Psalm 37:35-37 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.… The word "perfect" in the Old Testament is generally used in the same sense as the word "godly" in the New. This "perfect" man is he "He feareth God and escheweth evil." His perfection is that of an earthly saint, not that of a heavenly saint. The "wicked" of the text are the same as the "evildoers," "the workers of iniquity," and the "ungodly" of the preceding verses. There is no need to trace out the character of these people, for do they not work it out in the sight of all in their ungodly conversation and conduct? And yet, forsooth, they dream of heaven. But what sort of a heaven? I. THE WICKED AS SET FORTH IN THE TEXT. 1. He is strong in health — "like a green bay-tree." 2. In riches. His fields have cropped heavily; he has much goods laid up for many years. Pharaoh-like, he defies all authority, and contemptuously asks, "Who is the Lord?" 3. In pride and selfishness. Haman is a correct representation of this class; and Nebuchadnezzar. 4. "Spreading himself out" — ostentatious, pompous, showy. What a contrast with the life of Christ, or with the idea of the Bible concerning the celestial state. 5. "Till he pass away." He disappears in darkness. "The name of the wicked shall rot." II. THE PERFECT, THE UPRIGHT MAN: 1. Mark him in the virtuousness of his life. 2. In his patience under trials. 3. In the secret comfort he enjoys. He has strong consolations. Where? The natural man cannot understand it. 4. In his departure from this life. Oh yes, mark him, behold him, follow him with the eye; he is drawing towards the close, it is true, but he will not be lost; it is growing light — lighter the deeper he goes. "Christ shall give thee light." "The end of that man is peace." 5. "Mark the perfect, behold the upright" once more — to see him entering on his eternal state. If the religion of the Bible lead to and produce such an end, is it not worth our while to seek it? (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.WEB: I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil. |
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