The Husbandry and Harvest. of the Wicked
S. Hieron. Proverbs 22:8 He that sows iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. I. WHAT IS IT TO SOW INIQUITY? or, to "sow to the flesh"? To follow only such a kind of life as a man's own carnal and corrupt humour leads unto. It is called "sowing" because — 1. Before sowing goes the dressing and manuring of the ground; and men make themselves ready beforehand to do evil. 2. Ploughing and sowing are accompanied with much industry. And great is the diligence of the ungodly in the furtherance of iniquity. 3. Sowing, though laborious, is full of contentment. And the ungodly find joy in doing naughtily. 4. In sowing there go many seeds together, one handful after another. In the lives of the wicked there are plenty of evils; they never go alone — one maketh way for another. 5. After sowing the ground is harrowed, and the seed covered. So when evil is entertained in the heart, what policy there is to secrete it.Sowing iniquity is discerned by these signs: 1. A cherishing and encouraging the heart to evil. 2. A taking pains to do naughtily. 3. A delighting in wickedness. 4. A heaping of one sin on the neck of another. 5. A plotting for the bringing of evil to perfection. 6. A withstanding of all means tending to recovery. II. WHAT ARE THE TROUBLES WHICH FOLLOW ON THIS SOWING OF INIQUITY? The affliction here meant is either in this life or hereafter. That which is in this life is either outward or inward. Diseases, discredit, etc. A conscience full of inward vexation; and sometimes a reprobate mind. The term "reap" indicates the fulness and certainty of the affliction. Two points of doctrine taught — 1. The greatness of God's patience. 2. The certainty of His justice. (S. Hieron.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. WEB: He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.