Purity
Canon Diggle. Proverbs 22:11 He that loves pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. What is purity — this bright and blessed strength of human life? The foundation of all purity must rest upon the body. Without bodily purity no other form of purity is possible. On this must rise the structure of mental and spiritual purity. Our thoughts and words must be not less pure than our actions. Action is ripened thought, and thought is germinating action. "No man suddenly falls." The thoughts have grown accustomed to dwell on impurity long before the deed of impurity is committed. In pureness of mind lies our best defence. And purity of mind is essential to clearness of spiritual vision and lofty exaltation of soul. The vision of the Invisible is impossible to the impure. And the beatific vision of God should be man's noblest ambition. Practical suggestions: 1. Cleanliness is a strong defence of bodily purity, and with this must go good moral habits. 2. Wholesome environment and occupation are strong aids to purity. When the surroundings of life are not wholesome, it is a struggle to keep life pure. 3. Go not into the way of temptation, and avoid the companionship of the impure. 4. Reverence your body. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost; let us not defile them with impurity. And whatever else you leave undone, yet believe in pure and sacred love. Love that is not pure is not love. The love of home is a splendid defence against impurity. (Canon Diggle.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. WEB: He who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the king's friend.