Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor. I. PROVE THAT THE NAME OF FOOLS IS DUE TO THOSE WHO MOCK AT SIN. There are three ways whereby wicked men seek to justify themselves. By laying the blame of all their evil actions, either upon the fatal necessity of all events, the unavoidable frailty of human nature, or the impossibility of keeping the laws of heaven. These plausible pretences are worthless, and those who plead them are thus declared to be "fools." II. MAKE PARTICULAR IMPEACHMENT OF THEIR FOLLY, BECAUSE THEY MAKE A MOCK AT SIN. This is proved because — 1. This mocking argues the highest degree of wickedness; and — 2. Betrays the greatest weakness of judgment, and want of consideration. If to sin be folly, to make a mock of it is little short of madness.The folly is seen in view of — 1. Whom they provoke, even the Governor of the world. 2. Whom the injury redounds to. 3. There can be no imaginable consideration thought on which might look like a plausible temptation to it. What is it which the persons who despise religion, and laugh at everything serious, propose to themselves as the reasons for what they do? (Bp. Stillingfleet.) Parallel Verses 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. |
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