2 Corinthians 6:8 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

8 By G1223 honour G1391 and G2532 dishonour, G819 by G1223 evil report G1426 and G2532 good report: G2162 as G5613 deceivers, G4108 and G2532 yet true; G227

Cross Reference

Romans 3:8 STRONG

And G2532 not G3361 rather, (as G2531 we be slanderously reported, G987 and G2532 as G2531 some G5100 affirm G5346 that we G2248 say,) G3004 G3754 Let us do G4160 evil, G2556 that G2443 good G18 may come? G2064 whose G3739 damnation G2917 is G2076 just. G1738

Matthew 27:63 STRONG

Saying, G3004 Sir, G2962 we remember G3415 that G3754 that G1565 deceiver G4108 said, G2036 while he was yet G2089 alive, G2198 After G3326 three G5140 days G2250 I will rise again. G1453

Acts 16:39 STRONG

And G2532 they came G2064 and besought G3870 them, G846 and G2532 brought them out, G1806 and desired G2065 them to depart out G1831 of the city. G4172

Revelation 3:9 STRONG

Behold, G2400 I will make G1325 them of G1537 the synagogue G4864 of Satan, G4567 which G3588 say G3004 they G1438 are G1511 Jews, G2453 and G2532 are G1526 not, G3756 but G235 do lie; G5574 behold, G2400 I will make G4160 them G846 to G2443 come G2240 and G2532 worship G4352 before G1799 thy G4675 feet, G4228 and G2532 to know G1097 that G3754 I G1473 have loved G25 thee. G4571

3 John 1:12 STRONG

Demetrius G1216 hath good report G3140 of G5259 all G3956 men, and G2532 of G5259 the truth G225 itself: G846 yea, G1161 and G2532 we G2249 also bear record; G3140 and G2532 ye know G1492 that G3754 our G2257 record G3141 is G2076 true. G227

1 Peter 4:14 STRONG

If G1487 ye be reproached G3679 for G1722 the name G3686 of Christ, G5547 happy G3107 are ye; for G3754 the spirit G4151 of glory G1391 and G2532 of God G2316 resteth G373 upon G1909 you: G5209 on G2596 G3303 their part G846 he is evil spoken of, G987 but G1161 on G2596 your part G5209 he is glorified. G1392

Hebrews 13:13 STRONG

Let us go forth G1831 therefore G5106 unto G4314 him G846 without G1854 the camp, G3925 bearing G5342 his G846 reproach. G3680

1 Timothy 4:10 STRONG

For G1063 therefore G1519 G5124 we G2872 both G2532 labour G2872 and G2532 suffer reproach, G3679 because G3754 we trust G1679 in G1909 the living G2198 God, G2316 who G3739 is G2076 the Saviour G4990 of all G3956 men, G444 specially G3122 of those that believe. G4103

1 Timothy 3:7 STRONG

Moreover G1161 G2532 he G846 must G1163 have G2192 a good G2570 report G3141 of G575 them which are without; G1855 lest G3363 he fall G1706 into G1519 reproach G3680 and G2532 the snare G3803 of the devil. G1228

1 Corinthians 4:10-13 STRONG

We G2249 are fools G3474 for G1223 Christ's G5547 sake, G1223 but G1161 ye G5210 are wise G5429 in G1722 Christ; G5547 we G2249 are weak, G772 but G1161 ye G5210 are strong; G2478 ye G5210 are honourable, G1741 but G1161 we G2249 are despised. G820 Even G891 unto this present G737 hour G5610 we G3983 both G2532 hunger, G3983 and G2532 thirst, G1372 and G2532 are naked, G1130 and G2532 are buffeted, G2852 and G2532 have no certain dwellingplace; G790 And G2532 labour, G2872 working G2038 with our own G2398 hands: G5495 being reviled, G3058 we bless; G2127 being persecuted, G1377 we suffer it: G430 Being defamed, G987 we intreat: G3870 we are made G1096 as G5613 the filth G4027 of the world, G2889 and are the offscouring G4067 of all things G3956 unto G2193 this day. G737

Acts 28:22 STRONG

But G1161 we desire G515 to hear G191 of G3844 thee G4675 what G3739 thou thinkest: G5426 for G1063 as concerning G4012 G3303 this G5026 sect, G139 we G2254 know G2076 G1110 that G3754 every where G3837 it is spoken against. G483

