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Hebrews 13:5
Verse
Context
Christ’s Unchanging Nature
4Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let your conversation - That is, the whole tenor of your conduct, τροπος, the manner of your life, or rather the disposition of your hearts in reference to all your secular transactions; for in this sense the original is used by the best Greek writers. Be without covetousness - Desire nothing more than what God has given you; and especially covet nothing which the Divine Providence has given to another man, for this is the very spirit of robbery. Content with such things as ye have - Αρκουμενοι τοις παρουσιν· Being satisfied with present things. In one of the sentences of Phocylides we have a sentiment in nearly the same words as that of the apostle: Αρκεισθαι παρεουσι, και αλλοτριων απεχεσθαι· Be content with present things, and abstain from others. The covetous man is ever running out into futurity with insatiable desires after secular good; and, if this disposition be not checked, it increases as the subject of it increases in years. Covetousness is the vice of old age. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee - These words were, in sum, spoken to Joshua, Jos 1:5 : "As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." They were spoken also by David to Solomon, Ch1 28:20 : "David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." The apostle, in referring to the same promises, feels authorized to strengthen the expressions, as the Christian dispensation affords more consolation and confidence in matters of this kind than the old covenant did. The words are peculiarly emphatic: Ου μη σε ανω, ουδ' ου μη σε εγκαταλιπω. There are no less than five negatives in this short sentence, and these connected with two verbs and one pronoun twice repeated. To give a literal translation is scarcely possible; it would run in this way: "No, I will not leave thee; no, neither will I not utterly forsake thee." Those who understand the genius of the Greek language, and look at the manner in which these negatives are placed in the sentence, will perceive at once how much the meaning is strengthened by them, and to what an emphatic and energetic affirmative they amount. This promise is made to those who are patiently bearing affliction or persecution for Christ's sake; and may be applied to any faithful soul in affliction, temptation, or adversity of any kind. Trust in the Lord with thy whole heart, and never lean to thy own understanding; for he hath said, "No, I will never leave thee; not I: I will never, never cast thee off."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
conversation--"manner of life." The love of filthy lust and the love of filthy lucre follow one another as closely akin, both alienating the heart from the Creator to the creature. such things as ye have--literally, "present things" (Phi 4:11). I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee--A promise tantamount to this was given to Jacob (Gen 28:15), to Israel (Deu 31:6, Deu 31:8), to Joshua (Jos 1:5), to Solomon (Ch1 28:20). It is therefore like a divine adage. What was said to them, extends also to us. He will neither withdraw His presence ("never leave thee") nor His help ("nor forsake thee") [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let your conversation be without covetousness,.... Which is an immoderate desire, of riches, an over anxious care for worldly things, attended with dissatisfaction, and discontent with their present state: it discovers itself many ways; in preferring the world to religion; in laying up treasure for a man's own self, without being any ways useful to others; in withholding from himself the necessaries of life, and in making no use of his substance for the glory of God, and the interest of religion: this is a very great evil; it is called idolatry, and is said to be the root of all evil; and is very pernicious to true religion: a believer's conversation should be without it; in his family, for whom he should provide things convenient and honest; and in the world, where he should deal uprightly, and not defraud and overreach; and in the church, where he should be liberal, and generously communicate, upon all occasions; and such a conversation is becoming the Gospel, which is a declaration of things freely given to us of God. The reason of the apostle's mentioning this sin of covetousness is, because the Jews were prone to it, and these believing Hebrews might be inclined to it, and be dissatisfied with their present condition, in which they suffered the spoiling of their goods; and besides, unless this was avoided, the above mentioned duties could not be performed aright, as brotherly love, hospitality, remembering and relieving persons in bonds, and adversity. And be content with such things as ye have; or with present things; with present riches, or with present poverty; with present losses and crosses; with present reproaches and afflictions; and contentment with these things shows itself by thankfulness for every mercy, and by submission to the will and providence of God in every state of life: and there are many things which may move and engage unto it; as the consideration of the state and condition men are in, when they come into the world, and will be when they go out of it; the will of God, and the disposition of his