Psalm 37:35-37 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.… I. THAT THE LONG-SUFFERING AND GOODNESS OF GOD MAY LEAD THEM TO REPENTANCE. The avenues to the heart are accessible in different persons by different ways. While some are naturally led to thought and reflection, by the fear of danger, or the sufferings of distress, others are more sensibly affected by instances of kindness and benevolence. Where there is a strong sensibility, and a sufficient generosity of natural disposition, the blessings of prosperity will be even more effectual than the arrows of adversity to awaken men to the consideration of their ways, to lead them by the pleasing ties of gratitude, to the most affectionate love of God, to the most sincere respect for religion and virtue. II. FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE WITH WHOM THEY ARE CONNECTED IN SOCIETY. 1. Perhaps this wicked man is the head of a numerous family, and you cannot inflict on him the penalty he deserves, without at the same time entailing misery on his wife, his children, and, probably, a great number of dependants, all of whom may be entirely innocent of the crimes he has committed. 2. Suppose a wicked man to be placed in a public station, a station for which, perhaps, you will imagine he is very unfit, as his bad example, when his influence is thus extended, may be still more contagious in corrupting the morals of others; yet, notwithstanding of this circumstance, which is in itself of great weight, he may still be possessed of several good qualities, which enable him, with superior advantage, to discharge the duties of the distinguished office; he may, perhaps, be possessed of great talents, or great industry, which render him more useful upon the whole, in that particular situation, than another man of more virtue, but of less ability. III. THAT THEY MAY BE THE MEANS OF ADMINISTERING REBUKE AND CHASTISEMENT TO OTHERS, who, perhaps, are not so wicked as themselves, but who probably are not sufficiently sensible of the advantages they enjoy, or who do not improve these advantages in all respects as they ought. (W. Shiels.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.WEB: I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil. |
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