Acts 28:4-10 STRONG

And G1161 when G5613 the barbarians G915 saw G1492 the venomous beast G2342 hang G2910 on G1537 his G846 hand, G5495 they said G3004 among G4314 themselves, G240 No doubt G3843 this G3778 man G444 is G2076 a murderer, G5406 whom, G3739 though he hath escaped G1295 G1537 the sea, G2281 yet vengeance G1349 suffereth G1439 not G3756 to live. G2198 And G3303 G3767 he shook off G660 the beast G2342 into G1519 the fire, G4442 and felt G3958 no G3762 harm. G2556 Howbeit G1161 they looked G4328 when he G846 should G3195 have swollen, G4092 or G2228 fallen down G2667 dead G3498 suddenly: G869 but G1161 after they G846 had looked G4328 a great while, G1909 G4183 and G2532 saw G2334 no G3367 harm G824 come G1096 to G1519 him, G846 they changed their minds, G3328 and said G3004 that he G846 was G1511 a god. G2316 G1161 In G1722 G4012 the same G1565 quarters G5117 were G5225 possessions G5564 of the chief man G4413 of the island, G3520 whose name was G3686 Publius; G4196 who G3739 received G324 us, G2248 and lodged us G3579 three G5140 days G2250 courteously. G5390 And G1161 it came to pass, G1096 that the father G3962 of Publius G4196 lay G2621 sick of G4912 a fever G4446 and G2532 of a bloody flux: G1420 to G4314 whom G3739 Paul G3972 entered in, G1525 and G2532 prayed, G4336 and laid G2007 his hands G5495 on G2007 him, G846 and healed G2390 him. G846 So G3767 when G1096 this G5127 was done, G1096 others G3062 also, G2532 which G3588 had G2192 diseases G769 in G1722 the island, G3520 came, G4334 and G2532 were healed: G2323 Who G3739 also G2532 honoured G5092 us G2248 with many G4183 honours; G5091 and G2532 when we departed, G321 they laded G2007 us with such things as G4314 were necessary. G5532

Acts 24:5 STRONG

For G1063 we have found G2147 this G5126 man G435 a pestilent G3061 fellow, and G2532 a mover G2795 of sedition G4714 among all G3956 the Jews G2453 throughout G2596 the world, G3625 and G5037 a ringleader G4414 of the sect G139 of the Nazarenes: G3480

Acts 22:12 STRONG

And G1161 one G5100 Ananias, G367 a devout G2152 man G435 according G2596 to the law, G3551 having a good report G3140 of G5259 all G3956 the Jews G2453 which dwelt G2730 there,

Matthew 5:11-12 STRONG

Blessed G3107 are ye, G2075 when G3752 men shall revile G3679 you, G5209 and G2532 persecute G1377 you, and G2532 shall say G2036 all manner G3956 of evil G4190 G4487 against G2596 you G5216 falsely, G5574 for my sake. G1752 G1700 Rejoice, G5463 and G2532 be exceeding glad: G21 for G3754 great G4183 is your G5216 reward G3408 in G1722 heaven: G3772 for G1063 so G3779 persecuted they G1377 the prophets G4396 which G3588 were before G4253 you. G5216

Acts 16:20-22 STRONG

And G2532 brought G4317 them G846 to the magistrates, G4755 saying, G2036 These G3778 men, G444 being G5225 Jews, G2453 do exceedingly trouble G1613 our G2257 city, G4172 And G2532 teach G2605 customs, G1485 which G3739 are G1832 not G3756 lawful G1832 for us G2254 to receive, G3858 neither G3761 to observe, G4160 being G5607 Romans. G4514 And G2532 the multitude G3793 rose up together G4911 against G2596 them: G846 and G2532 the magistrates G4755 rent off G4048 their G846 clothes, G2440 and commanded G2753 to beat G4463 them.

