Who are reckoned the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things; men of mean birth, education, and business of life:<\/p>\n
And set at nought, as poor persons generally are; yet God<\/p>\n
Even the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of a kingdom:<\/p>\n
Some think the Gentiles are here intended, who by the Jews are called \u201cthings that are not\u201d: as in the apocryphal books: \u201cO Lord, give not thy sceptre unto \u201cthem that be nothing\u201d, and let them not laugh at our fall; but turn their device upon themselves, and make him an example, that hath begun this against us.\u201d (Esther 14:11) \u201cAs for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast said that \u201cthey are nothing\u201d, but be like unto spittle: and hast likened the abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a vessel. And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been \u201creputed as nothing\u201d, have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us.\u201d (2 Esdras 6) See Gill on \u201c<\/p>\n
Who, on the account of their noble birth, large possessions, and high attainments in knowledge and learning, thought themselves something; all which will one day be abolished, and will stand them in no stead with regard to future happiness and glory. The Jews f16 have a saying quite contrary to all this, that \u201cthe Shekinah, or presence of God, does not dwell on any but upon a wise man, a mighty man, and a rich man.\u201d<\/p>\n