1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly , nor standeth in the way of sinners , nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful . 2But his delight is in the law OF THE LORD ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night . 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water , that bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither ; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper . 4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away . 5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment , nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous . 6FOR THE LORD knoweth the way of the righteous : but the way of the ungodly shall perish . Psalms 1:4: 4-6 The ungodly are the reverse of the righteous, both in character and condition. The ungodly are not so, ver. 4; they are led by the counsel of the wicked, in the way of sinners, to the seat of the scornful; they have no delight in the law of God; they bring forth no fruit but what is evil. The righteous are like useful, fruitful trees: the ungodly are like the chaff which the wind drives away: the dust which the owner of the floor desires to have driven away, as not being of any use. They are of no worth in Gods account, how highly soever they may value themselves. They are easily driven to and fro by every wind of temptation. The chaff may be, for a while, among the wheat, but He is coming, whose fan is in his hand, and who will thoroughly purge his floor. Those that, by their own sin and folly, make themselves as chaff, will be found so before the whirlwind and fire of Divine wrath. The doom of the ungodly is fixed, but whenever the sinner becomes sensible of this guilt and misery, he may be admitted into the company of the righteous by Christ the living way, and become in Christ a new creature. He has new desires, new pleasures, hopes, fears, sorrows, companions, and employments. His thoughts, words, and actions are changed. He enters on a new state, and bears a new character. Behold, all things are become new by Divine grace, which changes his soul into the image of the Redeemer. How different the character and end of the ungodly 1 Hear me when I call , O God of my righteousness : thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress ; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer . 2O ye sons of men , how long will ye turn my glory into shame ? how long will ye love vanity , and seek after leasing ? Selah . 3But know THAT THE LORD hath set apart him that is godly FOR HIMSELF: THE LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4Stand in awe , and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed , and be still . Selah . 5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness , and put your trust IN THE LORD . 6There be many that say , Who will shew us any good ? LORD , lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. 7Thou hast put gladness in my heart , more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased . 8I will both lay me down in peace , and sleep : FOR THOU, LORD , only makest me dwell in safety . Psalms 4:1: 1-5 Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is good, and keep close to it. Consider your ways, and before you turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to what you have done in the day; particularly what you have done amiss, that you may repent of it. when you awake in the night, meditate upon God, and the things that belong to your peace. Upon a sick-bed, particularly, we should consider our ways. Be still. when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be silent, wait for an answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence must be pan answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence only: therefore, after commanding the sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust in the Lord.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 06:38:02 +0000
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