Articles
Sin Is a Reproach
When we reflect upon the condition of the nation, we can’t help but see the results of sin. The moral fiber of the nation is crumbling, evil is called good, and good is called evil, as it was in the days of Isaiah, saying, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20), and as it was in the days of Ezra, who petitioned Jehovah, saying, “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is grown up unto the heavens. Since the days of our fathers, we have been exceeding guilty unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day” (Ezra 9:6-7).
As we look at our nation, we can’t help but reflect upon the words of Solomon, who said, “Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). The question is, “How can it be resolved, unless the nation turns at Jehovah’s reproof?”
As problem and cause is viewed, attention must be given to Jehovah’s balm to heal: the 119th Psalm reveals the answer to the problem: “Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, that seek him with the whole heart. Yea, they do no unrighteousness; they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us thy precepts, that we should observe them diligently. Oh that my ways were established to observe thy statutes! Then shall I not be put to shame, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, when I learn thy righteous judgments” (Psalms 119:1-7).
In this section of the Psalm, we learn that adherence to the law of Jehovah prevents unrighteousness in life. (1) Those who seek Jehovah with the whole heart “do no unrighteousness.” (2) The law of Jehovah provides protection: our ways will be established when we observe Jehovah’s statutes. (3) We will “not be put to shame,” when we have respect unto Jehovah’s commandments. (4) The law of Jehovah will produce an upright heart, when we learn Jehovah’s judgments.”
With these assurances we must follow the words of Solomon, and heed the call of wisdom, who said, “Turn you at my reproof: Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you; I will make known my words unto you” (Proverbs
Ross Triplett, Sr.
- Sin_Is_a_Reproach.pdf (37.22 kB)