providence according to it, which is unalterable; a sense of: their own unworthiness; a view of interest in God and Christ; and an eye to the recompense of reward; as well as the many promises of God to support and supply his: and among the rest, what follows, for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; which is a promise made to Joshua, and belongs to all believers, Jos 1:5 which may regard things temporal, as that God will not leave his people in the hands of their enemies, nor forsake them in distress, nor withhold any good thing from them needful for them, but will supply them with the necessaries of life, with which they should be content: and this passage is very pertinently cited for this purpose, and could be easily understood in this sense by the Hebrews; for the Jews explain such places as speak of God's not forsaking men, of the sustenance of them, as Psa 37:25 and observe that the word "forsaking", is never used but with respect to "sustenance" (u); though the words may also relate to things spiritual, as that God will not leave them to themselves, to their own corruptions, which would overpower them; nor to their own strength, which is but weakness; nor to their own wisdom, which is folly; nor to Satan, and his temptations, who is an over match for them; nor to the world, the frowns and flatteries of it, by which they might be drawn aside; nor will he leave them destitute of his presence; for though he sometimes hides his face, and withdraws himself, yet not wholly, nor finally; nor will he forsake the work of his own hands, in them, but will perform it until the day of Christ; he will not leave or forsake them, so as that they shall perish; he will not forsake them in life, nor at death, nor at judgment. (u) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 69. fol. 61. 4. Vajikra Rabba, sect. 35. fol. 175. 2. Yalkut, par. 2. fol. 103. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:5 Don’t love money: See 1 Tim 6:6-10. Instead, the believer is to be satisfied with what God has provided. Perhaps some in the community were under financial strain (see Heb 10:32-34). The promises of God still stand: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (see Deut 31:6, 8).
Hebrews 13:5
Christ’s Unchanging Nature
4Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
2005 Missions Conference - Session 1
By Carter Conlon11K1:01:54Missions ConferencePSA 23:4PSA 84:3PRO 3:5MAT 6:33HEB 13:5JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a young man named Tim who experienced a traumatic event with his father. Despite the pain and fear he went through, Tim attended a youth service and was visibly upset. The speaker and his son approached Tim to offer support and comfort. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being missionaries in our generation and reaching out to those who are hurting. The speaker also references Hebrews 13:5, reminding the audience that God will never desert or forsake us.
Holiness & Righteousness - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.0K1:07:20RighteousnessPSA 119:165MAT 6:33LUK 1:70ACT 1:8PHP 4:8TIT 2:9HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a personal anecdote about doodling an eagle and giving it away to someone who admired it. He then discusses the importance of being examples of God's workmanship and adorning the Gospel in our lives. The preacher emphasizes the need for power not just for success in ministry, but also for being holy parents and handling everyday challenges. He mentions a famous sermon by Robert G. Lee on receiving power from the Holy Ghost and shares a story about a young man inviting Lee to speak to his Saturday night group. Throughout the sermon, the preacher encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and strive to be positive examples of virtue and praise.
(Poland) Jesus Loves Sinners
By David Wilkerson6.4K48:43SinnersMAT 5:28LUK 15:11ROM 6:231CO 7:10HEB 10:26HEB 13:5JAS 1:27In this sermon, the preacher shares powerful testimonies of individuals who were living on the streets and trapped in addiction. Through the love of Jesus Christ, they experienced miraculous transformations. One couple, Mary and James, were hopeless and living like animals, but after encountering God's love, they gave their hearts to Christ. James, who could hardly speak, had his mind restored by God and even taught himself Greek. Mary, who was once emaciated, regained her health and became a changed woman. These testimonies serve as a reminder that Jesus loves sinners and can bring about incredible change in their lives.
A Psalm of Remembrance
By C.H. Spurgeon6.3K39:04PSA 23:4PSA 102:27PSA 103:2MAT 11:28ROM 8:28HEB 13:51JN 4:16In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a foreigner describing the fruits of his land to emphasize the limitations of human description when it comes to conveying the goodness of God. The preacher then applies this concept to matters of grace, explaining that no words can fully capture the experience of God's love and the blessings received by believers. The sermon also highlights the transformative power of God's love, using examples from the Bible such as Jacob's life and the deliverance from trials. Overall, the sermon emphasizes that personal experience and testimony are more powerful than any description, and that God's love is the foundation of Christian encouragement.
