Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Proverbs 11:18 The wicked works a deceitful work: but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward. Opposites illustrate each other. Of this principle considerable use is made in the sacred Scriptures. I. OPPOSITE CHARACTERS. The idea of righteousness is equality, as the equilibrium of a pair of scales. Applied to moral or religious natures it means a correspondence between our obligations on the one hand and our performance on the other. So it becomes obedience or conformity to the law. The radical meaning of the word "wicked" is inequality, unfairness. In a moral sense a want of correspondence between duty and performance, or nonconformity to righteous laws. Wickedness is disorder, incongruity, deception, an unsound principle, naturally producing a deceitful work. II. OPPOSITE PRACTICES. Righteousness renders to all their due. Where wrong sentiments are indulged wrong dispositions and practices naturally follow. Hence result — 1. Treachery towards friends. 2. Fraud and falsehood in business. 3. Extortion and oppression. 4. Maladministration; a never-ceasing theme of complaint.In all such cases the work is a "deceitful work" — deceitful in its nature, operation, and results. III. OPPOSITE RESULTS. 1. God convinces the sinner of his unrighteousness. 2. Enlightens, transforms, and renews the soul.The renewed begins to sow righteousness. To him there is a sure reward. Pause and inquire whether such a change has been effected in you. Pray for convincing and converting grace. Persevere through evil and through good report. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.WEB: Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. |
    |