Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Proverbs 23:17 Let not your heart envy sinners: but be you in the fear of the LORD all the day long.… I. A SERIOUS CAUTION. This should be regarded — 1. Because envy is a disposition of mind whose influence can never be justified. 2. Because to envy sinners is absurd. II. THE ADMONITORY PRECEPT. This implies — 1. To be in possession of correct and spiritual ideas of His holy and exalted character. 2. To cultivate suitable dispositions of heart towards Him. III. AN ENCOURAGING ASSERTION. "For surely there is an end," etc. 1. There is an end to that prosperity with which the efforts of sinners are crowned. 2. There is an end to the tribulation of the saints. 3. The expectation of those who continue in the fear of the Lord shall not be cut off. Human expectations are cut off by slothful and indolent habits, and by unforeseen occurrences. Instead of envying sinners, saints should pity them, pray for them, set them good examples, and try to save them. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.WEB: Don't let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh all the day long. |
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