Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I. IT ABOUNDS IN CONTRADICTIONS, so that it is not to be dealt with on any constant rule. 1. The frame of the heart is ready to contradict itself every moment. Facile now, then obstinate; open, then reserved; gentle, then revengeful. 2. This ensues from the disorder wrought upon our faculties by sin. II. ITS DECEIT LIES IN ITS FULL PROMISINGS UPON THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF THINGS. 1. Never let us think our work in contending against indwelling sin is ended. The place of its habitation is unsearchable. There are still new stratagems and wiles to be dealt with. Many conquerors have been ruined by their carelessness after a victory. 2. The fact that the heart is inconstant calls for perpetual watchfulness. An open enemy, that deals by violence only, always gives some respite; but against adversaries that deal by treachery nothing but perpetual watchfulness will give security. 3. Commit the whole matter, therefore, to Him who searcheth the heart. Here lies our safety. There is no deceit in our hearts but He can disappoint it. ( John Owen, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?WEB: The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? |
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