Matthew 6:27

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

Ver. 27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?] And as little able are we (though we take never so much care and pains) to add one mite to that dimension of our estate, which God by his wise and powerful providence hath allotted unto us. Every man shall have his height (σιτομετριον, Luke 12:2; cf. Gen 47:12), his stint and proportion in his estate, as well as in his stature, to the which he shall come and not exceed. All carking care therefore is bootless and unprofitable. Men may eat up their hearts thereby, and trouble their houses, Proverbs 15:27; (what with labour, and what with passion, a covetous man and his household never live at heart's ease, all is continually on a tumult of haste and hurry), but cannot add anything to their stature or estate, much less to their spiritual growth, which is hereby exceedingly hindered and hidebound: as we see in the recusant guests, the rich young Pharisee, and those other, that being called to be Christ's disciples, were so taken up with the care of their worldly business, that they could find no present leisure to follow Christ.