Avoiding the Appearance of Evil
B. Beddome, M. A. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. I. THE NATURE OF THOSE APPEARANCES OF EVIL WE ARE REQUIRED TO AVOID. 1. Whatever may be interpreted as evil by others, so as to become a stumbling block or matter of reproach. Their consciences may be too scrupulous and their tempers censorious, yet we are not to offend or grieve the weak unnecessarily. The omission of things indifferent, can neither be sinful nor injurious, their commission may be both (1 Corinthians 8:13). This must, of course, be understood with some limitation, else there would be no end of conforming to men's humours and fancies; therefore good men must be left to act according to their own scruples and may disregard scruples which have no shadow of reason or Scripture to support them. 2. What may be an occasion of evil to ourselves. Some things not evil may lead to evil. Peter's going into the palace of the high priest led to his denial of Christ. Achan's looking stirred up his covetousness; hence David prays to be turned away from beholding vanity, and our Lord taught us to say, "Lead us not into temptation, but," etc. The fly that buzzes about the candle will at length singe its wings. 3. Whatever borders on evil or approaches towards it. Instead of inquiring how far we may go in gratifying this or that appetite without offending God, let us keep as far away as we can. If you would not swear do not use expletives: if you would be temperate do not load your table with superfluities. 4. The first risings of evil in the heart such as anger, covetousness, uncleanness. "When lust hath conceived it bringing forth sin," etc. "Keep thy heart with all diligence," therefore. II. WHEN MAY WE BE SAID TO ABSTAIN FROM EVERY APPEARANCE OF EVIL? When our whole conduct will bear the light; when we are sincere in our intentions and circumspect in our actions; when the Divine glory is our aim and the good of man our work. To this end incessant watchfulness is required. 1. In the common concerns of life. Everything like artifice or dishonesty is unworthy of the Christian character (1 Thessalonians 4:6), 2. In our amusements and recreations. They must be innocent and lawful, few and inexpensive, healthful and select. 3. In our daily intercourse. We must speak the words of truth and soberness (Ephesians 4:29; James 5:12). 4. In religious exercises, "Let not your good be evil spoken of." III. THE MOTIVES. By abstaining from the appearance of evil. 1. Many of our falls will be prevented. 2. It will give credit to our profession, and tend to convince the world of the reality of our religion. 3. It will contribute much to the peace and satisfaction of our minds. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Abstain from all appearance of evil. WEB: Abstain from every form of evil.