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
I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Gratitude can be found even in difficult situations.
This quote reflects a profound sense of gratitude despite experiencing a negative event such as being robbed. The author highlights four reasons to be thankful: the absence of serious harm, the realization that material possessions are not everything, and the moral perspective that it is better to be a victim than to commit wrongdoings, showcasing a deep philosophical appreciation for life and values.
Themes
GratitudeThankfulnessPerspectivePhilosophyLife
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote at a community meeting focused on overcoming adversity.
More from Matthew Henry
All quotes βThere 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.
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To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him, delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him.
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Scriptures were written, not to satisfy our curiosity and make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints.
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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.
Matthew HenryRead
No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness.
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