Mark the Perfect Man
S. Addington. Psalm 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. I. THE TERMS IN WHICH THE PSALMIST SPEAKS OF HIM. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright;" the man whose perfection, though conspicuous enough to be observed with admiration, is no deceitful cover, or mere superficial gilding, but an inward reality; and the genuine, consistent effect of a principle which dictates an habitual respect unto all God's commandments. Behold him living from Him, living upon Him, living to Him, a life of faith in an invisible God and Redeemer; and a life of love slid devotedness to Him both in public and in private; invariably faithful in his adherence to His revealed will; zealous in his attachment to His cause; contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; but with a spirit of meekness, and a constant disposition to hold the truth in love; affectionate in his good wishes and prayers, and active in his services to promote the temporal and eternal welfare of all around him. II. HIS END. A final period, at least here, to every interview of friendship, to every exercise of social devotion, and to every service for God and his fellow-creatures. His instructions, cautions, counsels, consolations, prayers, all ended. The place that once knew him, that knew him often and intimately, now knows him no more. All he was doing or thinking to do in the house of God, or in his own, for the Redeemer's interest, and to extend his happiness and usefulness in his several connections here, at an end. III. PEACE. This may be intended as a representation both of his state on this side, and beyond the grave. 1. Peace is valuable at all times, and in every connection: peace in nations and neighbourhoods, in churches and in families: above all, "the peace of God which passeth all understanding, keeping the heart and mind through Christ Jesus." 2. Peace with God, as his God and Father in Christ. 3. Peace in a review of past engagements with the Lord, and for Him (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 4. Peace in the expectation of a removal. 5. Peace in prospect of an hereafter. IV. THE ATTENTION WHICH WE OUGHT TO PAY TO THE IMPORTANT CHARACTER, AND TO THE DELIGHTFUL END WHICH THE TEXT SPECIFIES. 1. Mark it, in order to form a right judgment of yourselves. 2. Mark it, sinners and hypocrites, for admonition and caution. 3. Mark it for imitation, all of you that desire his end. (S. Addington.) 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.