241. Verse 18. I counsel thee, signifies the means of reformation of those who are in the doctrine of faith alone. This is evident from what now follows, for the reformation of those who are in that doctrine is now treated of; therefore "I counsel thee" implies precepts as to how such must live that they may be reformed and thus saved.

5426. 'To buy food' means to make the truth of good their own. This is clear from the meaning of 'buying' as making one's own, dealt with in 4397, 5374, 5406, 5410; and from the meaning of 'food' as the truth of good, dealt with in 5293, 5340, 5342.