This may be taken two ways:--1. As a reason why we should be diligent
in our business, that we may avoid that sinking dispiriting uneasiness
which attends poverty, and may enjoy the benefit and comfort which
those have that are beforehand in the world. Taking pains is really the
way to make ourselves and our families easy. Or, rather, 2. As a
representation of the common mistakes both of rich and poor, concerning
their outward condition. (1.) Rich people think themselves happy
because they are rich; but it is their mistake: The rich man's wealth
is, in his own conceit, his strong city, whereas the worst of evils it
is too weak and utterly insufficient to protect them from. It will
prove that they are not so safe as they imagine; nay, their wealth may
perhaps expose them. (2.) Poor people think themselves undone because
they are poor; but it is their mistake: The destruction of the poor is
their poverty; it sinks their spirits, and ruins all their comforts;
whereas a man may live very comfortably, though he has but a little to
live on, if he be but content, and keep a good conscience, and live by
faith.