Ignorance of the Future
Proverbs 27:1
Boast not yourself of to morrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth.


I. TO WHAT THE WORDS OF THE TEXT WILL APPLY. On some things we can calculate with a degree of certainty. Apply text —

1. With regard to ourselves. And it will apply to both good and evil. The text seems to have in view evil.

2. To the dispensations of Providence.

3. This uncertainty regards our lives. Some are cut off in the midst of sin. Some in the midst of religious declensions.

II. WHAT REASONS CAN BE GIVEN FOR THIS IGNORANCE OF FUTURITY. It never was designed that man should know the future. Even the angels in heaven have not this knowledge. Would such knowledge add to our happiness? or improve our religious character? This arrangement keeps us fully dependent on God. By this means He keeps the world in awe.

III. APPLY THE FACT TO SOME USEFUL PURPOSES.

1. It should check vain curiosity.

2. It teaches us to hope for the best.

3. It is good to be prepared for the worst.

4. Learn the importance of real religion.

(Charles Hyatt.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

WEB: Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth.




Cheer for Despondency
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