The Method of Providence for Restraining Evil
W. Arnot, D. D. Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his goings. God announces Himself the witness and judge of man. The evil-doer can neither elude the all-seeing eye, nor escape from the almighty hand. Secrecy is the study and the hope of the wicked. A sinner's chief labour is to hide his sin, and his labour is all lost. Darkness hideth not from God. He who knows evil in its secret source is able to limit the range of its operation. There is a special method by which this is done. It is a principle of the Divine government that sin becomes the instrument for punishing sinners. His own sin is the snare that takes the transgressor, and the scourge that lashes him. The Maker and Ruler of all things has set in the system of the universe a self-acting apparatus, which is constantly going for the encouragement of good and the repression of evil The providential laws are directed against the current of man's sinful propensities, and tell in force thereon. They do not, however, overcome and neutralise, and reverse those propensities. Retribution in the system of nature, set in motion by the act of sin, is like the "Virgin's kiss" in the Roman Inquisition. The step of him who goes forward to kiss the image touches a secret spring, and the statue's marble arms enclose him in a deadly embrace, piercing his body through with a hundred knives. Verily a man under law to God needs to "ponder his feet." (W. Arnot, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. WEB: For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh. He examines all his paths.