Here we have admonition of still graver character.
“The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to Jehovah; but the prayer of the upright [is] His delight.
The way of the wicked [is] an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth.
Grievous correction [is] for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die.
Sheol and destruction [are] before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!
A scorner loveth not that one reprove him; unto the wise he will not go.
A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
The heart of the intelligent [one] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth on folly.
All the days of the afflicted [are] evil; but a cheerful heart [hath] a continual feast.
Better [is] little with the fear of Jehovah than great treasure and disquiet therewith.
Better [is] a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.”
It was natural and a plain duty for a Jew, in case of a transgression, to bring the appointed offering to Jehovah. But this however was not only unavailing for the godless, but added fresh insult to God, unless with self-judgment before Him and that hatred of the evil committed which would work deeper care and vigilance against repeating it. If it were only to get rid of uneasiness, the man would be weaker than before, and more ready to sin afresh, and offer his sacrifice again. Integrity of repentance was indispensable. Accordingly the heinousness of such self-deception as compounding with God for sin is here strongly pointed out. “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah.” This is as certain, as that He has delight and favor in the prayer of the upright. He looks into the heart.
Nor is it only the perversion of a religious duty that is abominable in His eyes, but “the way of the wicked” in general; whereas He loves one that pursues righteousness, that is, practical consistency with his relation to God and man. This never was nor can be for fallen man unless he be born of God. Such were those that looked on to the Messiah. Blessed are all who have their trust in Him, said Psa. 2:13; and only those.
Meanwhile there is a righteous government of God who ever concerns Himself with the state, and not only the delinquencies and iniquities, of His own, even if not within the Abrahamic covenant. This and its present consequences even the patient and pious Job had to learn, and yet more his three “comforters of distress” and “physicians of no value.” He disciplines those He loves for their good. Here we read of “grievous correction for him that forsaketh the path,” leaving the time and way rather indefinite; but all is plain for him that hateth instruction—he “shall die.”
It is indeed a serious thing, but withal blessed if in faith, to have to do with a living God who searches, as the Lord Jesus does, the reins and the heart. When His grace is really known, it is a joy to welcome His search against unconscious self-love or levity; and one can plead, Search me, O God, and know my heart; prove me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any grievous (or idolatrous) way in me; and lead me in the way everlasting. Here it does not go so far as Psa. 139, but says, “Sheol and destruction (Abaddon) are before Jehovah: how much more then the hearts of the children of men!” All things are naked and laid bare to His eyes with Whom we have to do.
A scorner is a bolder sinner against God and his own soul. He loves not to be reproved: “unto the wise he will not go.” Self is his aim and practically his God, and folly his life, which makes him a contemptuous refuser of all wisdom from above.
But next we read that a joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; just as the spirit is depressed or broken by sorrow of heart. Otherwise life is hollow, and a vain show. There can be no reality in the joy, and no rising above sorrow of heart, unless we are open and right with God. He would have us depend on Him with confidence—in His mercy and favor in Christ. We wrong Him if we so yield to the sorrow, as to break the spirit.
Then, how true it is that a man of understanding seeks knowledge He knows his shortcoming, and desires to fill the gap. But the mouth of the foolish feeds on folly, as he has no care for, and no perception of, wisdom.
There is danger for the afflicted to give up all their days to their grief; but this is to occupy one with nothing but circumstances of sadness. How wise to turn to Him who makes all things work together for good! This makes the heart cheerful, which is or has a continual feast.
Then one proves that “better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great treasure and disquiet therewith;” and “better a meal of herbs where love is than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.” The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and many waters cannot quench “love,” neither do the floods drown it. Love, as the N. T. pronounces, is the bond of perfectness.