Paul calleth it
the "evil day," because of the misfortune that chanceth or cometh in that
day. As we have a common saying, "I have had an evil day, and an evil
night," because of the heaviness or evil that hath happened; so saith
Paul, "that ye may resist in the evil day:" that is, when your great
adversary hath compassed you round about with his potestates and rulers,
and with his artillery, so that you be almost overcome, then, if you have
the armour of God, you shall be strong, and need not to fear his
assaults.
St. Paul hath spoken of this armour of God generally, and now declareth
the parts and pieces of armour; and teacheth them how to apparel every
part of the body with this armour. He beginneth yet again, saying, "Be
strong, having your reins, or your loins girded about." Some men of war
use to have about their loins an apron or girdle of mail, gird fast for
the safeguard of the nether part of their body. So St. Paul would we
should gird our loins, which betokeneth lechery or other sinfulness, with
a girdle, which is to be taken for a restraint or continence from such
vices. In "truth," or "truly gird:" it may not be feigned, or falsely
girt, but in verity and truth. There be many bachelors, as yet men
unmarried, which seem to be girt with the girdle of continence, and yet
it is not in truth, it is but feignedly.
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