xiv. 20. _The seed of evildoers shall never be renowned._
I. _This is the verdict of the Scriptures._ They abound in evidence
that confirms it. Whatever may be the resources of wicked men, true
glory does not lie in their path, and nought that they can do will
avail to secure honourable memory for their wickedness. On the
contrary, their name and deeds will be attended with disaster and
covered with shame. And this in spite--1. Of the _wealth_ which may
be connected with evil-doing (Job xxi. 7-21; Ps. iii. 5-7, &c.); or,
2. The _power_ it may have (Ps. lxxiii. 3-8, 18-20), even if it be a
confederated power (Prov. xi. 21); or, 3. The _ingenuity_ with which
it may conduct its work (Ps xxxvi. 2-4; Micah ii. 1-3). These are but
a few of the declarations of the Bible on this subject.
II. _This is also the verdict of human experience._ As a matter of
fact, we see that a wicked course of life is regarded as a shame. It
is held up as a beacon to be avoided, whilst the career of the good
is held up as a model to be followed. History is full of examples of
men whose names are held in universal detestation, notwithstanding
their connection with ingenuity, wealth, and power. Each of us knows
how well the fact is proved by myriads of examples in social life. A
persistently wicked course is known to be a blighted one, and any
attempt to invest it with glory or renown is felt to be wrong. We
recoil even from the thought that it should be possible for such a
course to command the homage of men.
III. _This truth gives us great hope for the future of our world._ If
it were possible for wrongdoing to gain for itself imperishable
renown, we might tremble for the safety of those principles of
righteousness and truth which have always been regarded as the main
support and stay of good men. Reckless folly and wild presumption
would become exalted and enthroned, and we might well shudder at the
possibility that, under the attractions of successful wickedness, men
would rush in masses and bow down to Evil, declaring it to be their
Good. This abandoned idolatry, this deep depravity, is now reached
only in isolated cases, and such are regarded even by godless men as
deplorable and hopeless. It is a hopeful fact that evildoers have to
carry on much of their work in the dark, for it is a sure token that,
as the light widens and deepens, the works of darkness must fall;
their covering will be removed, and their shelter will be gone.
IV. _This truth is also one of encouragement to every individual
Christian in his efforts after a Christ-like life._ Evil-doing does
not fail for want of effort; its attempts are bold, its struggles are
determined. Yet it is doomed always to wear the name of dishonour and
shame; a wicked man will never get glory for his wickedness. But
Christian life is in itself true and real honour; its glory is as a
shining light, shining more and more unto the perfect day. The
Christian is a son of God, and no higher dignity than this is
conceivable (H. E. I., 1073-1076); he is traversing a path which will
for ever lead him on to scenes of new splendour and blessedness.
Seeing that this is our high calling and destiny, let us neither fear
nor envy the seed of evildoers, however strong or secure they may be,
but with greater persistency than ever let us "hold fast the
confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the
end."--_William Manning._
This is--1. Matter of observation; 2. The natural effects of bad
training and example (H. E. I., 777-779); 3. The judicial appointment
of God (H. E. I., 824).--_J. Lyth, D.D.: Homiletical Treasury,_ part
i. p. 21.