Lamentations 3:35 To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High, I. PITY SHOULD ALWAYS TEMPER PUNISHMENT. 1. To prevent despondency. Despondency unmans men. 2. Punishment should always be tempered with pity that it may prove a discipline. The good have that comfort in adversity, that the worst that meets them here is intended for their good. 3. Punishment should always be tempered with pity, in consideration of the dignity and great possibilities of man's nature. He was created in God's image; he may be restored to the same image again. God punishes us in pity "for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness." II. RIGHT SHOULD ALWAYS GUIDE MIGHT. 1. Because the right will be just to a man's physical needs and his moral powers. To trample upon those who are down is brutal conduct. That is to let might crush the right. Those who are down should excite our pity, not incite us to perpetrate cruelty. 2. Because the right will respect man's religious requirements. 3. Because the right will teach men to respect the claims of their fellow men and the truth. III. JUSTICE SHOULD ALWAYS BE THE AIM OF LAW. 1. Because the Lord is an eyewitness of all we do. Our most secret thoughts before ever they become actions are known to Him. 2. Because the Lord is pleased or pained with all we do. If we really and devoutly considered this how differently would we act frequently. 3. Because God will punish all wrong-doers. (D. Rhys Jenkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High,WEB: To turn aside the right of a man before the face of the Most High, |
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