will and love, ever since Adam sinned. Our Saviour has invited all that labour and are heavy-...righteousness also labour in vain. The...-laden with guilt and terror; and the tempted and afflicted believer has labours and burdens. Christ invites all to come to him for rest to their souls. He alone gives this invitation; men come to him, when, feeling their guilt and misery, and believing his love and power to help, they seek him in fervent prayer. Thus it is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ. This is the gospel call; Whoever will, let him come. All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience. He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services. Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good. It requires self-...a heavy burden. In vain do...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Matthew:15:1-9 @ Verse 1-9 -...a little compass; "In vain do...

mhcc@Matthew:25:1-13 @ Verse 1-13 - The circumstances of the parable of the ten virgins were taken from the marriage customs among the Jews, and explain the great day of Christ's coming. See the nature of Christianity. As Christians we profess to attend upon Christ, to honour him, also to be waiting for his coming. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. Those are the truly wise or foolish that are so in the affairs of their souls. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not, in their hearts, sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with holy dispositions, by the new-creating Spirit of God. Our light must shine before men in good works; but this is not likely to be long done, unless there is a fixed, active principle in the heart, of faith in Christ, and love to God and our brethren. They all slumbered and slept. The delay represents the space between the real or apparent conversion of these professors, and the coming of Christ, to take them away by death, or to judge the world. But though Christ tarry past our time, he will not tarry past the due time. The wise virgins kept their lamps burning, but they did not keep themselves awake. Too many real Christians grow remiss, and one degree of carelessness makes way for another. Those that allow themselves to slumber, will scarcely keep from sleeping; therefore dread the beginning of spiritual decays. A startling summons was given. Go ye forth to meet Him, is a call to those prepared. The notice of Christ's approach, and the call to meet him, will awaken. Even those best prepared for death have work to do to get actually ready, 2Peter strkjv@3:14. It will be a day of search and inquiry; and it concerns us to think how we shall then be found. Some wanted oil to supply their lamps when going out. Those that take up short of true grace, will certainly find the want of it one time or other. An outward profession may light a man along this world, but the damps of the valley of the shadow of death will put out such a light. Those who care not to live the life, yet would die the death of the righteous. But those that would be saved, must have grace of their own; and those that have most grace, have none to spare. The best need more from Christ. And while the poor alarmed soul addresses itself, upon a sick-...is too late. The vain confidence...

mhcc@Matthew:25:14-30 @ Verse 14-30 -...please God, and in vain to...

mhcc@Matthew:25:31-46 @ Verse 31-46 -...Condemned sinners will in vain offer...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Matthew:27:11-25 @ Verse 11-25 -...of his people. How vain for...

mhcc@Mark:2:13-17 @ Verse 13-17 - Matthew was not a good character, or else, being a Jew, he would never have been a publican, that is, a tax-gatherer for the Romans. However, Christ called this publican to follow him. With God, through Christ, there is mercy to pardon the greatest sins, and grace to change the greatest sinners, and make them holy. A faithful, fair-dealing publican was rare. And because the Jews had a particular hatred to an office which proved that they were subject to the Romans, they gave these tax-...of love to their vain conversation;...

mhcc@Mark:5:21-34 @ Verse 21-34 -...or torment themselves by vain superstitions....

mhcc@Luke:15:11-16 @ Verse 11-16 - The parable of the prodigal son shows the nature of repentance, and the Lord's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to him. It fully sets forth the riches of gospel grace; and it has been, and will be, while the world stands, of unspeakable use to poor sinners, to direct and to encourage them in repenting and returning to God. It is bad, and the beginning of worse, when men look upon God's gifts as debts due to them. The great folly of sinners, and that which ruins them, is, being content in their life-...from any creature. In vain do...

mhcc@Luke:19:41-48 @ Verse 41-48 - Who can behold the holy Jesus, looking forward to the miseries that awaited his murderers, weeping over the city where his precious blood was about to be shed, without seeing that the likeness of God in the believer, consists much in good-will and compassion? Surely those cannot be right who take up any doctrines of truth, so as to be hardened towards their fellow-...God did not weep vain and...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@John:8:17-20 @ Verse 17-20 -...Father better. Those become vain in...

mhcc@John:8:37-40 @ Verse 37-40 -...opposed the proud and vain confidence...