Ringing the Bell - Samuel
By Harmon Schmelzenbach6.1K1:17:10RevivalHEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal testimony of how he was saved in a small mud church in Africa. He emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit and how it transformed his life. The preacher also talks about the importance of relying on God's help and not fearing what man can do. He concludes by sharing a story of a young warrior who witnessed the reality of God's power and testified about it to his village.
The Making of a Man of God
By David Wilkerson5.7K35:38JOB 23:10PSA 30:5PSA 89:30HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of a man who initially failed in his mission but later became a powerful leader. The speaker then shifts the focus to Jesus, emphasizing that he understands and empathizes with our weaknesses and struggles. The sermon explores the common inner battles and complexes that all men and women of God face. The speaker encourages the audience to seek God's guidance and to desire to be known as a person of God.
Joshua Facing the Challenge
By Warren Wiersbe5.1K38:41JOS 2:8PSA 149:6MAT 1:23MAT 28:20HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with a man with a drawn sword near Jericho. Joshua asks if the man is for or against them, and the man reveals himself as the captain of the Lord's host. Joshua falls on his face and worships the man, recognizing the holiness of the place. The speaker emphasizes four discoveries that Joshua made: he was not alone, he was second in command, he was on holy ground, and he had already won the battle. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God has given Joshua the victory over Jericho.
Making of a Man of God
By David Wilkerson4.6K32:321SA 16:12JOB 1:10PSA 30:5PSA 139:1MAT 11:28HEB 13:5JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing a desire to draw closer to God and be broken before Him. He emphasizes that even in the midst of trials and confusion, God is at work and will raise up a standard against the enemy. The preacher encourages the congregation to trust in Jesus, who is merciful and kind, and will never leave or forsake them. He then shares a personal story of a young man who was struggling with his faith and feeling distant from God, but through a conversation with the preacher, he realizes that God is not angry with him and that his struggles are a test of his heart.
(Mount Vernon) Daniel
By Keith Daniel4.5K56:34DanielDAN 3:16DAN 12:3MAT 5:16PHP 4:61TI 4:12HEB 13:5JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own lives and ask if they have turned many to righteousness and if their lives have shaken others for God. He also highlights the qualities that made this man's life impactful, such as integrity, transparency, humility, and faithfulness. The speaker encourages the audience to live according to the New Testament standard, being careful for nothing and bringing every thought into obedience to God.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson3.7K49:09JHN 14:15JHN 14:26ROM 8:15HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude and praise to God. They encourage the congregation to thank God for life and to pray for His love and guidance. The speaker then shares a personal experience of their granddaughter being terminally ill and how their family has found peace and worship in the midst of the pain. They emphasize the importance of accepting God's love and forgiveness and having faith in the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God loves us and has adopted us into His family.
God Has Not Passed You - Part 1
By David Wilkerson3.6K39:33PSA 9:9PSA 37:23ISA 49:14HEB 13:5This sermon emphasizes that even in the darkest times, God has not forsaken His people. It draws parallels from the story in 1 Samuel where a widow faced immense pain and loss, feeling abandoned by God. The message highlights the importance of clinging to God's promises in times of suffering, trusting that He will never leave nor forsake His children, and reminding believers of the hope found in God's faithfulness and mercy.
The Presence of God
By David Wilkerson3.4K1:01:43EXO 33:152CH 7:14JER 29:13MAT 6:33ACT 17:271TH 5:17HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher recounts the story of Nathan confronting King David about his sin of adultery and murder. David is initially unaware of his own guilt, but Nathan reveals it to him through a parable about a rich man stealing a poor man's beloved lamb. David is overcome with guilt and confesses his sin before God. Nathan then delivers the consequences of David's actions, including the raising up of evil against him from his own household and the loss of his kingdom. The sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing the word of God and the devastating consequences of turning away from His presence.
(Basics) 45. God and Money Are Opposites
By Zac Poonen3.4K13:01PRO 22:7ECC 5:10MAT 6:24MAT 23:3LUK 16:131TI 6:10HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a choice between serving God or serving money. He compares money to fire, stating that while it can be a useful servant, it can also be a destructive master if not handled carefully. The speaker encourages listeners to be cautious and responsible in their handling of money, as it can have a significant impact on their lives. He uses Jesus as an example, highlighting that Jesus worked as a carpenter and earned a living, but was not attached to material possessions.
