The Prudence and Policy of Industry
Proverbs 24:27
Prepare your work without, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterwards build your house.


I. ALL LABOUR IS ROOTED IN THE TILLAGE OF THE EARTH. 'Tis thus that bread was first wrung from her - by universal field labour. Our ancestors were all agricultural labourers. All other industry must be fruitless and stop without the action of this spring. It is therefore the part of all prudent and good men to encourage cultivation, to improve the condition of the labourer and the farmer. All honour to the great statesmen of our time who have wrought in this cause. It is edifying to recollect that God has made Mother Earth the eternal mediator and minister to us of material blessings which lie at the foundation of all our life.

II. DOMESTIC COMFORT AND INDEPENDENCE REST UPON LABOUR. It is the "prudence of a higher strain" than that which begins and ends with mere sensual comfort that is taught in this book. It is attention to law, it is unbelief in luck, which constitutes its principle. Self-command, unslothful habits, constant exertion, put the bread a man eats at his own disposal, so that he stands not in bitter and False relations to other men. - J.



Parallel Verses
KJV: Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

WEB: Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house.




Preparation; its Nature, Obligation, and Blessings
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