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Selected Verse: Galatians 6:4 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Ga 6:4 |
King James |
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
his own work--not merely his own opinion of himself.
have rejoicing in himself alone--Translate, "Have his (matter for) glorying in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another (namely, not in regard to his neighbor, by comparing himself with whom, he has fancied he has matter for boasting as that neighbor's superior)." Not that really a man by looking to "himself alone" is likely to find cause for glorying in himself. Nay, in Gal 6:5, he speaks of a "burden" or load, not of matter for glorying, as what really belongs to each man. But he refers to the idea those whom he censures had of themselves: they thought they had cause for "glorying" in themselves, but it all arose from unjust self-conceited comparison of themselves with others, instead of looking at home. The only true glorying, if glorying it is to be called, is in the testimony of a good conscience, glorying in the cross of Christ. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
But let every man prove - That is, try or examine in a proper manner. Let him form a proper estimate of what is due to himself, according to his real character. Let him compare himself with the word of God, and the infallible rule which he has given, and by which we are to be judged in the last great day; compare the Rom 12:3 note; Co1 11:28 note; Co2 13:5 note.
His own work - What he does. Let him form a fair and impartial estimate of his own character.
And then shall he have rejoicing - That is, he will be appropriately rewarded, and will meet with no disappointment. The man who forms an improper estimate of his own character will be sure to be disappointed. The man who examines himself, and who forms no extravagant expectation in regard to what is due to himself, will be appropriately rewarded, and will be made happy. If, by the careful examination of himself, he finds his life to be virtuous, and his course of conduct pure; if he has done no wrong to others, and if he finds evidence that he is a child of God, then he will have cause of rejoicing.
In himself alone - Compare Pro 14:14; "A good man shall be satisfied from himself." The sentiment is, that he will find in himself a source of pure joy. He will not be dependent on the applause of others for happiness. In an approving conscience; in the evidence of the favor of God; in an honest effort to lead a pure and holy life, he will have happiness. The source of his joys will be within; and he will not be dependent, as the man of ambition, and the man who thinks of himself more highly than he ought, will, on the favors of a capricious multitude, and on the breath of popular applause.
And not in another - He will not be dependent on others for happiness. Here is the true secret of happiness. It consists:
(1) In not forming an improper estimate of ourselves; in knowing just what we are, and what is due to us; in not thinking ourselves to be something, when we are nothing.
(2) in leading such a life that it may be examined to the core, that we may know exactly what we are without being distressed or pained. That is, in having a good conscience, and in the honest and faithful discharge of our duty to God and man.
(3) in not being dependent on the fickle applause of the world for our comfort. The man who has no internal resources, and who has no approving conscience; who is happy only when others smile, and miserable when they frown, is a man who can have no security for enjoyment. The man who has a good conscience, and who enjoys the favor of God, and the hope of heaven, carries with him the source of perpetual joy. He cannot be deprived of it. His purse may be taken, and his house robbed, but the highwayman cannot rob him of his comforts. He carries with him an unfailing source of happiness when abroad, and the same source of happiness abides with him at home; he bears it into society, and it remains with him in solitude; it is his companion when in health, and when surrounded by his friends, and it is no less his companion when his friends leave him, and when he lies upon a bed of death. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Prove (δοκιμαζέτω)
In Class. of assaying metals Comp. lxx, Pro 8:10; Pro 17:3; Sir. 2:5: also Co1 3:13; Pe1 1:7. It is the classical verb for testing money; see Plato, Tim. 65 C. Δοκιμάζειν and πυροῦσθαι to burn or try by fire occur together, Jer 9:7; Psa 11:6; Psa 65:10. Generally, to prove or examine, as Co1 11:28; Th1 5:21. To accept that which is approved, Co1 16:3; Co2 8:22; Th1 2:4.
Rejoicing (τὸ καύχημα)
Better, as giving the force of the article, "his glorying." Καύχημα is the matter or ground of glorying, see Rom 4:2; Co1 9:15; not the act (καύχησις), as Rom 3:27; Co2 1:12.
In himself (εἰς ἑαυτὸν)
Better, with regard to himself, or as concerns. For this use of εἰς see Rom 4:20; Rom 15:2; Rom 16:6; Eph 3:16. Not, he will keep his glorying to himself or abstain from boasting. He means that if, on examination, one finds in himself anything to boast of, his cause of boasting will lie simply and absolutely in that, and not in his merit as compared, to his own advantage, with that of another.
Another (τὸν ἕτερον)
Better, the other, or, as Rev., his neighbor. See on Mat 6:24. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| But let every man try his own work - Narrowly examine all he is, and all he doeth. And then he shall have rejoicing in himself - He will find in himself matter of rejoicing, if his works are right before God. And not in another - Not in glorying over others. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath left us an example that we should follow his steps. |
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.