Proverbs 1:28 Then shall they call on me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: I. THERE IS A TIME WHEN WICKED MEN WILL BE OVERTAKEN WITH THOSE MISERIES THAT NO WARNING WOULD SERVE THEM TO PREVENT BY REPENTANCE AND REFORMATION. II. THEY WILL BE ONE DAY SENSIBLE OF THEIR OWN FOLLY, AND CRY UNTO GOD FOR MERCY AND DELIVERANCE. III. BUT GOD WILL NOT THEN REGARD THEIR REPENTANCE, NOR BE MOVED BY THEIR PRAYERS. For understanding — 1. Lay down three things. (1) All sorts of calamities are meant by the wise man, which are either the natural effects of sin or other punishments of sin inflicted by the Divine justice, and that either in this world or in the world to come. (2) This proposition is not to be understood as if all wicked men were at last reduced to extreme misery in this life. All that need be said is this, either that they do often suffer those punishments in this life which their wicked doings naturally produce, or that the justice of God doth other ways overtake them in punishments that show the finger of God and a more immediate hand of providence. (3) If any go on in these practices upon which nature itself and God's curse besides have seemed to sentence miseries in this life, if some of them should happen to escape here, and live out their days without any great misfortune befalling them at last, yet there is a day coming when they shall not escape. One day they will smart for it. Under proposition II., understand that it is not to be understood universally as if every man reduced to extreme misery would infallibly apply himself to God for mercy, for we know there have been examples to the contrary, e.g., Ahab. This seeking God's favour does frequently happen, but even they who do so are unhappy in their late repentance, especially those that have had the most warnings and convictions, but would not be reclaimed. Under proposition III., show that this is the most awakening consideration of all, and hath the greatest force to make an effectual impression of the two former upon our minds. But this point requires careful interpretation, and a precise distinction between the miseries that an obstinate course of sin produces in this life and those punishments it will bring in another life. 1. How useless the prayers and repentance of wicked men will be as to the recovery of their happiness in this life! They are usually unprofitable as to those advantages which they have lost by their obstinate and, till now, incurable folly; such as health, plenty, and good name. And they will not procure them that comfort from the principles of religion which relieves good men under their adversities. 2. How unprofitable their importunity in seeking the mercy of God will be as to their escape in the day of judgment! For them who repent not till their turn comes in the other world, it will turn to no account for them; they must hear the irreversible sentence, and suffer the unavoidable effect of it for ever. And all this implies no want of goodness in God. (W. Clagett, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: |
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