Homilist Psalm 37:35-37 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.… I. AS FAVOURED WITH GREAT SECULAR PROSPERITY. 1. Material nature, from which man draws all his secular good, pays no regard to moral character. 2. Greed for gain is one of the strongest passions in the heart of the wicked. 3. The efforts of the wicked are not restricted by moral considerations. II. As SWEPT UNEXPECTEDLY FROM THE EARTH. 1. Though he appeared, the last time he was seen, strong, he is gone. 2. Though he appeared the most important object in the scene, he is gone. III. AS STANDING IN STRIKING CONTRAST TO THE RIGHTEOUS (vers. 37-40). 1. In relation to character. The good are in these verses called "perfect," "upright," "righteous." All these terms stand for the same thing — moral excellence. The wicked are spoken of as "transgressors": they outrage the everlasting principles of virtue, truth, and happiness; they are violators of the moral laws of the universe. 2. In relation to their end. Tholuck renders this sentence, "It shall go well with such a man." Peace is evermore the end of a good man — peace of conscience, peace with God, peace that passeth all understanding. What said Luther in dying? "God is the Lord by whom we escape death." What said Baxter? "I have pain, there is no arguing against sense; but I have peace, peace." 3. In relation to God. He is the destroyer of the wicked. (Homilist.) 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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