Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/121

 passing  pleasures  of  sin;  and  on  that  day  they  will  find  themselves, in very  deed,  shut  out  from  heaven  and  condemned  to  everlasting torments.

Esau sinned  through  his  greedy  desire  for  the pottage. Have you  never  sinned  by  gluttony? Try for  the  future to  overcome  your  greedy  desires. Bear hunger  and  thirst for a short  time  with  cheerfulness;  and  be  not  dainty  about  your food. He who  does  not  tame  his  appetites,  and  deny  himself, cannot be  virtuous  or  happy.

Jacob ought  to  have  given  the  mess  willingly  to  his  hungry brother. Have you  never  been  selfish  towards  your  brothers  and sisters, and  wished  to  keep  everything  for  yourself,  or  chosen  the best or  largest  portion  for  yourself?

Do you  ever  tell  lies? Some day  you  must  make  satisfaction for every  lie. God hates  lies,  because  He  is  the  very  truth. If you wish  to  be  a child  of  God,  always  tell  the  truth. “Lying lips are an  abomination  to  the  Lord”  (Prov.  12,  22).

SAU was  very  angry,  because  he  had  lost  the  blessing. He resolved to  kill  Jacob. Rebecca knew  the  evil  intentions of Esau,  and  saw  that  the  life  of  Jacob  was  in  danger. She therefore called  Jacob  and  said  to  him:  “My  son,  flee  to  Laban,  my brother,  and  dwell  with  him,  till  the  wrath  of  thy  brother  hath passed away.”  Jacob  at  once  set  out. As he  went  on,  it  hap-