15 And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the Lord:
15 Now then, consider from this day onward.
15 "'Think back. Before you set out to lay the first foundation stones for the rebuilding of my Temple,
15 'And now, carefully consider from this day forward: from before stone was laid upon stone in the temple of the Lord--
15 Look at what was happening to you before you began to lay the foundation of the Lord 's Temple.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Haggai 2:15
Commentary on Haggai 2:10-19
(Read Haggai 2:10-19)
Many spoiled this good work, by going about it with unholy hearts and hands, and were likely to gain no advantage by it. The sum of these two rules of the law is, that sin is more easily learned from others than holiness. The impurity of their hearts and lives shall make the work of their hands, and all their offerings, unclean before God. The case is the same with us. When employed in any good work, we should watch over ourselves, lest we render it unclean by our corruptions. When we begin to make conscience of duty to God, we may expect his blessing; and whoso is wise will understand the loving-kindness of the Lord. God will curse the blessings of the wicked, and make bitter the prosperity of the careless; but he will sweeten the cup of affliction to those who diligently serve him.