Proverbs 4:20-22 - Homilies By E. Johnson

Self-preservation

The instinct of self-preservation is the very root of all our activity. "Every individual existence strives to remain what it is," and would defend its integrity from all attack.

I. THE INSTINCT IS RECOGNIZED . As it must be by all genuine teachers. It is a fact, and cannot be properly ignored; a Divine fact, and ought not to be obscured. It includes

II. THE INSTINCT IS DIRECTED . It needs direction; for all instinct is in itself blind, and men, in seeking health and happiness, ignorantly and viciously purchase disease and death.

III. THERE IS NO SECRET OF SELF - PRESERVATION BUT ( IN THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SENSE ) GODLINESS . This teaches the renunciation of the immediate for the further and lasting good. A paradox is here involved, a seeming contradiction containing a unity. To lose life is to gain it; to gain it, to lose it. For in true conduct there is ever a denial of the lower contained in the affirmation of the higher, and in evil conduct vice versa (compare on this section, Proverbs 3:2 , Proverbs 3:8 , Proverbs 3:13 , Proverbs 3:16 ; Proverbs 4:13 ).—J.