A Proverb of the Ancients
B. Dale 1 Samuel 24:13-15 As said the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceeds from the wicked: but my hand shall not be on you.… Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked (ver. 13). Proverbs are brief and apt sayings expressive of the general experience of men. They have been described as the wisdom of many and the wit of one" (Russell); and, more poetically, "jewels five words long, which on the stretched forefinger of time sparkle forever" (Tennyson). The most valuable of "the words of the wise" were uttered by Solomon, and are contained in the Book of Proverbs. But this saying was already ancient in the days of David. It is also "true and faithful" and very instructive. Consider - I. ITS MEANING. "Ill men do ill things." "Actions usually correspond to the quality of the mind" (Grotius). 1. An evil disposition is possessed by some men. The ancients noticed the distinction between evil actions (as well as good) and evil character (as well as good). There is in some men, in contrast to others, a selfish and bad disposition. All men, it is true, are sinful; but some, instead of striving against sin and overcoming it, are the slaves of sin; their supreme affection is set upon unworthy objects, and the ruling principle of their life is wrong. This is due to many causes - previous voluntary acts, wilful neglect of Divine aid, etc.; but the fact is certain. Their nature differs from that of good men just as (though not so necessarily or to the same extent) the serpent from the dove, and the thistle from the vine. 2. An evil disposition expresses itself in corresponding actions. It uses power and opportunity according to its nature (ver. 19), and turns to evil the same circumstances which a good disposition turns to good (ver. 6). This is in harmony with the established order of things in the world. "A good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit" (Luke 6:43). "Do men gather grapes of thorns? "etc. (Matthew 6:16-20; Matthew 12:35). "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" etc. (James 3:11-13; Proverbs 13:16). 3. An evil disposition is plainly proved by evil actions. It is so especially when they are performed deliberately, habitually, and on occasions of decisive trial. "By their fruits ye shall know them." The proof is perfectly reliable, easily perceivable, and generally applicable. II. ITS APPLICATION (ver. 11). "But my hand shall not be upon thee" (vers. 12, 13). "David means to say that if he had been guilty of conspiracy against the king he would not have neglected this favourable opportunity to kill him, since men usually indulge their feelings, and from a mind guilty of conspiracy nothing but corresponding deeds could come forth" (Clericus). The application may be made to the conduct of others, but it should be made first and chiefly to our own; and it should lead us - 1. To test our character by our actions, and to prove to others when it is suspected and calumniated that it is good, and not evil. As wickedness proceedeth from the wicked, so goodness proceedeth from the good. 2. To feel increased aversion to evil, to act according to the integrity we assert of ourselves, to resolve to do nothing wrong, and to endeavour to prevent others from doing wrong (ver. 14). 3. To appeal to God, who searches the heart, and, in the consciousness of sincerity and innocence, to put confidence in his righteous and merciful aid (ver. 15). "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God" (1 John 3:21). In the review of the subject let us bear in mind that - 1. Men are responsible for the character they possess. 2. An evil character may be transformed into a good one by the power of Divine grace and the use of proper means. "I will give you a new heart." "Make you a new heart." 3. We ought to strive continually to attain the highest degree of virtue and goodness possible. "Such is this steep ascent, That it is ever difficult at first, But more' a man proceeds less evil grows. When pleasant it shall seem to thee, so much That upward going shall be easy to thee, As in a vessel to go down the tide, Then of this path thou wilt have reached this end. There hope to rest thee from thy toil" (Purg.' 4.) = - D. Parallel Verses KJV: As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. WEB: As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness;' but my hand shall not be on you.