mhcc@Acts:4:15-22 @ Verse 15-22 -...Especially beware of a vain attempt...

mhcc@Acts:5:1-11 @ Verse 1-11 -...desire to make a vain show,...-...of hypocrisy, covetousness, and vain...-glory, and it should still do so. It would prevent the increase of false professors. Let us learn hence how hateful falsehood is to the God of truth, and not only shun a direct lie, but all advantages from the use of doubtful expressions, and double meaning in our speech.

mhcc@Acts:21:19-26 @ Verse 19-26 -...this matter. It is vain to...-...intended. It was in vain to...

mhcc@Romans:2 @ ****** Romans 2 ****** *** Outline of Romans 2 *** The Jews could not be justified by the law of Moses, any more than the Gentiles by the law of nature. (_1-16.)...Jews confuted all their vain confidence...(_17-29.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Romans:2:17-24 @ Verse 17-24 -...notwithstanding their profession and vain pretensions....-glorious boasting in God, and in the outward profession of his name, is the root and sum of all hypocrisy. Spiritual pride is the most dangerous of all kinds of pride. A great evil of the sins professors is, the dishonour done to God and religion, by their not living according to their profession. Many despise their more ignorant neighbours who rest in a dead form of godliness; yet themselves trust in a form of knowledge, equally void of life and power, while some glory in the gospel, whose unholy lives dishonour God, and cause his name to be blasphemed.

mhcc@Romans:3:19,20 @ Verse 19,20 - It is in vain to seek for justification by the works of the law. All must plead guilty. Guilty before God, is a dreadful word; but no man can be justified by a law which condemns him for breaking it. The corruption in our nature, will for ever stop any justification by our own works.

mhcc@Romans:8:18-25 @ Verse 18-25 - The sufferings of the saints strike no deeper than the things of time, last no longer than the present time, are light afflictions, and but for a moment. How vastly different are the sentence of the word and the sentiment of the world, concerning the sufferings of this present time! Indeed the whole creation seems to wait with earnest expectation for the period when the children of God shall be manifested in the glory prepared for them. There is an impurity, deformity, and infirmity, which has come upon the creature by the fall of man. There is an enmity of one creature to another. And they are used, or abused rather, by men as instruments of sin. Yet this deplorable state of the creation is in hope. God will deliver it from thus being held in bondage to man's depravity. The miseries of the human race, through their own and each other's wickedness, declare that the world is not always to continue as it is. Our having received the first-...be turned by the vain expectation...

mhcc@Romans:8:32-39 @ Verse 32-39 -...of this world, what vain things...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@Romans:10:1-4 @ Verse 1-4 -...could go on in vain fancies...

mhcc@1Corinthians:3:10-15 @ Verse 10-15 - The apostle was a wise master-...opinions and doctrines, or vain inventions...

mhcc@1Corinthians:8:1-6 @ Verse 1-6 -...any thing, and grow vain thereon,...-righteous pride, though what he knows may be right. Without holy affections all human knowledge is worthless. The heathens had gods of higher and lower degree; gods many, and lords many; so called, but not such in truth. Christians know better. One God made all, and has power over all. The one God, even the Father, signifies the Godhead as the sole object of all religious worship; and the Lord Jesus Christ denotes the person of Emmanuel, God manifest in the flesh, One with the Father, and with us; the appointed Mediator, and Lord of all; through whom we come to the Father, and through whom the Father sends all blessings to us, by the influence and working of the Holy Spirit. While we refuse all worship to the many who are called gods and lords, and to saints and angels, let us try whether we really come to God by faith in Christ.

mhcc@1Corinthians:14 @ Henry'_1__13 ****** 1st Corinthians 14 ****** *** Outline of 1st Corinthians 14 *** Prophecy preferred to the gift of tongues. (_1-5.) The unprofitableness of speaking in unknown languages. (_6-14.) Exhortations to worship that can be understood. (_15-25.) Disorders from vain display of gifts; (_26-33.) and from women speaking in the church. (_34-40.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@2Corinthians:6:11-18 @ Verse 11-18 -...and separate from their vain and..._2__7 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@Galatians:1:1-5 @ Verse 1-5 - St. Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ; he was expressly appointed by him, consequently by God the Father, who is one with him in respect of his Divine nature, and who appointed Christ as Mediator. Grace, includes God's good-...But it is in vain for...

