The Good Man and His End
Psalm 37:37
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.


I. His CHARACTER.

1. "Perfect." His holiness is so perfect as to prevail over wilful and habitual sin; his love to God so perfect, as to be the reigning disposition of his soul; his choice so perfect, that he considers and takes God as his chief good; his obedience, that he yields unto God his soul and body to glorify Him, and by the grace of God is able to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2. "Upright." He does not deceive his own heart, but examines himself; is no hypocrite, but serves God in spirit and in truth; and as he would that others should do unto him, so he does unto them.

II. HIS CONDUCT.

1. In the world. Single and uncorrupted.

2. In the family. He walks before his house with a perfect heart; instructs them in the knowledge of God and divine things; travails in birth for their salvation; sets them an example of piety and devotedness to God.

3. In the church. He loves the brethren with a pure heart fervently — he helps to bear their burdens — sympathizes with them in their sorrows — joins them in their labours — assembles with them for pious fellowship, and the public worship of their God and Saviour.

4. In private. He seeks and enjoys retirement for meditation and prayer.

5. In the different states of life. In prosperity his heart is not lifted up within him, but he remembers the God of all his mercies, and acknowledges his indebtedness to Him. In adversity he considers, reflects, seeks to gather the lessons intended to be taught, submits to the rod, and Him who appointed it.

III. HIS END. "Peace."

1. Mark him as an example to be followed.

2. Mark him as having his end assuredly peace.

3. Mark him as an encouragement to Christians in all times of their affliction and sufferings.

(J. Walker, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

WEB: Mark the perfect man, and see the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.




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