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I. How THE LONG-SUFFERING OR "SILENCE" OF GOD OUGHT TO BE INTERPRETED. Its perversion and abuse are most unnatural. This will be seen when we consider the principles on which God bases this administration. They are —

1. The appointment of a state of moral exercise and probation. Sudden punishment would render this impossible.

2. That we may see the evil of sin in itself as well as in its punishment. This also requires time.

3. That He may honour the sacrifice and intercession of His Son.

4. That He may manifest His love in seeking our recovery.

II. THE CORRUPT PERVERSION OF THIS DOCTRINE BY SINFUL MAN. They think that God is like themselves.

1. Most men live in a state of almost total indifference to their actions; they are in almost entire ignorance both of God and of themselves.

2. Others are unbelievers, infidels.

3. Others take partial views of sin, and, so long as external morality and the ordinary law be not violated, they see no reason for penalty.

4. Religious formalists, who think that God is pleased with mere ceremonies and outward things.

III. THE FATAL RESULT OF ALL THIS. "I will reprove thee, and," etc. Our sins shall be arrayed —

1. In their number.

2. In full light (Psalm 90:8).

3. As connected with their root, in the heart.

4. In their relations, for sins are related to each other.

(R. Watson.)

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KJV: These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

WEB: You have done these things, and I kept silent. You thought that I was just like you. I will rebuke you, and accuse you in front of your eyes.