The Quality of Virtue
Proverbs 3:15
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her.


The words wisdom, understanding, and knowledge partly translate the word "virtue."

I. THE WONDERFUL EFFECTS VIRTUE PRODUCES ON THE MIND.

1. The effects bear no proportion to our immediate sentiments concerning it.

2. Observe the complete change which it produces upon the human character itself. It gives the human being all the value which he can possess.

3. Notice the power it possesses of communicating immediate happiness to the mind.

4. Virtue reaches beyond the agent himself, and affects all who stand in connection with him.

5. Observe the unexpected and amazing changes which it produces upon the great societies of the earth. It is, in fact, the great principle of national happiness and civilisation.

II. THE ARGUMENT SUGGESTED. Look beyond the appearances of the moment, and study and know your real interest, and your own natural and best connections. Placed among men, virtue operates incessantly for their benefit. She is incessantly employed in improving and comforting us.

(John Mackenzie, D.D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

WEB: She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.




The Circumstances Which Enhance the Value of Virtue
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