Homilist Micah 6:10-11 Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?… In these verses we have a sample of the crimes which abound in the city, and which would bring on the threatened judgment. I. Their VARIETY. 1. Here is fraud. Fraud is one of the most prevalent crimes in all cities. 2. Here is violence. "The rich men thereof are full of violence." Wealth has a tendency to make men arrogant, haughty, heartless, often inhuman. 3. Here is falsehood. "The inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth." There is scarcely a trade or profession carried on without deception. Fortunes are made by lies. Such are samples of the crimes prevalent in Jerusalem. II. Their RETRIBUTION. All these crimes are offensive to the Ruler of the universe. 1. Disease. "Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee." Crime is inimical to physical health and strength. 2. Desolation. "In making thee desolate because of thy sins." A desolate man is one who neither loves nor is loved; and sin produces this state. Few states of mind are more awful or more crushing than the sense of aloneness. 3. Dissatisfaction. "Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied." Sin and satisfaction can never coexist. 4. Disappointment. "Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine." A sinful soul can never get out of its labour that which it expects. 5. Destruction. "Thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee." Conclusion. Mark the law of retribution. Not more certain is it that the rivers follow the ocean, the planets the sun, than that suffering follows sin. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? |
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