A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly under affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.
Matthew HenryRead
Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces.
Interpretation
Difficult experiences can be tests of our strengths rather than punishments for our faults.
This quote suggests that facing extraordinary challenges does not always signify that one has committed grave wrongdoings; rather, such afflictions can serve as a means to reveal and strengthen our extraordinary virtues. It emphasizes the idea that tough times can be opportunities for spiritual growth and the development of resilience and grace.
In practice
In a speech about resilience, one might state, 'As Matthew Henry wisely noted, extraordinary afflictions can hone our strengths.'
A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly under affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.
There is a burden of care in getting riches; fear in keeping them; temptation in using them; guilt in abusing them; sorrow in losing them; and a burden of account at last to be given concerning them.
To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him, delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him.
Scriptures were written, not to satisfy our curiosity and make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints.
What God requires of us he himself works in us, or it is not done. He that commands faith, holiness, and love, creates them by the power of his grace going along with his word, that he may have all the praise.
No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness.
Cunning... is but the low mimic of wisdom.
We like to think about how smart we are. But I think talent as a writer is hard-wired in, it's all there, at least the basic elements of it. You can't change it any more than you can choose whether to be right handed or left handed.
Words people say not only have a shelf life but have the ability to shape life.
have i gone mad? im afraid so, but let me tell you something, the best people usualy are.
People say that the most expensive piece of medical equipment is the doctor's pen. It's not that we make all the money. It's that we order all the money.
Of the blessings set before you make your choice, and be content. No man can taste the fruits of autumn while he is delighting his scent with the flowers of the spring: no man can, at the same time, fill his cup from the source and from the mouth of the Nile.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.