Proverbs 11:17 - Homilies By E. Johnson

Religion and self-interest

The loving man does good to himself, while the cruel afflict their own souls. As examples of the former, see Joseph in prison ( Genesis 40:6 ), the Kenites ( 1 Samuel 15:6 ), David and the Egyptian slave ( 1 Samuel 30:11-20 ), David's conduct to Jonathan ( 2 Samuel 9:7 ; 2 Samuel 21:7 ), Job praying for his friends ( Job 42:10 ), the centurion and the Jews ( Luke 7:2-10 ), the people of Melita to Paul ( Acts 28:1-10 ). For examples of the latter, see Joseph's brethren ( Genesis 37:1-36 .; Genesis 42:21 ), Adoni-bezek ( 1:6 , 1:7 ), Agag ( 1 Samuel 15:33 ), Haman ( Esther 9:25 ).

I. RELIGION APPEALS TO THE WHOLE RANGE OF OUR MOTIVES , FROM THE LOWEST TO THE HIGHEST . We should cultivate the higher, but not ignore the lower.

II. TO DO GOOD TO OTHERS IS TO DO CERTAIN GOOD TO OURSELVES . We thus make friends, and they are a defence.

III. TO INJURE OTHERS IS CERTAINLY TO INJURE OURSELVES . Thus we make enemies. And "he that hath a thousand friends bath not one to spare; he that hath an enemy shall meet him everywhere."—J.