Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Here then are condemned all such means to obtain salvation by, as men have forged unto themselves, without Gods word; and are therefore called unprofitable costs. For by silver, he understands all industry, study, and pains of men: not that God esteems a rush of all that which we offer him in vain to serve him; but in regard the sense of the flesh esteems those labours very precious, which we have foolishly taken up.

Heere then are condemned all such means to obtaine saluation by, as men haue forged vnto themselues, without Gods word; and are therefore called vnprofitable costs. For by siluer, he vnderstands all industrie, studie, and paines of men: not that God esteemes a rush of all that which wee offer him in vaine to serue him; but in regard the sense of the flesh esteemes those labours very precious, which we haue foolishly taken vp.

By the word bread, he understands that which he said before touching waters: and by labour, that which he called silver. As if he should say; Men weary themselves much for nothing. For when they follow their inventions, they must look for no reward, though they vex and martyr themselves never so much. Therefore the Prophet saith, that those who labour inconsiderately, shall never be satisfied. For if they forsake God, to seek out new means of salvation, they shall never be filled; because, as Hosea saith, they are fed with wind: Chap. 12.1. They may well seem to be full, whilst a vain conceit blindfolds them; but they shall be like those, who being swollen with wind, feel not their hunger. And yet it were much better for them to be so pinched with hunger and thirst, that they might thereby be provoked to cry earnestly unto the Lord to be filled: according to that in Psalm 63.2. My soul thirsteth for thee, like the dry ground. But bread or water alone, would not suffice to fill us, neither can our life be sustained with one of them. That is the reason then why the Prophet hath used divers words, to show that God furnisheth us with all things abundantly, that are necessary to preserve life, lest we should use any unlawful shifts to succour our selves elsewhere.