mhcc@Galatians:3:6-14 @ Verse 6-14 -...curse, it must be vain to...-offering, for us, he was made a curse for us; not separated from God, but laid for a time under the Divine punishment. The heavy sufferings of the Son of God, more loudly warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come, than all the curses of the law; for how can God spare any man who remains under sin, seeing that he spared not his own Son, when our sins were charged upon him? Yet at the same time, Christ, as from the cross, freely invites sinners to take refuge in him.

mhcc@Ephesians:4:17-24 @ Verse 17-24 -...Gentiles, who walked in vain fancies...

mhcc@Ephesians:6:10-18 @ Verse 10-18 - Spiritual strength and courage are needed for our spiritual warfare and suffering. Those who would prove themselves to have true grace, must aim at all grace; and put on the whole armour of God, which he prepares and bestows. The Christian armour is made to be worn; and there is no putting off our armour till we have done our warfare, and finished our course. The combat is not against human enemies, nor against our own corrupt nature only; we have to do with an enemy who has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls. The devils assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts. We must resolve by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we give way, he will get ground. If we distrust either our cause, or our Leader, or our armour, we give him advantage. The different parts of the armour of heavy-...vain heart will be vain in...

mhcc@Philippians:4:10-19 @ Verse 10-19 -...of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering...

mhcc@Colossians:2:8-17 @ Verse 8-17 -...a philosophy which is vain and...-wall to the Gentiles, the Lord Jesus took out of the way. When the substance was come, the shadows fled. Since every mortal man is, through the hand-writing of the law, guilty of death, how very dreadful is the condition of the ungodly and unholy, who trample under foot that blood of the Son of God, whereby alone this deadly hand-writing can be blotted out! Let not any be troubled about bigoted judgments which related to meats, or the Jewish solemnities. The setting apart a portion of our time for the worship and service of God, is a moral and unchangeable duty, but had no necessary dependence upon the seventh day of the week, the sabbath of the Jews. The first day of the week, or the Lord's day, is the time kept holy by Christians, in remembrance of Christ's resurrection. All the Jewish rites were shadows of gospel blessings.

mhcc@1Thessalonians:4:9-12 @ Verse 9-12 -...and men's teaching is vain and...-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, have little quiet in their own minds, and cause great disturbances among their neighbours. They seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands. Christianity does not take us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. People often by slothfulness reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants; while such as are diligent in their own business, earn their own bread, and have great pleasure in so doing.

mhcc@1Thessalonians:5:1-5 @ Verse 1-5 -...and please themselves with vain amusements....

mhcc@2Thessalonians:2:13-15 @ Verse 13-15 -...reject all additions, and vain traditions....

mhcc@2Timothy:2 @ Henry'_2__1 ****** 2nd Timothy 2 ****** *** Outline of 2nd Timothy 2 *** The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence, like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman. (_1-7.) Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness. (_8-13.) Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors. (_14-21.) Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit. (_22-26.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Titus:3:8-11 @ Verse 8-11 -...and subtle distinctions and vain inquiries;...

mhcc@James:1 @ ****** James 1 ****** *** General Notes on the Book of James *** This epistle of James is one of the most instructive writings in the New Testament. Being chiefly directed against particular errors at that time brought in among the Jewish Christians, it does not contain the same full doctrinal statements as the other epistles, but it presents an admirable summary of the practical duties of all believers. The leading truths of Christianity are set forth throughout; and on attentive consideration, it will be found entirely to agree with St. Paul's statements concerning grace and justification, while it abounds with earnest exhortations to the patience of hope and obedience of faith and love, interspersed with warnings, reproofs, and encouragements, according to the characters addressed. The truths laid down are very serious, and necessary to be maintained; and the rules for practice ought to be observed in all times. In Christ there are no dead and sapless branches, faith is not an idle grace; wherever it is, it brings forth fruit in works. *** Outline of James 1 *** How to apply to God under troubles, and how to behave in prosperous and in adverse circumstances. (_1-11.) To look upon all evil as proceeding from ourselves, and all good from God. (_12-18.) The duty of watching against a rash temper, and of receiving the word of God with meekness. (_19-21.) And of living according thereto. (_22-25.) The difference between vain pretences and real religion. (_26,27.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@James:1:22-25 @ Verse 22-25 - If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven. Mere hearers are self-deceivers; and self-...gospel shows. But in vain do...

