2. For. Here is the argument to prove the
proposition laid down in the former verse. David here runs over the process of
reasoning by which he had become convinced that wicked men have no proper idea
of God or respect for him. God-fearing men see their sins and bewail them;
where the reverse is the case we may be sure there is no fear of God. He flattereth himself in his own eyes. He quiets his conscience, and so
deceives his own judgment as to reckon himself a pattern of excellence, if not
for morality, yet for having sense enough not to be enslaved by rules which are
bonds to others. He is the free-thinker, the man of strong mind, the
philosopher; and the servants of God are, in his esteem, mean-spirited and
narrow-minded. Of all flatteries this is the most absurd and dangerous. To
smooth over one’s own conduct to one’s conscience (which is the meaning of the
Hebrew) is to smooth one’s own path to hell. Until his iniquity be found tobe hateful. Rottenness smells sooner or later too strong to be concealed.
He can no longer keep up the farce which he played so well—if not in this life,
the hand of death will let light in upon the covered character, and expose the
sinner to shame and contempt.
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