Ecclesiastes 9:3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes… I. MAN'S NATURAL CORRUPTION. 1. One prevailing misconception on the subject of human corruption respects the seat of the disorder. What is the daily language of numbers? "Our lives, it is true, are not exempt from blame. We are guilty of many indiscretions. But our heart is good." In opposition to this language, the text asserts that the origin of all the evil is within. "The heart of the sons of men is full of evil." Not the streams alone are filthy and defiled; but the fountain is polluted (Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 7:24; Jeremiah 17:9; James 4:1; Matthew 12:34; Matthew 15:19). 2. Another ground of misconception on the subject of human corruption respects the degree and extent of the disorder. The text says that this corruption is not only radical but total. Generosity, gratitude, fidelity, and the exercise of many other pleasing qualities between man and man; the spontaneous applause of virtue; the decided condemnation of immorality may all exist, without any tendency in man to what is truly good (Isaiah 1:5, 6; Romans 7:18; Romans 8:7; Genesis 6:5). 3. The declaration in the text is also absolute. No exception is stated or implied on account of any difference of outward dispensation under which mankind may be placed. The Gospel uniformly proceeds on the supposition that man is born in sin; that his corruption is not accidental, but innate; not acquired, but hereditary. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh." II. THE RENEWAL OF THE HEART TO HOLINESS. If, as the Scriptures teach, "without holiness no man shall see the Lord," then every text which points out the nature and extent of human corruption, points out by implication the nature and extent of that moral change which man must undergo. 1. Let us thankfully receive the information vouchsafed. 2. Let us also profitably use the information vouchsafed.While the text sets before us the picture of mankind in general, let us remember that it sets before us our picture in particular. Let us seek to acquire a deep, an experimental conviction of the truth. Let our experience of the inveteracy of the malady lead us earnestly to seek for help from Him who alone can heal our disordered souls. (E. Cooper.) Parallel Verses KJV: This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. |
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