Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
9. Is there any man among you? It is a comparison from the less to the greater. First, our Lord contrasts the malice of men with the boundless goodness of God. Self-love (φιλαυτία) renders us malicious: for every man is too much devoted to himself, and neglects and disregards others.
Ask like a beggar; seek like one hunting for treasure; knock like a stranger at the door. Those who would grow rich in grace must take up the poor trade of begging, and it shall thrive. Yet prayer alone is not enough, second your prayers with earnest effort in the appointed means, else you tempt God.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 7:7-11
Or what man is there of you,.... "That is a father", as in Luk 11:11 that is, is in the relation, and has the affections of a father; and indeed is a man, and has the nature and passions of a man; unless he is become a mere brute, and devoid of all humanity, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?