Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 567>568] God's promise that through Samson He would “begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” was fulfilled; but how dark and terrible the record of that life which might have been a praise to God and a glory to the nation! Had Samson been true to his divine calling, the purpose of God could have been accomplished in his honor and exaltation.
But he yielded to temptation and proved untrue to his trust, and his mission was fulfilled in defeat, bondage, and death. Physically, Samson was the strongest man upon the earth; but in self-control, integrity, and firmness, he was one of the weakest of men. Many mistake strong passions for a strong character, but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man.
The real greatness of the man is measured by the power of the feelings that he controls, not by those that control him. God's providential care had been over Samson, that he might be prepared to accomplish the work which he was called to do.
1st Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!