mhcc@James:1:26,27 @ Verse 26,27 -...are signs of a vain religion....**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@James:4:1-10 @ Verse 1-10 - Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the members. Wordly and fleshly lusts are distempers, which will not allow content or satisfaction. Sinful desires and affections stop prayer, and the working of our desires toward God. And let us beware that we do not abuse or misuse the mercies received, by the disposition of the heart when prayers are granted When men ask of God prosperity, they often ask with wrong aims and intentions. If we thus seek the things of this world, it is just in God to deny them. Unbelieving and cold desires beg denials; and we may be sure that when prayers are rather the language of lusts than of graces, they will return empty. Here is a decided warning to avoid all criminal friendships with this world. Worldly-...the Scripture spake in vain against...-mindedness? or does the Holy Spirit who dwells in all Christians, or the new nature which he creates, produce such fruit? Natural corruption shows itself by envying. The spirit of the world teaches us to lay up, or lay out for ourselves, according to our own fancies; God the Holy Spirit teaches us 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 proud resist God: in their understanding they resist the truths of God; in their will they resist the laws of God; in their passions they resist 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 give 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, ver.7. Submit your understanding to the truth of God; submit your wills to the will of his precept, the will of his providence. Submit 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. Let sinners then submit to God, and seek his grace and favour; resisting the devil. All sin must be wept over; here, in godly sorrow, or, hereafter, in eternal misery. And the Lord will not refuse to comfort one who really mourns for sin, or to exalt one who humbles himself before him.

mhcc@James:4:11-17 @ Verse 11-17 -...of their plans! How vain it...-morrow, but we cannot fix the certain time of a vapour being scattered. So short, unreal, and fading is human life, and all the prosperity or enjoyment that attends it; though bliss or woe for ever must be according to our conduct during this fleeting moment. We are always to depend on the will of God. Our times are not in our own hands, but at the disposal of God. Our heads may be filled with cares and contrivances for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Providence often throws our plans into confusion. All we design, and all we do, should be with submissive dependence on God. It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of worldly things and aspiring projects; it will bring great disappointment, and will prove destruction in the end. Omissions are sins which will be brought into judgment, as well as commissions. He that does not the good he knows should be done, as well as he who does the evil he knows should not be done, will be condemned. Oh that we were as careful not to omit prayer, and not to neglect to meditate and examine our consciences, as we are not to commit gross outward vices against light! **** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

mhcc@James:5:19,20 @ Verse 19,20 -...labour is not in vain in..._1__1 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@1Peter:5:10-14 @ Verse 10-14 -...but theirs is a vain hope,..._2_1 **** Matthew Henry's Commentary **** _

mhcc@1John:2:15-17 @ Verse 15-17 -...pride of life: a vain man...-...shall never fail. Many vain efforts...-minded, and love the world; but the plain meaning of these verses cannot easily be mistaken. Unless this victory over the world is begun in the heart, a man has no root in himself, but will fall away, or at most remain an unfruitful professor. Yet these vanities are so alluring to the corruption in our hearts, that without constant watching and prayer, we cannot escape the world, or obtain victory over the god and prince of it.

mhcc@1John:5:9-12 @ Verse 9-12 -...Son. It is in vain for...

mhcc@1John:5:13-17 @ Verse 13-17 -...labour is not in vain in...

mhcc@Revelation:2:1-7 @ Verse 1-7 -...shall not be in vain in...

mhcc@Revelation:3:7-13 @ Verse 7-13 -...workers of iniquity, how vain and...

mhcc@Revelation:12 @ ****** Revelation 12 ****** *** Outline of Revelation 12 *** A description of the church of Christ and of Satan, under the figures of a woman and of a great red dragon. (_1-6.) Michael and his angels fight against the devil and his angels, who are defeated. (_7-12.) The dragon persecutes the church. (_13,14.) His vain endeavours to destroy her, He renews his war against her seed. (_14-17.) *** Commentary ***

mhcc@Revelation:19:11-21 @ Verse 11-21 -...leaders bade them. How vain will...**** Matthew Henry's Commentary ****

CONCORD vain