The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 1 — Section 274

Vers. 1-12.-We have here a terrible pictui·e of the wicked man. L His HEABT IS THE SEAT OF EVIL. It is there as an "oracle." It is enthroned. It speaks with authority. It gives forth its decrees for obedience. The true is opposed by the false. Righteousness gives place to unrighteousness. All counsels of reason and compunc- tions of conscience are hushed by the cry, "No God!" (2 'I'hess. ii. 3, 4). II. His LIFE IS MARKED BY ADANDON}IE:ST TO EVIL. The power that rules the heart rul~s the life. There is progress in depravity, as in goodness. Gradually the sway of sm extends, till at l::i.st it works without check, without remorse, without remedy. You know a servant by the livery he wears, so when you see a man who sins wilfully and habitually, whose words and actions and manner of life are manifestly regulated without any fear of Gotl, you cannot but regard such a. mau as a. servant of sin (Rom. ,-i 16; John viii. 34). III. HIS CHARACTl!:R IS FORMED UNDER THE POWER OF EVIL. Acts form habits, and habits character. The process is slow, but certain. What determines character is the power that workcth in us, be it good or be it evil (Gal. v. 17, 18). There is evil in all, but ~hen the heart has been won back to God, the evil, though present, has lost its power. There is conflict, but the victory is sure for good, and not for evil. On the other hand, where evil still rules supreme, the result is of neceRsity-greater and greater degradation and corruption. IV. HIS FUTURE IS DARK WITH THE PROGNOSTICS OF EVIL. To those who are living without God, the pro~pect in this life is gloomy and painful, but there is elill hope. The voice of mercy is ever sounding in their ears, "Why will ye die?" As time passes, things grow darker. Guilt increases, the heart is hardened, and reforma- tion becomes more and more improbable (Jer. xiii. 23). Again and again signs and warnings are given-precursors of the end, foreshadowings of the doom that a.waits the impenitent. But they are unheeded. There is a. terrible retention of character, and the future bas no star of hope to light the gloom. "The wicked is driven away in his wickedness."-W. F. Vers. 1-12.-.Aspice. Look around, how distressing is the scene! Loolc baclc, it'is the same tale of hnman care and crime. Loolc before, little to encourage, or to lead us to believe that things will be better than they are. Bnt look up, and we can toko heart, and speak one to another of better times. God reigns. Christ is at the right hand of the Father, to carry out his gracious purposes. '!'hough there be much that is dark and depreosing, yet we are able still to pray to God as "our Father," to say, "Thy kingdom corne," and to assure our hearts of the.final victory of love, for "'l'bino is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory." L FnoM 'l'HE FALSEHOOD OF MEN WE MAKE OUR COMPLAINT TO THE FAITHFUL- NESS OF GoD. Though men lie and beguile, God is true. His Word is truth. "He is faithful who bath promised." We may trust him utterly. Like him, let us also be faithful. IT. Fr:oM TIIE INJUSTICE OF MEN WE MA y APPEAL TO THE JUSTICE OF GoD. Conscience within and the Law without bear witness that God is ril!;hteous. Justice is justice everywhere. Whatever be our lot here, we shall get right yonder. However basely men may behave to us, God will treat us fairly. The Judge of all the earth will do right. In this faith we can possess our souls in patience (1 Cor. iv. 3, 4; Jas. iv. 11, 12). Come what will, let us ever do that which is just and good to all men. III. FROM THE SELFISICNESB OF MEN WE CAN TAKE REFUGE IN THE LOVE AND l!ERCY OF GoD. In trade and commerce and all the various businesse~ of the world, 11t:lfishness prevails. 'l'be rule is, "Every man for himself; " and the royal law, " Thou 1'8. nxvr.1-12.) THE BOOK OF PSALMS 288