Romans 12:8, Be Thou Diligent to Know the State of Thy Flocks
Solomon’s words in Proverbs 27:23 is a good paraphrase of our text, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Charles Bridges said well, “This declareth the great goodness of God towards man, and the diligence that he requireth of him for the preservaion of his gifts. It is a lively picture of the occupations, advantages, and responsibilities of rural life in olden days. It is specially appropriate to a nation, whose chief riches were in its early origin, in pastures and flocks. Their father Jacob admirably exemplified this rule. He knew well the state of his flocks and herds. Even King David, mindful of his ancient employ, deemed a pastoral charge no degradation to his royal dignity. The rule inculcates personal attention… God is glorified by a single eye and purpose in every station; by the labourer, the farmer, the servant is no less than his master. (Col. 3:22-24). We must “serve the Lord in fervency of spirit”.”