Acts 14:11-20 STRONG

And G1161 when the people G3793 saw G1492 what G3739 Paul G3972 had done, G4160 they lifted up G1869 their G846 voices, G5456 saying G3004 in the speech of Lycaonia, G3072 The gods G2316 are come down G2597 to G4314 us G2248 in the likeness G3666 of men. G444 And G5037 they called G2564 Barnabas, G921 G3303 Jupiter; G2203 and G1161 Paul, G3972 Mercurius, G2060 because G1894 he G846 was G2258 the chief G2233 speaker. G3056 Then G1161 the priest G2409 of Jupiter, G2203 which G3588 was G5607 before G4253 their G846 city, G4172 brought G5342 oxen G5022 and G2532 garlands G4725 unto G1909 the gates, G4440 and would G2309 have done sacrifice G2380 with G4862 the people. G3793 Which when G1161 the apostles, G652 Barnabas G921 and G2532 Paul, G3972 heard G191 of, they rent G1284 their G846 clothes, G2440 and ran G1530 in among G1519 the people, G3793 crying out, G2896 And G2532 saying, G3004 Sirs, G435 why G5101 do ye G4160 these things? G5130 We G2249 also G2532 are G2070 men G444 of like passions G3663 with you, G5213 and preach G2097 unto you G5209 that ye should turn G1994 from G575 these G5023 vanities G3152 unto G1909 the living G2198 God, G2316 which G3739 made G4160 heaven, G3772 and G2532 earth, G1093 and G2532 the sea, G2281 and G2532 all things G3956 that are therein: G1722 G846 Who G3739 in G1722 times G1074 past G3944 suffered G1439 all G3956 nations G1484 to walk G4198 in their own G846 ways. G3598 Nevertheless G2544 G2532 he left G863 not G3756 himself G1438 without witness, G267 in that he did good, G15 and gave G1325 us G2254 rain G5205 from heaven, G3771 and G2532 fruitful G2593 seasons, G2540 filling G1705 our G2257 hearts G2588 with food G5160 and G2532 gladness. G2167 And G2532 with these G5023 sayings G3004 scarce G3433 restrained they G2664 the people, G3793 that they had G2380 not G3361 done sacrifice G2380 unto them. G846 And G1161 there came thither G1904 certain Jews G2453 from G575 Antioch G490 and G2532 Iconium, G2430 who G2532 persuaded G3982 the people, G3793 and, G2532 having stoned G3034 Paul, G3972 drew G4951 him out of G1854 the city, G4172 supposing G3543 he G846 had been dead. G2348 Howbeit, G1161 as the disciples G3101 stood round about G2944 him, G846 he rose up, G450 and came G1525 into G1519 the city: G4172 and G2532 the next day G1887 he departed G1831 with G4862 Barnabas G921 to G1519 Derbe. G1191

Acts 10:22 STRONG

And G1161 they said, G2036 Cornelius G2883 the centurion, G1543 a just G1342 man, G435 and G2532 one that feareth G5399 God, G2316 and G5037 of good report G3140 among G5259 all G3650 the nation G1484 of the Jews, G2453 was warned from God G5537 by G5259 an holy G40 angel G32 to send G3343 for thee G4571 into G1519 his G846 house, G3624 and G2532 to hear G191 words G4487 of G3844 thee. G4675

Acts 6:3 STRONG

Wherefore, G3767 brethren, G80 look ye out G1980 among G1537 you G5216 seven G2033 men G435 of honest report, G3140 full G4134 of the Holy G40 Ghost G4151 and G2532 wisdom, G4678 whom G3739 we may appoint G2525 over G1909 this G5026 business. G5532

Acts 5:40-41 STRONG

And G1161 to him G846 they agreed: G3982 and G2532 when they had called G4341 the apostles, G652 and beaten G1194 them, they commanded G3853 that they should G2980 not G3361 speak G2980 in G1909 the name G3686 of Jesus, G2424 and G2532 let G630 them G846 go. G630 And G3767 they departed G4198 G3303 from G575 the presence G4383 of the council, G4892 rejoicing G5463 that G3754 they were counted worthy G2661 to suffer shame G818 for G5228 his G846 name. G3686

Acts 5:13 STRONG

And G1161 of the rest G3062 durst G5111 no man G3762 join himself G2853 to them: G846 but G235 the people G2992 magnified G3170 them. G846

Acts 4:21 STRONG

So G1161 when they had further threatened them, G4324 they let G630 them G846 go, G630 finding G2147 nothing G3367 how G4459 they might punish G2849 them, G846 because G1223 of the people: G2992 for G3754 all G3956 men glorified G1392 God G2316 for G1909 that which was done. G1096

