Prayer for the Termination of Sin
Matthew Henry. Psalm 7:9-16 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God tries the hearts and reins.… Our text is a prayer, and teaches us — 1. To pray against all sin; to pray it, if possible, out of the world. 2. To pray for all saints, for all good people. If we would be on the Lord's side in the day of inquiry, we must by our prayers act in concert with the just. I. WHAT WE ARE TO DESIRE AND PRAY FOR. 1. That wickedness may come to an end. That wicked principles may be exploded and abandoned. That wicked practices may be prevented and restrained; that though Balsam be still the same, yet he may not be suffered to curse Israel; though Sennacherib has still an inveterate rage against God, yet he may be made to feel that God has a hook in his nose and a bridle in his jaws. Thus let wickedness be ashamed and hide itself, and that it may not be propagated and spread so as to infect others. 2. That God would establish the just in their integrity and retain them in it, is their comfort and hope. In their undertaking against wickedness: that they may not be shaken by any discouragements they meet with. II. WHY THIS IS AND OUGHT TO BE THE DESIRE OF ALL GOOD PEOPLE. Because — 1. Such have concern for the honour of God; and 2. They have tender love to the souls of men. 3. They have great value for the grace of God, for what it has done and is promised to do; and 4. They are hearty well-wishers to their native land. III. FOR APPLICATION OF WHAT HAS BEEN SAID. 1. Let us address ourselves to God in prayer that He would further the reformation of manners in our land. Let ministers thus pray, and those who are engaged in the societies for reformation support their undertakings by their prayers. 2. And let us follow prayer with endeavour. You who are rich and of station in the world be favoured to appear in person to uphold this work. Your influence is a talent you must account for. Assure yourselves that the cause of religion and piety is the cause of God and must prevail. (Matthew Henry.) Parallel Verses KJV: Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. WEB: Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God.