23 and xxxii. This converse is to be expected, for as long as sin lasts woes stand over against beatitudes as Ebal against Gerizim. Jesus does not clearly define the line beyond which the possession of riches becomes a danger, lest any, fancying himself to be on the safe side of the line, should lull himself to repose and be taken off his guard. Riches are always dangerous, and we must be ever watchful against their seduction. The second woe is kindred to the first.
Righteousness is the soul's true food.
Those who sow folly shall reap a harvest of tears. A righteous life rebukes an evil one, and the general tendency of evil is to deride that which rebukes it. This tendency caused the wicked of Christ's times to say that he had a demon, and that he cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub. If our lives draw to themselves no reproach, they can not be right in the sight of God. If we adhere strictly to the virtues which Christ enjoined, we shall find that the world has an evil name for every one of them.