John 7:17-18 STRONG

If G1437 any man G5100 will G2309 do G4160 his G846 will, G2307 he shall know G1097 of G4012 the doctrine, G1322 whether G4220 it be G2076 of G1537 God, G2316 or G2228 whether I G1473 speak G2980 of G575 myself. G1683 He that speaketh G2980 of G575 himself G1438 seeketh G2212 his own G2398 glory: G1391 but G1161 he that seeketh G2212 his glory G1391 that sent G3992 him, G846 the same G3778 is G2076 true, G227 and G2532 no G3756 unrighteousness G93 is G2076 in G1722 him. G846

John 7:12 STRONG

And G2532 there was G2258 much G4183 murmuring G1112 among G1722 the people G3793 concerning G4012 him: G846 for some G3303 said, G3004 G3754 He is G2076 a good man: G18 others G1161 G243 said, G3004 Nay; G3756 but G235 he deceiveth G4105 the people. G3793

Mark 12:14 STRONG

And G1161 when they were come, G2064 they say G3004 unto him, G846 Master, G1320 we know G1492 that G3754 thou art G1488 true, G227 and G2532 G4671 carest G3756 G3199 for G4012 no man: G3762 for G1063 thou regardest G991 not G3756 the person G1519 G4383 of men, G444 but G235 teachest G1321 the way G3598 of God G2316 in G1909 truth: G225 Is it lawful G1832 to give G1325 tribute G2778 to Caesar, G2541 or G2228 not? G3756

Matthew 22:16 STRONG

And G2532 they sent out G649 unto him G846 their G846 disciples G3101 with G3326 the Herodians, G2265 saying, G3004 Master, G1320 we know G1492 that G3754 thou art G1488 true, G227 and G2532 teachest G1321 the way G3598 of God G2316 in G1722 truth, G225 G2532 neither G3756 carest G3199 thou G4671 for G4012 any G3762 man: for G1063 thou regardest G991 not G1519 G3756 the person G4383 of men. G444

Matthew 10:25 STRONG

It is enough G713 for the disciple G3101 that G2443 he be G1096 as G5613 his G846 master, G1320 and G2532 the servant G1401 as G5613 his G846 lord. G2962 If G1487 they have called G2564 the master of the house G3617 Beelzebub, G954 how much G4214 more G3123 shall they call them of his G846 household? G3615

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 6

In this chapter the apostle gives an account of his general errand to all to whom he preached; with the several arguments and methods he used (v. 1-10). Then he addresses himself particularly to the Corinthians, giving them good cautions with great affection and strong arguments (v. 11-18).

2Cr 6:1-10

In these verses we have an account of the apostle's general errand and exhortation to all to whom he preached in every place where he came, with the several arguments and methods he used. Observe,

