Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, surpassing all military power. One sinner or wrongdoer can destroy much good and do great harm to others. The harm done by an evil example remains and cannot be fully undone, even with sincere repentance and forsaking of sin and confession and leaving a written record of folly and repentance for later generations.
In Solomon's case apostasy through idolatry and worldly practices greatly weakened his influence for good. Many lost full confidence in his leadership, and many were led astray and emboldened to do evil only. Forces of evil set in operation could not easily be stayed, and his return to God could not fully reverse the damage or restore confidence. The sad influence of his prostituted God-given powers is traced in the downward course of many rulers who followed him.
In Ham's case his vileness and irreverence were repeated by his descendants, so his chosen course and example brought harm across many generations. Through ridicule of religion and corrupt conversation, companions can erase and dispel serious and religious impressions in others, as seen in two young men, and thereby harm their moral and spiritual life and undo good in them. An unconverted, coarse, unamiable character affects others for harm, so such a person should be saved if possible while others are guarded from the harm.
In a sanitarium a single person's harmful conduct can spoil the institution's influence. In education a young person who does not love and respect parents can exert a harmful influence on other children and youth, so students should not associate with such people while being educated. Harmful company in general exerts injurious influence to be avoided.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, surpassing all military power. One sinner or wrongdoer can destroy much good and do great harm to others. The harm done by an evil example remains and cannot be fully undone, even with sincere repentance and forsaking of sin and confession and leaving a written record of folly and repentance for later generations.
In Solomon's case apostasy through idolatry and worldly practices greatly weakened his influence for good. Many lost full confidence in his leadership, and many were led astray and emboldened to do evil only. Forces of evil set in operation could not easily be stayed, and his return to God could not fully reverse the damage or restore confidence. The sad influence of his prostituted God-given powers is traced in the downward course of many rulers who followed him.
In Ham's case his vileness and irreverence were repeated by his descendants, so his chosen course and example brought harm across many generations. Through ridicule of religion and corrupt conversation, companions can erase and dispel serious and religious impressions in others, as seen in two young men, and thereby harm their moral and spiritual life and undo good in them. An unconverted, coarse, unamiable character affects others for harm, so such a person should be saved if possible while others are guarded from the harm.
In a sanitarium a single person's harmful conduct can spoil the institution's influence. In education a young person who does not love and respect parents can exert a harmful influence on other children and youth, so students should not associate with such people while being educated. Harmful company in general exerts injurious influence to be avoided.