God Has a Plan for Trouble Times
By Carter Conlon3.2K56:24Dark DaysMAT 5:10MAT 14:25MRK 4:35MRK 6:37MRK 6:52JHN 6:26HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging God's faithfulness throughout generations and asks for the grace to deliver the message clearly. The sermon is based on Mark chapter 4, which tells the story of a storm. The preacher emphasizes that God has a plan for troubled times. He highlights the importance of recognizing what we have, even if it seems insufficient, and trusting God to multiply it for His purposes. The sermon concludes by encouraging the audience to have faith in God's plan and to not be discouraged by the limitations they may perceive in their own lives.
Weathering the Storm
By Greg Laurie3.1K43:53PSA 32:8PRO 4:25MAT 6:33MAT 8:23MAT 14:22JHN 11:1HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's guidance and protection in our lives. He uses the example of a parent guiding their child to illustrate how God guides and warns us. The preacher also highlights the story of Jesus walking on water to demonstrate how Jesus intentionally delayed his arrival to the disciples, allowing them to face the storm and learn a lesson in faith. The sermon concludes with Jesus rebuking the disciples for their lack of faith and doubt.
(Depressed Disciples) Victory Over Depression
By Willie Mullan3.1K1:06:25DepressionISA 53:5MAT 6:33ROM 8:1ROM 8:28PHP 4:19HEB 13:51JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing that there is no condemnation from God for those who believe in Him. He then moves on to discuss the concept that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. The preacher highlights the importance of understanding these truths in order to find contentment and overcome the stresses of life. He concludes by mentioning three ways in which God works to give believers contentment and discusses the significance of the Savior's sacrifice.
Journey Through the Book of Acts
By K.P. Yohannan2.8K58:43Filled With The SpiritACT 1:8ACT 2:14ACT 2:41ACT 2:46ACT 5:12HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a five-minute sermon that extended to 30 minutes, resulting in 21 people on the street weeping and coming forward to ask for forgiveness and learn more about Jesus. The speaker encourages listeners not to be afraid of rejection or persecution when sharing their faith, reminding them that Jesus will never leave or forsake them. The sermon then transitions to a discussion of Acts chapter 3, focusing on the healing of a crippled beggar and the impact of a young girl named Gisela who used the money she collected to support missionary work in South America. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a concern for others who do not know Jesus and encourages listeners to walk into the fire of God's love and experience transformation and warmth. The sermon concludes by highlighting the significance of the book of Acts as a source of inspiration and guidance for believers, providing living examples of how to live a life pleasing to God.
Evicting Uzziah
By Carter Conlon2.4K44:03UzziahJER 33:3MAT 6:6ACT 1:14ACT 2:4ACT 2:382TI 2:15HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker expresses his disappointment with the current state of preaching in many churches. He criticizes the use of slick video presentations and packaged sermons that lack anointing and are not given by God. The speaker shares a personal experience of a pastor who was once a seeker of God but became more focused on using these packaged sermons for guaranteed attendance and reputation. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power and presence, rather than relying on formulas and schemes, and encourages the church to seek the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
God Has Not Passed You - Part 2
By David Wilkerson2.4K09:23PSA 34:18MAT 11:28JHN 14:27ROM 8:372CO 1:3PHP 4:6HEB 4:16HEB 13:5JAS 5:161PE 5:7This sermon is a powerful testimony of God's love and compassion, showcasing a miraculous intervention in the life of a woman named Rachel and her family. It emphasizes the importance of caring for others, praying for healing, and renewing faith in Christ, inviting those who are struggling to come forward for prayer and restoration. The message highlights the comfort and hope found in Jesus, who understands our pain and walks with us through our battles, offering grace, mercy, and ultimate victory.
Become Transparent Through Conviction
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.1K26:38ConvictionJHN 17:3ROM 6:17ROM 6:22HEB 10:38HEB 13:52PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and acknowledging the truth of His word. He highlights the need for God's reproof and rebuke to bring about a transformation in our hearts. The preacher also discusses the dangers of false revivals that focus on signs and wonders rather than the true message of the Gospel. He encourages believers to seek a genuine relationship with Jesus and to continually strive to know Him better. The sermon references the Apostle Paul's attitude of forgetting the past and pressing forward towards Christ, as well as the story of David's realization of his own corruption and need for deliverance.
