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The word "crafty" may mean "prudent," but usually it denotes such as are wickedly "cunning." The meaning of the text is, that with how much art and subtilty soever wicked men may lay their plots and ill designs, there is a God who both can and frequently doth disappoint and baffle them, make them vain, and of none effect.

I. WHEN MAY WE SUPPOSE THE DISAPPOINTMENTS OF CRAFTY MEN'S DEVICES TO BE FROM GOD? That is, as the extraordinary effects of His particular and special providence. Reference need not be made to such as are miraculous.

1. When a disappointment shall be brought about in a way evidently strange, surprising, and unusual.

2. The hand of God is in those disappointments which involve men either in those very mischiefs which they had prepared for others, or at least in others, for their grievousness and soreness, not unlike them.

3. When the devices of wicked men shall luckily meet with a disappointment, just at that very time, when they are ripe and ready for execution.

4. When good men, at the very time of their praying for their enemy's disappointment, shall obtain their desire.

5. When a great number of unexpected accidents shall, as it were, conspire to begin, carry on, and at last consummate any notable disappointment.

II. HOW EMINENTLY GOD'S HAND APPEARED IN THE DELIVERANCES OF THIS NATION. Which we this day, Nov. 5, commemorate.

III. PRACTICAL INFERENCES. God's deliverances should —

1. Discourage the crafty from forming any more schemes.

2. Encourage us, in all our straits and difficulties, to place our hope and confidence in God.

3. To make our earnest prayers to God for help in our time of need.

4. Since God has done such wonderful things for us, we must be sure not to forget to glorify Him.

(Sir Wm. Dawes, Bart. , D. D.)

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KJV: He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.

WEB: He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands can't perform their enterprise.