1331 How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
1331 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
1331 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
1331 How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!
1331 A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
1331 How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
18 If you've got it in you, get along with everybody.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
(Read Romans 12:17-21)
Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's. Recompense to no man evil for evil. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. And not only do, but study and take care to do, that which is amiable and creditable, and recommends religion to all with whom you converse. Study the things that make for peace; if it be possible, without offending God and wounding conscience. Avenge not yourselves. This is a hard lesson to corrupt nature, therefore a remedy against it is added. Give place unto wrath. When a man's passion is up, and the stream is strong, let it pass off; lest it be made to rage the more against us. The line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth. The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are conquerors. Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. He that has this rule over his spirit, is better than the mighty. God's children may be asked whether it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good, that God so enables them by his Spirit, thus to feel and act.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 133:1
Chapter Contents
The excellency of brotherly love.
We cannot say too much, it were well if enough could be said, to persuade people to live together in peace. It is good for us, for our honour and comfort; and brings constant delight to those who live in unity. The pleasantness of this is likened to the holy anointing oil. This is the fruit of the Spirit, the proof of our union with Christ, and adorns his gospel. It is profitable as well as pleasing; it brings blessings numerous as the drops of dew. It cools the scorching heat of men's passions, as the dews cool the air and refresh the earth. It moistens the heart, and makes it fit to receive the good seed of the word, and to make it fruitful. See the proof of the excellency of brotherly love: where brethren dwell together in unity, the Lord commands the blessing. God commands the blessing; man can but beg a blessing. Believers that live in love and peace, shall have the God of love and peace with them now, and they shall shortly be with him for ever, in the world of endless love and peace. May all who love the Lord forbear and forgive one another, as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven them.