  • I. The errand or exhortation itself, namely, to comply with the gospel offers of reconciliation-that, being favoured with the gospel, they would not receive this grace of God in vain, v. 1. The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears; but it will be in vain for us to hear it, unless we believe it, and comply with the end and design of it. And as it is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to exhort and persuade their hearers to accept of grace and mercy which are offered to them, so they are honoured with this high title of co-workers with God. Note,
    • 1. They must work; and must work for God and his glory, for souls and their good: and they are workers with God, yet under him, as instruments only; however, if they be faithful, they may hope to find God working with them, and their labour will be effectual.
    • 2. Observe the language and way of the spirit of the gospel: it is not with roughness and severity, but with all mildness and gentleness, to beseech and entreat, to use exhortations and arguments, in order to prevail with sinners and overcome their natural unwillingness to be reconciled to God and to be happy for ever.
  • II. The arguments and method which the apostle used. And here he tells them,
    • 1. The present time is the only proper season to accept of the grace that is offered, and improve that grace which is afforded: NOW is the accepted time, NOW is the day of salvation, v. 2. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the only proper time to accept of these offers: To-day, while it is called to-day. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be; and we should remember that present seasons of grace are short and uncertain, and cannot be recalled when they are past. It is therefore our duty and interest to improve them while we have them, and no less than our salvation depends upon our so doing.
    • 2. What caution they used not to give offence that might hinder the success of their preaching: Giving no offence in any thing, v. 3. The apostle had great difficulty to behave prudently and inoffensively towards the Jews and Gentiles, for many of both sorts watched for his halting, and sought occasion to blame him and his ministry, or his conversation; therefore he was very cautious not to give offence to those who were so apt to take offence, that he might not offend the Jews by unnecessary zeal against the law, nor the Gentiles by unnecessary compliances with such as were zealous for the law. He was careful, in all his words and actions, not to give offence, or occasion of guilt or grief. Note, When others are too apt to take offence, we should be cautious lest we give offence; and ministers especially should be careful lest they do any thing that may bring blame on their ministry or render that unsuccessful.
    • 3. Their constant aim and endeavor in all things to approve themselves faithful, as became the ministers of God, v. 4. We see how much stress the apostle upon all occasions lays on fidelity in our work, because much of our success depends upon that. His eye was single, and his heart upright, in all his ministrations; and his great desire was to be the servant of God, and to approve himself so. Note, Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves as God's servants or ministers, and act in every thing suitably to that character. So did the apostle,
      • (1.) By much patience in afflictions. He was a great sufferer, and met with many afflictions, was often in necessities, and wanted the conveniences, if not the necessaries, of life; in distresses, being straitened on every side, hardly knowing what to do; in stripes often (ch. 11:24); in imprisonments; in tumults raised by the Jews and Gentiles against him; in labours, not only in preaching the gospel, but in travelling from place to place for that end, and working with his hands to supply his necessities; in watchings and in fastings, either voluntary or upon a religious account, or involuntary for the sake of religion: but he exercised much patience in all, v. 4, 5. Note,
        • [1.] It is the lot of faithful ministers often to be reduced to great difficulties, and to stand in need of much patience.
        • [2.] Those who would approve themselves to God must approve themselves faithful in trouble as well as in peace, not only in doing the work of God diligently, but also in bearing the will of God patiently.
      • (2.) By acting from good principles. The apostle went by a good principle in all he did, and tells them what his principles were (v. 6, 7); namely, pureness; and there is no piety without purity. A care to keep ourselves unspotted from the world is necessary in order to our acceptance with God. Knowledge was another principle; and zeal without this is but madness. He also acted with long-suffering and kindness, being not easily provoked, but bearing with the hardness of men's hearts, and hard treatment from their hands, to whom he kindly endeavoured to do good. He acted under the influence of the Holy Ghost, from the noble principle of unfeigned love, according to the rule of the word of truth, under the supports and assistances of the power of God, having on the armour of righteousness (a consciousness of universal righteousness and holiness), which is the best defence against the temptations of prosperity on the right hand, and of adversity on the left.
      • (3.) By a due temper and behaviour under all the variety of conditions in this world, v. 8-10. We must expect to meet with many alterations of our circumstances and conditions in this world; and it will be a great evidence of our integrity if we preserve a right temper of mind, and duly behave ourselves, under them all. The apostles met with honour and dishonour, good report and evil report: good men in this world must expect to meet with some dishonour and reproaches, to balance their honour and esteem; and we stand in need of the grace of God to arm us against the temptations of honour on the one hand, so as to bear good report without pride, and of dishonour on the other hand, so as to bear reproaches without impatience or recrimination. It should seem that persons differently represented the apostles in their reports; that some represented them as the best, and others as the worst, of men: by some they were counted deceivers, and run down as such; by others as true, preaching the gospel of truth, and men who were true to the trust reposed in them. They were slighted by the men of the world as unknown, men of no figure or account, not worth taking notice of; yet in all the churches of Christ they were well known, and of great account: they were looked upon as dying, being killed all the day long, and their interest was thought to be a dying interest; "and yet behold,' says the apostle, "we live, and live comfortably, and bear up cheerfully under all our hardships, and go on conquering and to conquer.' They were chastened, and often fell under the lash of the law, yet not killed: and though it was thought that they were sorrowful, a company of mopish and melancholy men, always sighing and mourning, yet they were always rejoicing in God, and had the greatest reason to rejoice always. They were despised as poor, upon the account of their poverty in this world; and yet they made many rich, by preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. They were thought to have nothing, and silver and gold they had none, houses and lands they had none; yet they possessed all things: they had nothing in this world, but they had a treasure in heaven. Their effects lay in another country, in another world. They had nothing in themselves, but possessed all things in Christ. Such a paradox is a Christian's life, and through such a variety of conditions and reports lies our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all these things to approve ourselves to God.

