Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin
John Calvin a word, to abandon every hinderance. Let us be eager to recover it in every possible way, and let the numerous offenses and arduous toil, which many are in the habit of alleging as an apology for indolence, serve rather to awaken our vigilance.
17. Wherefore be ye not unwise. He whose ``delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates in it day and night,'' (Psalm 1:2,) will triumph over every obstacle which Satan can oppose to his progress. Whence comes it that some wander, others fall, others strike against a rock, others go away, --- but because we allow ourselves to be gradually blinded by Satan, and lose sight of the will of God, which we ought constantly to remember? And observe, that Paul defines wisdom to be, understanding what the will of the Lord is
shall a young man,'' says David, ``direct his way? By attending to thy word, O Lord.'' (Psalm 119:9.)
He speaks of youths, but it is the same wisdom which belongs to old men. 18. And be not drunk with wine. When he enjoins them not to be drunk, he forbids excessive and immoderate drinking of every description. ``Be not intemperate in drinking.''
In which 174 is lasciviousness. The Greek word {ἀσωτία}, which is translated ``lasciviousness,'' points out the evils which arise from drunkenness. I understand by it all that is implied in a wanton and dissolute life; for to translate it luxury, would quite enfeeble the sense. The meaning therefore is, that drunkards throw off quickly every restraint of modesty or shame; that where wine reigns, profligacy naturally follows; and consequently, that all who have any regard to moderation or decency ought to avoid and abhor drunkenness.
The children of this world are accustomed to indulge in deep drinking as an excitement to mirth. Such carnal excitement is contrasted with that holy joy of which the Spirit of God is the Author, and which produces entirely opposite effects. To what does drunkenness lead? To unbounded licentiousness, --- to unbridled, indecent merriment. And to what does spiritual joy lead, when it is most strongly excited? 175
19. To psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs. These are truly pleasant and delightful fruits. The Spirit means ``joy in the Holy Ghost,'' (Romans 14:17;) and the exhortation, be ye filled, (ver. 18,) alludes to deep drinking, with which it is indirectly contrasted. Speaking to themselves, is speaking among themselves. Nor does he enjoin them to sing inwardly or alone; for he immediately
174"The antecedent to {ᾧ} is not {οἴνος}, but the entire clause --- `in which vicious inebriety there is profligacy.' The term, if it be derived from {α} privative and {σώζω}, is the picture of a sad result. The adjective {ἄσωτος} is used by the classics to signify one who is, as we say, `past redemption.' The adverb {ἀσώτὠς} is used of the conduct of the prodigal son in the far country. (Luke 15:13.)'' --- Eadie.
175"This is a pleasant kind of drunkenness, which stimulates you, not to wanton dances or foolish songs, by which the Gentiles render homage to their deities, but to psalms, to hymns, to spiritual songs, by which you rejoice, and sing, and offer praise to the Lord, not with indecent roaring, as is the custom of drunk people, but inwardly in your minds and hearts." — Erasmus.