Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
Are unprofitable servants - We have conferred no favor. We have "merited" nothing. We have not "benefited" God, or laid him under "obligation." If he rewards us, it will be matter of unmerited favor. This is true in relation to Christians in the following respects:
1.Our services are not "profitable" to God Job 22:2; he "needs" not our aid, and his essential happiness will not be increased by our efforts.
2.The grace to do his will comes from him only, and all the praise of that will be due to him.
3.All that we do is what is our "duty;" we cannot lay claim to having rendered any service that will "bind" him to show us favor; and,
4.Our best services are mingled with imperfections. We come short of his glory Romans 3:23; we do not serve him as sincerely, and cheerfully, and faithfully as we ought; we are far, very far from the example set us by the Saviour; and if we are saved and rewarded, it will be because God will be merciful to our unrighteousness, and will remember our iniquities no more, Hebrews 8:12.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Amos 4:5
Micah 6:8
Romans 2:6
1 Peter 2:19
1 Peter 4:11
Revelation 19:10
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