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I. THEY ARE FOOLS WHO MAKE A MOCK AT OTHER MEN'S SINS. Sins which are open and going beforehand unto judgment, are but too often made the occasion of mirth and scoffing. Wine is a mocker, and the man overtaken with it is the butt of his companion's ridicule. Violation of chastity is the chosen theme of many thoughtless persons' merriment. The monstrous liar finds many ready to draw him out, that they may laugh at his folly in supposing they will believe his incredible fictions. God looks on all, and says the mockers are fools, for that which they laugh at is no jesting matter, either in its nature or in its consequences; and let those who have been accustomed even to smile at the sins of others, ponder —

1. What every sin is;

2. What every sin deserves.

II. THEY ARE FOOLS WHO MAKE A MOCK AT SIN IN THEMSELVES, so as to think lightly of it, and treat its commission as an inconsiderable matter.

1. He is a fool who mocks at his sin, taking up a certain guilt on the hope of an uncertain repentance.

2. Supposing you were infallibly certain that repentance would be given, you would still be a fool in mocking at your sin, and going on in it m hope of repentance. For what is repentance? Not an easy, soft balm to the conscience, but the sword of the Spirit cutting into the heart, and piercing even to the dividing asunder of joints and marrow.

3. They are fools who make light of their sins, hoping they will be pardoned, for in so doing they mock at Christ's sufferings.

(G. Innes, M.A.)

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KJV: Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

WEB: Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.