The Unhallowed Bargain
Homilist
Hebrews 12:16-17
Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.…


I. ESAU'S SALE.

1. An instance of the foolish behaviour of men.

(1)  They will exchange the greatest blessings for the most paltry considerations.

(2)  They will yield up home, friends, happiness, for a moment's passion. Eternity is lost, that time may delight.

2. An instance of thoughtless words bringing serious realities. The wise man never speaks at random. The prudent is not overtaken to betray himself by the feelings of the moment.

3. An instance of the little value often set upon the most precious blessings.

4. An instance of the sensual prevailing over the ideal.

5. An instance of the irretrievable character of wrong choice.

II. JACOB'S PURCHASE.

1. What he lost.

(1)  The confidence of his father.

(2)  Peace of mind.

(3)  The comforts of home.

(4)  The same confidence he had taken from his father.

2. What he gained. The birthright — but with certain penalties attached. It was got by fraud, and the curse of the fraud clung to it.Learn:

1. The folly of rash and hasty impulses.

2. The folly of trifling with religious matters.

3. The folly of dishonesty.

(Homilist.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

WEB: lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal.




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