2Cr 6:11-18

The apostle proceeds to address himself more particularly to the Corinthians, and cautions them against mingling with unbelievers. Here observe,

  • I. How the caution is introduced with a profession, in a very pathetic manner, of the most tender affection to them, even like that of a father to his children, v. 11-13. Though the apostle was happy in a great fluency of expressions, yet he seemed to want words to express the warm affections he had for these Corinthians. As if he had said, "O ye Corinthians, to whom I am now writing, I would fain convince you how well I love you: we are desirous to promote the spiritual and eternal welfare of all to whom we preach, yet our mouth is open unto you, and our heart is enlarged unto you, in a special manner.' And, because his heart was thus enlarged with love to them, therefore he opened his mouth so freely to them in kind admonitions and exhortations: "You are not,' says he, "straitened in us; we would gladly do you all the service we can, and promote your comfort, as helpers of your faith and your joy; and, if it be otherwise, the fault is in yourselves; it is because you are straitened in yourselves, and fail in suitable returns to us, through some misapprehensions concerning us; and all we desire as a recompense is only that you would be proportionably affected towards us, as children should love their father.' Note, It is desirable that there should be a mutual good affection between ministers and their people, and this would greatly tend to their mutual comfort and advantage.
  • II. The caution or exhortation itself, not to mingle with unbelievers, not to be unequally yoked with them, v. 14. Either,
    • 1. In stated relations. It is wrong for good people to join in affinity with the wicked and profane; these will draw different ways, and that will be galling and grievous. Those relations that are our choice must be chosen by rule; and it is good for those who are themselves the children of God to join with those who are so likewise; for there is more danger that the bad will damage the good than hope that the good will benefit the bad.
    • 2. In common conversation. We should not yoke ourselves in friendship and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing, and hearing, and being with such, yet we should never choose them for our bosom-friends.
    • 3. Much less should we join in religious communion with them; we must not join with them in their idolatrous services, nor concur with them in their false worship, nor any abominations; we must not confound together the table of the Lord and the table of devils, the house of God and the house of Rimmon. The apostle gives several good reasons against this corrupt mixture.
      • (1.) It is a very great absurdity, v. 14, 15. It is an unequal yoking of things together that will not agree together; as bad as for the Jews to have ploughed with an ox and an ass or to have sown divers sorts of grain intermixed. What an absurdity is it to think of joining righteousness and unrighteousness, or mingling light and darkness, fire and water, together! Believers are, and should be, righteous; but unbelievers are unrighteous. Believers are made light in the Lord, but unbelievers are in darkness; and what comfortable communion can these have together? Christ and Belial are contrary one to the other; they have opposite interests and designs, so that it is impossible there should be any concord or agreement between them. It is absurd, therefore, to think of enlisting under both; and, if the believer has part with an infidel, he does what in him lies to bring Christ and Belial together.
      • (2.) It is a dishonour to the Christian's profession (v. 16); for Christians are by profession, and should be in reality, the temples of the living God-dedicated to, and employed for, the service of God, who has promised to reside in them, to dwell and walk in them, to stand in a special relation to them, and take a special care of them, that he will be their God and they shall be his people. Now there can be no agreement between the temple of God and idols. Idols are rivals with God for his honour, and God is a jealous God, and will not give his glory to another.
      • (3.) There is a great deal of danger in communicating with unbelievers and idolators, danger of being defiled and of being rejected; therefore the exhortation is (v. 17) to come out from among them, and keep at a due distance, to be separate, as one would avoid the society of those who have the leprosy or the plague, for fear of taking infection, and not to touch the unclean thing, lest we be defiled. Who can touch pitch, and not be defiled by it? We must take care not to defile ourselves by converse with those who defile themselves with sin; so is the will of God, as we ever hope to be received, and not rejected, by him.
      • (4.) It is base ingratitude to God for all the favours he has bestowed upon believers and promised to them, v. 18. God has promised to be a Father to them, and that they shall be his sons and his daughters; and is there a greater honour or happiness than this? How ungrateful a thing then must it be if those who have this dignity and felicity should degrade and debase themselves by mingling with unbelievers! Do we thus requite the Lord, O foolish and unwise?