A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly under affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.
Matthew HenryRead
Men cannot expect to do ill and fare well, but to find that done to them which they did to others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the idea that one cannot treat others badly without facing similar treatment in return.
Matthew Henry's quote emphasizes the law of reciprocity in human interactions, suggesting that negative actions often lead to negative consequences. It reflects the moral understanding that wrongdoing does not go unpunished and serves as a reminder to treat others with kindness to expect kindness in return.
Themes
ReciprocityKarmaMoralityConsequencesKindness
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about ethics, one might use this quote to encourage responsible behavior.
More from Matthew Henry
All quotes βThere is a burden of care in getting riches; fear in keeping them; temptation in using them; guilt in abusing them; sorrow in losing them; and a burden of account at last to be given concerning them.
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To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him, delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him.
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Scriptures were written, not to satisfy our curiosity and make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints.
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What God requires of us he himself works in us, or it is not done. He that commands faith, holiness, and love, creates them by the power of his grace going along with his word, that he may have all the praise.
Matthew HenryRead
No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness.
Matthew HenryRead
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