Our Own Iniquity
Henry Dove, D. D. Psalm 18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from my iniquity. David comforts himself in his innocence and integrity, but ascribes that to God's restraining and assisting grace, which kept him back from that iniquity to which be was strongly tempted. What that particular sin was is not here mentioned. I. THERE IS SOME PARTICULAR SIN WHICH EACH ONE MAY CALL HIS OWN INIQUITY. What it is in each case is certainly known to God. And every man may know it himself, by communing with his own heart, and considering his ways; by laying his life to the rule of his conscience, and measuring his conscience by the rule of God's law. That there is greater proclivity in every, one to some peculiar sins is sufficiently evident from every man's private conscience. 1. We are more inclinable to some sins than to others, through our natural tempers and complexions. The corruptible body presseth down the soul. And such is the predominancy of some elements and humours, to which the naturalist ascribes the diversity of constitutions, that from thence also the moralist derives the different tempers of men's minds and inclinations, Thus the sanguine incline most to lust and wantonness, incontinence and intemperance; the choleric to anger and passion, pride and contention; the melancholic to envy, discontent, distrust, and despair; the phlegmatic to covetousness and idleness, and lukewarmness in religion. So that, according to the different constitutions of men's bodies, there arise different inclinations in their souls and minds; and as it is the proper business of reason to find out and restrain, so it is the great work of grace and religion to subdue and mortify the predominant passion. II. AT SOME CERTAIN PERIODS OF OUR LIVES WE ARE MORE INCLINABLE TO SOME SINS THAN OTHERS. Every age of human life has some peculiar darling that commonly bears the sway. In age, men are prone to such things as most conduce to their temporal advantage; they hoard up riches. In youth, men are prone to such things as most gratify their sensual appetites. III. WE ARE MORE INCLINABLE TO SOME SINS THAN OTHERS, BY REASON OF OUR EDUCATION OR OUR COMPANY. By these things men's minds and manners are as much, if not more, fashioned than by nature itself. IV. WE ARE PRONE TO SOME SINS THROUGH THE SEVERAL STATES AND CONDITIONS OF LIFE INTO WHICH PROVIDENCE BRINGS US. When we are healthy and strong we are apt to forget God. Sickness tempts us to be impatient towards Him. Prosperity makes men proud, and abundance insolent and wanton. Adversity tempts us to be envious and querulous, fraudulent and pilfering. There are more temptations to some sins than others, from the different professions or courses of life men take upon themselves. V. THERE ARE SOME PARTICULAR SINS TO WHICH MEN ARE LIABLE THROUGH RELIGION ITSELF. Many men's confidence of their own way is often attended with great censoriousness and uncharitableness towards all that differ from them. Observe that it is possible to keep ourselves from our own particular sins, as David did. This we may do by cherishing the grace that is freely given us of God, and remembering the vows we have so often made Him. What helps and directions are needful? 1. By constant and fervent prayer implore the Divine aid. 2. In vain may we expect God's help without our own diligent endeavours. 3. Take care to avoid such things and decline such occasions as are most likely to ensnare us. 4. Never think the evil of sin less than it is. 5. Be tender of violating your consciences. (Henry Dove, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. WEB: I was also blameless with him. I kept myself from my iniquity.