Revelation Tv Interview
By Joshua Daniel2.0K58:00MAT 19:61CO 1:271CO 6:92CO 10:4EPH 6:101TI 6:10HEB 13:5JAS 4:7JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, holiness, and reliance on God's power in ministry. It addresses issues like materialism, covetousness, divorce, and the need for preachers to adhere to biblical principles. The speaker highlights the significance of prayer, faith, and obedience to God's Word in combating societal challenges and maintaining integrity in ministry.
If Any Man stand..
By Ron Bailey2.0K44:46ConfidenceMAT 16:231CO 10:13HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and not turning to rationality or other things to guide our lives. The sermon is based on the book of Deuteronomy, which is described as the second edition or giving of the law. The speaker highlights that these are Moses' last words, which hold significance and reveal his understanding and poise. The book of Deuteronomy represents Israel's second chance, as they are the next generation who will inherit God's promises. The speaker also mentions the switch between pronouns in the organized version of the Bible and emphasizes that regardless of one's past experiences or successes, everyone stands at the same point when God brings His word and asks for obedience.
Being a Disciple of Christ - Part 2 by Dr. k.p. Yohannan, Metropolitan
By K.P. Yohannan2.0K19:52MAT 6:19MAT 19:21LUK 9:23LUK 14:33JHN 6:53ACT 2:442CO 11:27PHP 3:81TI 6:10HEB 13:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving up material comforts, wealth, and ease in order to truly follow Jesus. It contrasts the superficial teachings of prosperity preachers with the sacrificial lifestyle of Jesus, Paul, and early Christians. The speaker challenges listeners to embrace simplicity, sacrifice, and a deeper commitment to Christ, highlighting the need to prioritize spiritual values over worldly possessions.
God's Gift to You
By Basilea Schlink1.9K01:01MAT 11:28JHN 3:16JHN 15:13ROM 6:23HEB 13:5This sermon reflects on the special time of Christmas in Canaan, West Germany, as a time of praise and thanksgiving for God's love in sending His Son to deliver us from sin and death. It emphasizes that trusting in Jesus brings salvation and that Jesus loves each person like a friend, extending a hand of friendship and help to all who believe.
Building a Heavenly Home (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:04:22PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 8:6EPH 1:3PHP 4:19HEB 13:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in every aspect of life, surrendering personal desires for His divine plan. It highlights the need to prioritize heavenly blessings over earthly desires, trusting God to provide what is truly needed. The speaker encourages seeking spiritual growth, purity, and wisdom in handling earthly matters, such as money and relationships, through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let your conversation - That is, the whole tenor of your conduct, τροπος, the manner of your life, or rather the disposition of your hearts in reference to all your secular transactions; for in this sense the original is used by the best Greek writers. Be without covetousness - Desire nothing more than what God has given you; and especially covet nothing which the Divine Providence has given to another man, for this is the very spirit of robbery. Content with such things as ye have - Αρκουμενοι τοις παρουσιν· Being satisfied with present things. In one of the sentences of Phocylides we have a sentiment in nearly the same words as that of the apostle: Αρκεισθαι παρεουσι, και αλλοτριων απεχεσθαι· Be content with present things, and abstain from others. The covetous man is ever running out into futurity with insatiable desires after secular good; and, if this disposition be not checked, it increases as the subject of it increases in years. Covetousness is the vice of old age. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee - These words were, in sum, spoken to Joshua, Jos 1:5 : "As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." They were spoken also by David to Solomon, Ch1 28:20 : "David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." The apostle, in referring to the same promises, feels authorized to strengthen the expressions, as the Christian dispensation affords more consolation and confidence in matters of this kind than the old covenant did. The words are peculiarly emphatic: Ου μη σε ανω, ουδ' ου μη σε εγκαταλιπω. There are no less than five negatives in this short sentence, and these connected with two verbs and one pronoun twice repeated. To give a literal translation is scarcely possible; it would run in this way: "No, I will not leave thee; no, neither will I not utterly forsake thee." Those who understand the genius of the Greek language, and look at the manner in which these negatives are placed in the sentence, will perceive at once how much the meaning is strengthened by them, and to what an emphatic and energetic affirmative they amount. This promise is made to those who are patiently bearing affliction or persecution for Christ's sake; and may be applied to any faithful soul in affliction, temptation, or adversity of any kind. Trust in the Lord with thy whole heart, and never lean to thy own understanding; for he hath said, "No, I will never leave thee; not I: I will never, never cast thee off."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
