This is a rule of prudence in the management of household affairs; for
all good men should be good husbands, and manage with discretion, which
would prevent a great deal of sin, and trouble, and disgrace to their
profession. 1. We must prefer necessaries before conveniences, and not
lay that out for show which should be expended for the support of the
family. We must be contented with a mean cottage for a habitation,
rather than want, or go in debt for, food convenient. 2. We must not
think of building till we can afford it: "First apply thyself to thy
work without in the field; let thy ground be put into good order; look
after thy husbandry, for it is that by which thou must get; and, when
thou hast got well by that, then, and not till then, thou mayest think
of rebuilding and beautifying thy house, for that is it upon which, and
in which, thou wilt have occasion to spend." Many have ruined their
estates and families by laying out money on that which brings nothing
in, beginning to build when they were not able to finish. Some
understand it as advice to young men not to marry (for by that the
house is built) till they have set up in the world, and not wherewith
to maintain a wife and children comfortably. 3. When we have any great
design on foot it is wisdom to take it before us, and make the
necessary preparations, before we fall to work, that, when it is begun,
it may not stand still for want of materials. Solomon observed this
rule himself in building the house of God; all was made ready before it
was brought to the ground, 1 Kings vi. 7.