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These stand contrasted with unconscious sins, or those committed ignorantly. See Deuteronomy 1:43, which contains a direct charge of wilful and intentional sins. Sins of ignorance are told of in Deuteronomy 4:2. But we speak of the former, and would note —

I. THEIR GUILT. For —

1. They are the embodiments of forethought.

2. Are the result of desire.

3. Are prompted sometimes by circumstances.

4. Are committed with the hope of escaping the consequences;

5. And against the voice of conscience.

6. They are antagonistic to God; and are

7. The greatest of all sins.

II. THEIR RESTRAINTS.

1. Providence (Genesis 20:6).

2. Truth.

3. Divine influence.

4. Mediation, the intercessory life of Christ.

III. THE RELATION OF PRAYER TO THESE RESTRAINTS. Prayer is —

1. Power.

2. The greatest power.

3. It is exerted in harmony with a preconcerted plan of salvation.

IV. THE VALUE OF PRAYER TO HIM WHO PRAYS against these sins.

1. Freedom — "Let them not have dominion over me."

2. Rectitude — "I shall be innocent."

(J. H. Hill.)

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KJV: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

WEB: Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.