conversation--"manner of life." The love of filthy lust and the love of filthy lucre follow one another as closely akin, both alienating the heart from the Creator to the creature. such things as ye have--literally, "present things" (Phi 4:11). I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee--A promise tantamount to this was given to Jacob (Gen 28:15), to Israel (Deu 31:6, Deu 31:8), to Joshua (Jos 1:5), to Solomon (Ch1 28:20). It is therefore like a divine adage. What was said to them, extends also to us. He will neither withdraw His presence ("never leave thee") nor His help ("nor forsake thee") [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let your conversation be without covetousness,.... Which is an immoderate desire, of riches, an over anxious care for worldly things, attended with dissatisfaction, and discontent with their present state: it discovers itself many ways; in preferring the world to religion; in laying up treasure for a man's own self, without being any ways useful to others; in withholding from himself the necessaries of life, and in making no use of his substance for the glory of God, and the interest of religion: this is a very great evil; it is called idolatry, and is said to be the root of all evil; and is very pernicious to true religion: a believer's conversation should be without it; in his family, for whom he should provide things convenient and honest; and in the world, where he should deal uprightly, and not defraud and overreach; and in the church, where he should be liberal, and generously communicate, upon all occasions; and such a conversation is becoming the Gospel, which is a declaration of things freely given to us of God. The reason of the apostle's mentioning this sin of covetousness is, because the Jews were prone to it, and these believing Hebrews might be inclined to it, and be dissatisfied with their present condition, in which they suffered the spoiling of their goods; and besides, unless this was avoided, the above mentioned duties could not be performed aright, as brotherly love, hospitality, remembering and relieving persons in bonds, and adversity. And be content with such things as ye have; or with present things; with present riches, or with present poverty; with present losses and crosses; with present reproaches and afflictions; and contentment with these things shows itself by thankfulness for every mercy, and by submission to the will and providence of God in every state of life: and there are many things which may move and engage unto it; as the consideration of the state and condition men are in, when they come into the world, and will be when they go out of it; the will of God, and the disposition of his providence according to it, which is unalterable; a sense of: their own unworthiness; a view of interest in God and Christ; and an eye to the recompense of reward; as well as the many promises of God to support and supply his: and among the rest, what follows, for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; which is a promise made to Joshua, and belongs to all believers, Jos 1:5 which may regard things temporal, as that God will not leave his people in the hands of their enemies, nor forsake them in distress, nor withhold any good thing from them needful for them, but will supply them with the necessaries of life, with which they should be content: and this passage is very pertinently cited for this purpose, and could be easily understood in this sense by the Hebrews; for the Jews explain such places as speak of God's not forsaking men, of the sustenance of them, as Psa 37:25 and observe that the word "forsaking", is never used but with respect to "sustenance" (u); though the words may also relate to things spiritual, as that God will not leave them to themselves, to their own corruptions, which would overpower them; nor to their own strength, which is but weakness; nor to their own wisdom, which is folly; nor to Satan, and his temptations, who is an over match for them; nor to the world, the frowns and flatteries of it, by which they might be drawn aside; nor will he leave them destitute of his presence; for though he sometimes hides his face, and withdraws himself, yet not wholly, nor finally; nor will he forsake the work of his own hands, in them, but will perform it until the day of Christ; he will not leave or forsake them, so as that they shall perish; he will not forsake them in life, nor at death, nor at judgment. (u) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 69. fol. 61. 4. Vajikra Rabba, sect. 35. fol. 175. 2. Yalkut, par. 2. fol. 103. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:5 Don’t love money: See 1 Tim 6:6-10. Instead, the believer is to be satisfied with what God has provided. Perhaps some in the community were under financial strain (see Heb 10:32-34). The promises of God still stand: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (see Deut 31:6, 8).