Matthew 7

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Pearls and swine. At the first blush of it this reads more like a motto of the scribes than a proverb from the large-hearted Christ. It is quite as important to see what it does not mean as to lay hold of its positive teaching, because we are all tempted to abuse it in order to excuse our narrowness and selfishness. I. MISAPPRENSIONS OF THE PROVERB . 1 . In neglect of the poor. This is the most gross and insulting abuse of the principle which can be thought of. No one would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Christian economy, and gospel frugality. This verse, apparently solitary and detached, depends for its effect certainly on no verbal connection with what precedes it, but throws itself fearlessly on its intrinsic virtue. It provides all needful counteractive, and counteractive very efficacious, to the verbally unqualified prohibition of the first and second verses of the chapter. Charity, moderation in our own inner judgments of others, and restraint of lip in the expression of them, are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Piety in the restraint of prudence. Dogs are treated throughout Scripture as unclean animals. The usual thought is evidently of the pariah dogs, which are the scavengers of Eastern towns. Little is said of trained shepherds' dogs; and nothing is said of pet dogs. Swine are, by emphasis, the unclean creatures. Our Lord has spoken of carefulness in judging others. But his disciples are required to exercise discrimination. They should prudently estimate situations, opportunities, and occasions.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7

Ask … seek … knock . Gradation in urgency. Further, the three clauses think of the Giver, the sphere in which the gift lies, the obstacles in the way of obtaining it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7

The condition on which answer to prayer depends. The reference to prayer seems to be introduced here as an "aside;" but the connection is not difficult to trace. Our Lord had been calling his disciples to duties which would make the most serious demands on them. They would be sure to feel the need of sustaining and supporting grace, such as comes only from God. Then let them be quite sure that they could always have this grace for the asking; but let them be also quite sure that they would... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-11

Ask , and it shall be given you , etc. Parallel passage: Luke 11:9-13 . Nearly verbally identical, but in the son's request, reads " egg " and " scorpion " for "bread" and "stone," and reverses the order of the sentences. In Luke the verses are closely connected ("and I say unto you") with the parable of the friend at midnight, which itself immediately follows the Lord's Prayer. It seems probable that, as with the Lord's Prayer ( Luke 6:9-13 , note), so with these... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-11

Encouragements for prayer. Jesus is revealing the Fatherhood of God, and now he is showing how that great truth is the basis of faith, and, in particular, the ground for confidence in prayer. I. THE CALL TO PRAYER . 1 . Thrice repeated. This threefold invitation shows us 2 . In varied forms. 3 . With promise of success. Prayer is more than confiding in God. It is not a voice crying in the dark for its own relief, and satisfied without any reply. It must be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-12

Prayer. From the subject of giving our Lord turns to that of asking. The text instructs us in— I. THE NATURE OF PRAYER . 1 . It is asking. 2 . It is seeking. 3 . It is knocking. II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAY . 1 . In the promises of God. 2 . In the character of the promises. III. THE CONDITIONS OF PRAYER . 1 . These are given in the promises. 2 . They are embodied in the golden rule. 3 . Apply this rule. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth . Every one that asketh of God receiveth, for he is not the censorious Judge that you are inclined to be in your dealings with others. Therefore ask expectantly. He "giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not" ( James 1:5 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:9-10

Or what man is there of you , etc.? Or. Is not what I say true? or—if you think not—what man of you yourselves would act otherwise towards his own son? Our Lord appeals to the experience and natural feelings of his hearers themselves to emphasize the readiness of the Father—"your Father," whose nature you share, and from whom you derive your feelings of fatherhood ( Ephesians 3:15 )—to grant the prayers of his children. Observe: read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-12

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:9-10

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